Are you passionate about biopharmaceuticals and ready to shape the next generation of biologics? Chengene Private Limited (Chennai) seeks a skilled Cell Line Development / Upstream / Downstream Scientist to lead development of recombinant protein workflows. This on-site, full-time role offers hands-on exposure across cell line development, process scale-up, and purification for biologics / biosimilars—perfect for scientists experienced in CHO/HEK systems and protein production.
This opportunity offers strong visibility, cross-functional exposure, and the potential for impact at scale. Below is a fully detailed job overview to help you decide whether to apply.
🧪 Key Responsibilities
A. Cell Line Development (CLD)
- Design, execute, and optimize stable mammalian (CHO / HEK293) cell lines expressing recombinant proteins (e.g. hormones, monoclonals, enzymes)
- Perform transfection, clone screening & selection (limiting dilution, clone picking, HTS)
- Conduct productivity measurements (ELISA, SDS-PAGE, Western blot, HPLC)
- Carry out stability studies, follow clone lineage, maintain records of vector constructs and host cells
- Support Master & Working Cell Bank (MCB/WCB) documentation and regulatory compliance
B. Upstream Process Development (USP)
- Optimize cell culture media, feeds, and key process parameters (DO, pH, temperature, agitation)
- Scale from shake flasks to bench bioreactors to pilot scale
- Use Design of Experiments (DoE) approaches for process optimization
- Collaborate with analytical / QA teams for titer, quality, and impurity profiling
C. Downstream Process Development (DSP)
- Develop purification strategies using chromatography (Protein A, IEX, HIC, SEC) and filtration (UF/DF, TFF)
- Optimize yield, recovery, and process robustness while maintaining product quality
- Characterize impurities (host cell proteins, DNA, aggregates, endotoxin)
- Demonstrate scale-up feasibility and process robustness for technology transfer
D. Cross-functional Integration & Documentation
- Collaborate with Analytical, QA, Manufacturing, and Regulatory teams for end-to-end process integration
- Maintain detailed lab notebooks, batch records, SOPs, and technical reports
- Present results in technical reviews, project meetings, and stakeholder forums
- Ensure compliance with biosafety, GMP / GLP, and regulatory standards (ICH, QbD, etc.)
🎓 Qualifications & Skills
Education:
- M.Sc., M.Tech, or Ph.D. in Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Bioprocess Engineering, or a related discipline
Experience:
- For PhD holders: ~ 3–6 years in biopharma R&D
- For M.Sc / M.Tech holders: ~ 5–8 years
- Hands-on experience with CHO / HEK cell lines, molecular cloning, transfection, and clone selection
- Deep understanding of upstream bioprocessing (fed-batch, perfusion)
- Solid experience in downstream purification (chromatography, filtration)
- Proficiency with analytical techniques (ELISA, SDS-PAGE, HPLC, Western blot)
- Familiarity with bioreactors (e.g., Applikon, Sartorius) & chromatography systems (ÄKTA, TFF units)
- Experience in applying DoE, QbD, process characterization
- Excellent documentation, troubleshooting, analytical thinking, and teamwork skills
Preferred / Bonus:
- Prior experience in tech transfer to GMP manufacturing
- Knowledge of regulatory guidelines such as ICH Q5D, Q6B
- Experience in biosimilars or recombinant protein projects
💼 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range (Estimated):
₹15,00,000 to ₹25,00,000 per annum (INR, negotiable based on experience)
Reasoning: In Chennai, a bioprocess scientist’s average salary is ~₹15.8 lakhs annually. ERI Economic Research Institute+1
Benefits / Perks (indicative):
- Performance bonus / incentives
- Health insurance / medical benefits
- Provident Fund / Gratuity
- Learning & development support, conference / training allowance
- Collaborative R&D environment with exposure to full biologics value chain
- Opportunity for career growth into senior scientist / team lead roles
