Scientist Upstream Process Development

Location:
Rinnböckstrasse 3, close to Vienna Biocenter, St. Marx, 1030 Vienna

Start date:
From onwards

Job Type:
Full-time (40 hours)

Company description:

VALANX Biotech is reimagining the future of protein-based therapeutics through next-generation bioconjugation. Our proprietary synthetic biology platform expands and optimizes design opportunities of biologics - unlocking a new era of safer, more effective, and customizable medicines. At VALANX, innovation meets precision. We're a team of scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs passionate about transforming how biologics are made and delivered.

Position Summary and Main Responsibilities

This role is ideal for a dynamic, hands-on scientist eager to drive the translation of research processes starting from stable cell line generation through to technology transfer for GMP-compliant manufacturing. The successful candidate will develop, optimize, and scale upstream processes for antibody and antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) production in a fast-paced, collaborative biotechnology environment.

This position offers an exceptional opportunity to apply and expand expertise in antibody production while contributing directly to the development of novel ADCs. The role combines practical laboratory work with strategic process development, data-driven optimization, and close cross-functional collaboration.

Specific duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Design and conduct hands-on experimental work in upstream process development (cell culture and stable cell line generation, antibody production) for antibody drug conjugate development.
• Develop and optimize process parameters to improve yield, quality, and consistency of antibodies with guidance.
• Troubleshoot upstream bioprocessing challenges, improving process robustness for tech transfer to CDMOs & GMP readiness.
• Contribute to the development of product characterization assays (e.g., cell-functional assays).
• Draft and review technical reports, regulatory support documents and CMC regulatory submissions.
• Maintain accurate and complete records, ensuring compliance with documentation management systems.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Dipl.-Ing./ PhD in Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology or related field.
• Deep knowledge and hands-on experience in mammalian cell culture and recombinant protein expression systems (CHO and/or HEK-293) under aseptic conditions.
• Experienced in transient expression, stable cell line generation and characterization, flow cytometry and cell sorting.
• Practical experience in recombinant DNA technology, RT-qPCR and cloning as well in establishing and/or performing ELISA-based assays and cell-functional assays.
• Ability to establish new methods and assays in a self-reliant manner.
• A passion to work hands-on in the lab.
• The ideal candidate will have previous experience in the small- to mid-sized biotech industry, specifically in upstream process development, with hands-on experience in stable cell line generation and antibody production.
• Adaptable and resilient in rapidly changing start-up settings, with a balance of teamwork and self-driven initiative.
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills (English).
• Good IT skills (MS Office, Electronic Lab Notebook).

We offer:

• Work on the cutting edge of Science in Synthetic Biology within Antibody-drug conjugate development.
• Strong team with dedicated and passionate scientists.
• Flexible working time.
• Compensation for Wiener Linien yearly ticket.
• An excellent and creative work environment where your ideas are welcomed.
• Opportunities for personal development.

Join our dynamic and innovative team, where you can contribute to ground-breaking discoveries and product development in protein conjugation. If you are passionate about proteins and their therapeutic application and eager to make a meaningful impact in the field, we would love to hear from you.

We are obligated by law to state a minimum salary of 3063,55 EUR gross monthly in agreement with the collective contracts but are offering overcompensation according to industry standards.

To apply, please use the application page on the website:

Note: We ask for your understanding that due to resource constraints, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. We do our best to contact everyone, due to the large number of applicants this is sometimes not possible.