Upstream Lead, Manufacturing

The Company

Scorpius BioManufacturing is a boutique biologics CDMO providing cGMP manufacturing, bioanalytical, and process development services for protein modalities. Our facility in San Antonio, Texas specializes in working with start-ups, emerging biotechs, and academic researchers.  Scorpius was founded by a serial biotech entrepreneur determined to make small-volume programs a big priority. Clients benefit from decades of expertise taking large molecule drugs to market and can rely on Scorpius to offer Quality, Speed, Flexibility, & Responsiveness.

Position Summary 

Reporting directly to the Downstream Supervisor, Manufacturing, the Upstream Lead will lead a team of employees directly or indirectly during production processes at Scorpius BioManufacturing.

An ideal candidate must have strict attention to detail, high-quality customer service skills, and the ability to work well and collaborate in cross-functional teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Upstream knowledge and experience with the following:
  • Bacterial fermentation single-use fermenters up to 1000L
  • Continuous flow centrifuges
  • Homogenization and depth filtration operations
  • Single-Use temperature controlled mixing systems.
  • Bulk fill and aseptic handling techniques
• Responsible for leading daily manufacturing activities, which will include training and supporting performance evaluations.
• Develop, write, and review Standard Operating Procedures, Compounding Records, and Batch Records.
• Ensure team execution of NetSuite functionality for batch material traceability.
• Responsible for review of executed production records for proper GDP and execution of production records.
• Support deviation and CAPA resolution with SME and quality teams.
• Provide input and support to MSAT/PD during development and scale up activities as necessary.
• Support equipment calibration and preventative maintenance as part of the equipment control program.
• Maintain company and client confidentiality.
• Communicate safety policies and goals and ensure team members adhere to facility safety policies.

Knowledge & Skills 

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; strong presentation skills as this role requires the ability to communicate and connect with all levels of the organization.
• Analytical ability, both interpersonal and issue-related; good judgment and ethics; professional presence and demeanor.
• Must possess good to excellent writing and PC skills with a knowledge base in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Project.
• Must maintain a working knowledge of commercial cGMP’s and phase-appropriate cGMP’s as they apply to various phases of clinical and commercial manufacturing.
• Must obtain a working knowledge of current global regulatory requirements and guidelines and perform within all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and policies.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills: ability to build strong relationships with cross-functional team members and lead through influence.
• Ability to take responsibility and “get the job done” in a high-energy, high-intensity, results-oriented environment.

Education & Experience

• Requires an Associate’s, BS or MS from an accredited college or university with major coursework in a Scientific or Engineering discipline.
• Experience working in a GMP manufacturing environment is essential.
• Manufacturing processes in microbial systems is highly desirable.
• Requires 5+ year (Associate’s), 3+ years (BS), 1+ years (MS) of biomanufacturing experience.
• Requires a strong background in cGMP principles and Quality Management Systems

Physical Requirements and Working Environment

• Flexibility is required for working hours. Some weekend work may be needed and earlier or later start/finish times may also be required.
• The essential functions of the job are usually performed in an environmentally controlled facility where the noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. This position may involve a combination of office and laboratory environments and automated equipment.
• While performing the job duties, the employee is regularly required to sit; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand and walk. The employee may sometimes be required to lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The employee must have manual dexterity and manual ability to effectively use computer terminals.