Biologist II

Recruiter Summary - Biologist II & Biologist III: Protein Purification / Process Characterization
The manager is hiring two levels of hands-on downstream biologics scientists . Both require strong chromatography experience and the ability to execute laboratory experiments independently with minimal onboarding. The technical work is essentially the same; education and career level are the main distinctions.
The call refers to the openings as Biologist II and Biologist III. Requisition numbers and bill rates were not stated in the supplied transcript. Detail Biologist II Biologist III Primary target MS-level scientist; BS with relevant industry process-development experience also acceptable PhD scientist Experience preference Recent MS graduates and early-career candidates considered; exact experience range still being clarified Fresh PhD or approximately 0-3 years of experience was the clearest stated preference Degree flexibility Manager explicitly accepted BS candidates with relevant industry experience Manager specifically wants a PhD Highly experienced candidates Lower priority when equally capable candidates fit the intended level PhD candidates with 5-10+ years are less aligned with the intended level Future talent consideration Potential pipeline for future permanent openings Potential pipeline for a future Senior Scientist I opening, if headcount becomes available Important education clarification: The coordinator instructed suppliers to disregard the initial chat note requiring an MS with 3+ years or a PhD with five years and follow the manager's guidance. Later discussion remained inconsistent on exact experience ranges, and the manager/coordinator agreed to verify them. Do not use those original minimums to screen out otherwise qualified early-career candidates. PhD eligibility for the Biologist II opening also remained unresolved.
Shared technical priorities

1. Hands-on chromatography - highest priority
   • Practical protein purification experience, including experimental planning, execution, and troubleshooting.
   • Relevant methods include Protein A/affinity, ion exchange, HIC, mixed-mode, and size exclusion .
   • The manager prefers breadth but did not require every method or identify one chromatography mode as mandatory.
   • Strong experience with one or more methods can transfer to others.
2. Filtration experience
   • UF/DF and TFF are the most valuable filtration skills.
   • Depth and sterile filtration are useful but viewed as easier to learn.
   • Although filtration is important, the manager explicitly said it can be taught when the candidate has strong chromatography fundamentals.
3. Supporting analytical methods
   • HPLC and SDS-PAGE were specifically mentioned.
   • Candidates should be comfortable generating and interpreting analytical results that support purification studies.

Process characterization and clearance experience
The work includes executing process-characterization studies and evaluating impurity clearance. Impurities discussed included host-cell proteins, DNA, aggregates, and other contaminants .

• Prior process-characterization experience is helpful, but not a prerequisite . The manager recognizes that recent graduates may not have this industry-specific experience.
• Strong hands-on chromatography and filtration fundamentals can provide the foundation for training.
• Viral-clearance experience is a strong differentiator , particularly when combined with chromatography expertise; it was not established as a hard requirement.

Best backgrounds to target

• Downstream process development.
• Biologics purification development.
• Protein purification and chromatography research.
• Process characterization.
• MSAT candidates with substantial hands-on laboratory and characterization experience.
• Academic MS/PhD researchers with directly relevant purification experiments and strong laboratory independence.

Preferred degree disciplines include Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Biochemistry, Chemistry, or closely related fields .
Process-development experience is preferred, but the manager is open to other backgrounds when the actual laboratory work aligns. Prioritize concrete examples of purification execution over broad "biologics" or "process development" keywords.
Personal qualities the manager emphasized

• Accountability and reliability.
• Ability to work independently and become productive quickly.
• Clear communication.
• Adaptability and a constructive, can-do approach.
• Strong work ethic and collaborative behavior.

This is an execution-focused laboratory assignment. Candidates should be comfortable personally running experiments throughout the contract.
Assignment and interview details Item Call guidance Location Massachusetts; the city is unclear in the transcript and should be confirmed against the posting Work arrangement Hands-on laboratory work requiring onsite presence; exact schedule was not stated Initial duration Six months Extension Manager described an extension as very likely , but not guaranteed Permanent conversion Genuine potential if performance is strong and future headcount becomes available; not guaranteed Start target By the end of October Relocation Candidates willing to relocate at their own expense may be considered if they can meet the start target Interviews One virtual round , potentially a panel of approximately three team members, including the manager Submission timing Posting distribution planned for Monday, roughly 48 hours for submissions, and manager résumé review around Wednesday Recommended screening questions

1. "Which chromatography methods have you personally executed, and what proteins or biologics were you purifying?"
2. "Describe a purification experiment you planned, ran, and troubleshot independently."
3. "What hands-on UF/DF or TFF experience do you have?"
4. "Which analytical methods have you used to evaluate purity, recovery, or impurity clearance?"
5. "Have you supported process-characterization or viral-clearance studies? What was your individual contribution?"
6. "How quickly could you begin independent laboratory work, and which techniques would require training?"
7. "Are you comfortable with this level, a six-month initial contract, and the required onsite work?"
8. "Can you start by the end of October, including relocation if needed?"

Submission priority: For Biologist II , focus on strong MS-level bench scientists or BS candidates with relevant industry process-development experience. For Biologist III , prioritize recent PhDs with directly relevant purification research. For both, lead with chromatography depth, independent experimental execution, UF/DF/TFF exposure, and clear communication .

What are the top 3-5 skills, experience or education required for this position:
1. Develop purification processes utilizing clarification, chromatography, and membrane filtration technologies for recombinant proteins
2. Design and execute innovative process development and characterization activities, including impurity and viral clearance studies
3. Biologist II Master; Biologist III PhD
Job description: 100% Onsite
This position is in the Biologics Purification Development team of the Product Development Science & Technology department at *** Bioresearch Center. The candidate will be involved with all aspects of protein purification to support biopharmaceutical process development.
Masters Degree required - 3+ years of experience.
Key responsibilities:
• Develop purification processes utilizing clarification, chromatography, and membrane filtration technologies for recombinant proteins
• Design and execute innovative process development and characterization activities, including impurity and viral clearance studies
• Responsible for technology transfer to scale-up labs and manufacturing facilities, as well as troubleshooting and investigation activities
• Perform data acquisition, analysis, and documentation in electronic lab notebooks
• Possess strong oral, written, and collaborative skills to effectively communicate experimental procedures and results
• Provide technical support for pilot and/or GMP manufacturing of clinical materials as appropriate
• Execute evaluations of new technologies and innovations for purification processes

EEO:

"Mindlance is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of - Minority/Gender/Disability/Religion/LGBTQI/Age/Veterans."