Senior Engineer, Upstream Process Development

at  Sutro Biopharma

SENIOR ENGINEER, UPSTREAM PROCESS DEVELOPMENT

Sutro Biopharma, Inc. is seeking a self-driven, passionate and experienced technical leader to join its Upstream Process Development group. This individual will be part of the Platform team that works cross-functionally, in a fast-paced environment to develop Sutro’s second generation novel cell-free protein synthesis process (XpressCF+®) to achieve pivotal cost of goods (COGs) reduction. The production process for Sutro’s cell-free extract (XtractCF®), including spray drying, and lysate recovery may also be investigated for improvements and robustness. Work may also include technology transfer to internal and/or external Manufacturing sites.

QUALIFICATIONS:

We are seeking a highly motivated team-player with excellent problem-solving skills and experience with bioprocesses, scale-up and technology transfer. A passionate researcher with a knack for technology innovation to improve performance and efficiency. Versatility is a must, as tasks will involve a range of reactors, scales and process modes. Good organizational skills and the ability to manage tasks within a timeline are essential.

The ideal candidate with the following experience is required:

• Ph.D. with 10+ years of industry experience or M.S./B.S. with 15 to 20 years of experience in Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, Biochemistry, or a related discipline
• Laboratory scale process equipment, especially bioreactors for microbial and/or mammalian culture
• Bioprocess development (cell-free, microbial, and/or mammalian cell-based)

Experience with the following is preferred:

• Scale-up and technology transfer to manufacturing sites
• Continuous or perfusion bioprocessing
• Cell-free protein synthesis
• Spray drying macromolecules (proteins, nucleic acids, and/or liposomes)
• Design of Experiments
• cGMP bioprocessing

The successful candidate will design and execute cell-free protein synthesis experiments to develop new processes that are translatable to the manufacturing scale. Responsibilities include the following:

• Operating bioreactor equipment over a large range of scales (250 mL – 200 L)
• Evaluate process capabilities to develop and implement process and yield improvement opportunities of XpressCF+®, without compromising product quality
• Use comprehensive understanding of chemical engineering principles for the scale up of unit operations from bench to commercial scale
• Technical review of data, prepare technical reports and presentations to communicate experimental outcomes to internal teams and senior management, and to author internal and external publications