Associate Scientist – BTS (Process)

We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated Associate Scientist to join our team in Boxmeer. In this role, you will contribute to the Bio Technology Solutions (BTS) Vaccine formulation team, which is focused on developing and transferring new vaccine formulations such as adjuvant formulations and stabilizers.

Formulation Science is about product composition. In this case, excipients are screened to improve vaccine performance. As an Associate Process Scientist, you will be responsible for executing Design of Experiments on vaccine composition and machine settings for maximal efficiency in the production of animal vaccines with inactivated viral and bacterial antigens. The primary activities involve lab- and pilot-scale preparation of different adjuvant formulations with different antigens and the physical characterization of those, many of which are emulsions.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Receiving and discussing assignments from and with Project Leader(s).
• Performing experiments based on general guidelines and instructions, possibly with reference to existing processes and methods.
• Creating a test design in consultation with Project Leader(s) and arranging the supporting work as necessary.
• Being responsible for carrying out the standard provisions and tests, and planning the work for this.
• Indicating deviations, investigating the cause, and making proposals for improving or changing the experimental design.
• Recording the results in the laboratory journal, interpreting them, and discussing them with the project team.
• Writing Subject Memos, Subject Reports and Regulations / Protocols, if necessary in English, with low complexity.
• Performing operations under GxP, such as assistance with pilot- and consistency batch productions, small-scale batches for animal studies, and seed productions.
• Proposing the introduction of new methods and techniques.
• Being involved in the transfer of production processes and quality control tests to Production and QC departments.
• Preparing adjuvant formulations and vaccines containing inactivated viral and bacterial antigens.
• Conducting physical chemical characterization using light scattering techniques and differential scanning calorimetry.

Qualifications

• Master/Bachelor Science education in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or Food- or Life Sciences with knowledge of material properties is required.
• Basic understanding of cell biology, bacteriology and/or virology is preferred.
• Knowledge of the requirements and rules for setting up and functioning of a laboratory.
• Knowledge of and experience with GxP guidelines.
• Knowledge of and experience with MPS methods.
• Excellent Dutch and/or English communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Available for 5 days per week.

What working at PSS offers

Working at PSS means working with highly motivated people with a can-do mentality. You will work in an international environment, within an enthusiastic team and for an organization where there is sufficient room to develop further. Working together is extremely important to us, and having fun in what you do is part of that. Our monthly team lunches, team activities and the handout of awards to our colleagues are examples of this.

• A responsible and challenging position within the team.
• Plenty of room for your own ideas and input.
• Specialist training and a range of opportunities for personal and professional development.
• Online preventive mental health platform.
• Flexible working hours.
• Good salary and benefits.
• Plenty of opportunities for growth.
• Varied work with regular contact with other companies and scientists within the Eurofins group.
• A broad customer portfolio ensuring a lot of diversity in your work.