Job Abstract

If you find science, speed, and helping address serious infectious diseases exhilarating, you have come to the right place.

Individually, we’re skilled, driven, and confident risk-takers. Collectively we're collaborative and accomplished. We're SuperNovas!  Together we use our unique experiences, cultures, and learnings to turn innovation into reality while maintaining the highest standards. We value balance, encourage growth, and recognize that you are our most important asset.  Build your future with us while bringing innovative vaccines to the world.  We have a place for you!

Novavax, Inc (Nasdaq:NVAX) is a biotechnology committed to helping address serious infectious diseases globally through the discovery, development and delivery of innovative vaccines to patients around the world. We have more than a decade of experience contending with some of the world’s most devastating diseases, and we are here to make a difference. Hard-won lessons and significant advances illustrate that our proven technology based on solid science tested by decades of research, has tremendous potential to make a substantial contribution to public health worldwide.

Summary of the Position:

We are seeking an Associate Scientist to join our Downstream Process Development group in Gaithersburg, MD. Qualified individuals will be responsible for hands-on execution of downstream chromatography and filtration processes in support of process development, scale-up, process characterization activities, and technical support of cGMP manufacturing for proteins, nanoparticles, and virus-like particle (VLP) based vaccines. The candidate will ensure scientifically sound experimental execution, analysis, and reporting. The candidate will be responsible for drafting technical development reports summarizing critical data. The candidate is expected to be highly self-motivated, well organized, and an innovative thinker focused on execution with a sense of urgency. This position will be located at our Gaithersburg, MD facility.

• Reproduce the downstream chromatography and filtration processes for generation of representative material in support of process development / characterization activities.

• Complete scale-up production runs and associated development reports to support technology transfer of process to manufacturing.

• Maintain and monitor equipment.  Propose modifications to processes or equipment to deliver improvements.

• Assist in implementation of new technologies to improve downstream purification production processes.

• Participate in the technology transfer of processes to the Manufacturing group and external partners and collaborators.  This may include training staff, providing recommendations for equipment to use for scale-up, and directing experiments to troubleshoot and/or support scale-up and cGMP operations.

• Generate, manage, evaluate, and maintain critical data and records of all process development operations in support of regulatory requirements.

• Author technical reports, data analysis summaries, and SOP’s as needed.  Present scientific findings at internal meetings.   

• Discuss data, draw preliminary conclusions, and design next experiments in conjunction with colleagues and managers.

• BS in Bio/Chem Engineering, Biology, Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Science, Biochemistry, biophysics, Molecular Biology, Life Sciences, vaccine development, or a related scientific discipline with 3 plus years of experience, MS degree with 1 plus years of experience in pharmaceutical or biotech companies, or PhD with relevant experience.

• Experience with small-scale insect and/or mammalian purification process development.

• Practical experience with small- to mid-scale chromatography systems and tangential flow and normal flow filtration for all typical unit operations used in biomanufacturing.

• Experience with centrifugation and other cell culture clarification technologies a plus.

• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.

• Excellent troubleshooting skills.

• Excellent record keeping abilities to adequately record, analyze, and document process development data.

• Self-motivated with a strong sense of ownership in areas of responsibility and willingness to accept temporary responsibilities outside of initial job description.

• Ability to work and collaborate in cross functional teams (research, development, and manufacturing) in a fast pace and dynamic team setting with a sense of urgency.

• High energy level and a positive outlook coupled with the requisite “can do” attitude and a willingness to do what it takes to achieve personal and organizational goals and overcome obstacles.

• Other duties as assigned.

Novavax offers a base salary, annual bonus, equity grants, professional career development/growth opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, Rx, STD, LTD, Life, Optional Life, 401(k) plan.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

Novavax is an equal employment opportunity employer. Employment and advancement opportunities are available to all individuals on an at-will basis, regardless of their race, color, national origin, religion, ancestry, citizenship status, military or veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, family responsibilities, pregnancy, disability, genetic information, protective hairstyle, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Except where prohibited by applicable state law, this position requires that you be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 unless you need a reasonable accommodation or qualify for an exemption.