Principal Scientist, Biologics Cell Line Development
Job description
About the role
Software engineers turn product ideas into working code. Engineers work in small teams, review each other's work, and ship in small batches. Most teams follow agile practices such as sprints and daily standups. Engineers also write tests, fix bugs, and improve performance. The field values clear communication as much as technical skill. Engineers spend part of every week on planning, code review, and debugging, not just writing new code. The ability to explain a technical decision in plain words separates strong engineers from the rest.
Key facts
What you'll do
The design of CHO cell line development workflows is handled through transfection, cloning, characterization, and cell banking supported by equipment to advance biologics manufacturing.
Improved genetic components and host cell line engineering are created to optimize cell line development processes and enhance expression systems for biologics production.
Requirements
The posting states a bachelor's degree requirement. A minimum of 8 years of experience in CHO-based cell line development expressing IgGs and bispecifics in an industrial cell line development environment is mandatory.
A Ph.D. in Biological Engineering, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, or a related field is required as a baseline for this role.
Creative problem solving is demonstrated through dissatisfaction with the status quo to drive disruptive technology development in biologics cell line engineering.
At least 1 year of experience managing direct reports and providing technical guidance within a biotechnology or cell line development context is required.
Familiarity with vector optimization to improve titer and product quality attributes for complex bispecific scaffolds is a plus to strengthen biologics capabilities.
CLD process optimization experience supports the advancement of manufacturable cell line development workflows.
Automated high-throughput screening development for CLD workflows enhances throughput and consistency in biologics engineering.
Prior experience working with a global customer base is not required but adds value to external representation and collaboration.
Practical notes
This role requires on-site presence in Boston, MA, and may include travel as needed for industry engagement and team collaboration.
Typical interview steps
Hiring for engineering roles usually starts with a recruiter screen, followed by one or two technical rounds. Candidates often solve a coding problem, discuss past projects, and answer system design questions. Some loops include a take-home task. Final rounds typically cover team fit and give candidates a chance to ask questions. Interviewers look for how you break down an unfamiliar problem, not just whether you reach the answer. Practicing a few problems aloud and reviewing your own past projects are the best preparation.
Good to know
Work in synthetic biology focuses on designing living systems for therapeutic applications.
Mammalian cell engineering and automated screening tools are commonly used in biologics cell line development.
Cross functional collaboration drives innovation in cell line development and process optimization.
Intellectual property and publication activities are integral to advancing biotechnology at a synthetic biology startup.
Questions to ask
Useful questions for the interview: what a typical week looks like, how work is assigned, what tools the team uses, and how feedback works. Asking how the role has changed recently and what the team wishes it had known when joining is also reasonable. Questions about the manager's priorities are especially valued.
Career growth
Engineering careers usually progress from individual contributor to senior, staff, and principal levels. Some engineers move into management and lead teams of five to twenty people. Others stay on the technical track. Growth follows demonstrated impact, not tenure alone. A typical engineering ladder has clear levels with defined expectations for scope, quality, and mentorship. Moving up usually requires owning outcomes end to end rather than completing assigned tickets.
About the company
Isaac Asimov was an American writer and professor of biochemistry at Boston University. During his lifetime, Asimov was considered one of the "Big Three" science fiction writers, along with Robert A. Heinlein and Arthur C.