Location: Boxmeer – The Netherlands
Work model: On-site
Employment type: Full-time
About the role
For a biotechnology and vaccine development environment in Boxmeer, we are looking for an Associate Scientist – Process.
In this role, you will contribute to a vaccine formulation team focused on the development and transfer of new vaccine formulations, including adjuvant formulations and stabilisers. The work focuses on product composition, where excipients are screened and evaluated to improve vaccine performance.
As Associate Scientist, you will be responsible for executing Design of Experiments studies on vaccine composition and machine settings to support efficient production of animal vaccines with inactivated viral and bacterial antigens.
Your primary activities involve lab-scale and pilot-scale preparation of different adjuvant formulations with various antigens, followed by physical and chemical characterisation. Many of these formulations are emulsions.
Key responsibilities
- Receive and discuss assignments with project leaders.
- Perform experiments based on general guidelines, instructions and existing processes or methods.
- Create test designs in consultation with project leaders.
- Arrange supporting work required for experimental execution.
- Carry out standard provisions, tests and experimental activities.
- Plan your own laboratory work according to project priorities and timelines.
- Identify deviations, investigate causes and propose improvements or changes to the experimental design.
- Record results in laboratory journals.
- Interpret experimental results and discuss findings with the project team.
- Write subject memos, subject reports, regulations and protocols of low complexity, when required.
- Perform activities under applicable GxP requirements.
- Support pilot batches, consistency batch productions, small-scale batches for animal studies and seed productions.
- Propose the introduction of new methods and techniques.
- Contribute to the transfer of production processes and quality control tests to Production and QC departments.
- Prepare adjuvant formulations and vaccines containing inactivated viral and bacterial antigens.
- Perform physical and chemical characterisation using light scattering techniques and differential scanning calorimetry.
Requirements
You are an accurate and motivated scientist with a practical laboratory mindset. You are able to work according to general guidelines and instructions, while also thinking critically about experimental design, deviations and possible improvements.
You communicate clearly with project leaders and project teams, document your work carefully and contribute proactively to vaccine formulation, process development and continuous improvement.
Your background
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Food Sciences, Life Sciences or a related field.
- Knowledge of material properties is required.
- Basic understanding of cell biology, bacteriology and/or virology is preferred.
- Knowledge of laboratory setup, laboratory operations and applicable laboratory requirements.
- Knowledge of and experience with GxP guidelines.
- Knowledge of and experience with MPS methods.
- Experience with formulation development, vaccine development or process development is a plus.
- Experience with light scattering techniques or differential scanning calorimetry is a plus.
- Strong documentation skills and attention to detail.
- Good Dutch and/or English communication skills, both written and spoken.
- Available 5 days per week.
What you can expect
You will work in an international, quality-driven biotechnology environment where formulation science, process development and vaccine production support come together.
The role offers practical laboratory work, scientific depth and the opportunity to contribute to the development and transfer of vaccine formulations. You can expect varied work, room for your own input, specialist training, development opportunities and good employment conditions.