Wacker Jobs

This is Us:

You know us. You just didn’t know it. WACKER is a global chemical manufacturer that prides itself on “Creating Tomorrow’s Solutions”. WACKER materials are so versatile and adaptable, they have virtually unlimited applications just about anywhere imaginable, making WACKER an integral part of daily life. Whether it’s protecting buildings from the elements, a tube of toothpaste, a cell phone, airbags, or cosmetics, people from all over the world come into contact each day with our products and achievements. We are looking for capable, innovative, and enthusiastic achievers to join our team and grow with us. We are currently seeking Scientist II for our BioProcess Development department at our site in San Diego, CA.

What you will do:

Scientist II, BioProcess Development is responsible for executing, analyzing, and documenting laboratory and pilot-scale process development studies supporting plasmid DNA, RNA, and protein biologics manufacturing processes.  Scientist II independently performs routine and non-routine experimental work, evaluates data, troubleshoots technical issues, and contributes to process optimization and technology transfer activities.

Working with limited supervision, Scientist II applies established scientific principles and process development methodologies to deliver project objectives while collaborating with Senior Scientists, MSAT, Manufacturing, Quality Control, Quality Assurance, Engineering, and external clients as required. The position supports process development, characterization, scale-up, technical transfers, strategic projects, and continuous improvement initiatives.

This role represents a developing technical contributor within the BioProcess Development organization and serves as a key bridge between laboratory development activities and GMP manufacturing operations. Scientist II manages assigned studies and workstreams but relies on management and Senior Scientist guidance for project direction, prioritization, and complex technical decisions. 

• Design, execute, and document bench-scale and pilot-scale process development studies for plasmid DNA, RNA, and/or protein biologics manufacturing processes
• Analyze experimental results, perform data interpretation, identify trends, and recommend process improvements
• Troubleshoot routine process challenges and support investigations through scientifically sound experimentation
• Support process characterization, scale-up, and technology transfer activities into manufacturing operations
• Prepare technical reports, study summaries, protocols, presentations, and laboratory documentation
• Operate and maintain general lab equipment and laboratory housekeeping
• Collaborate with Manufacturing, QC, QA, Engineering, and customers to support project objectives

What we need from you:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology, Chemistry, or related scientific discipline.
• Bachelor’s: Minimum 4 years of relevant experience Master’s: Minimum 2 years of relevant experience
• Experience in Plasmid, RNA, LNP, and Protein development and/or manufacturing is required.
• Experience in and good technical knowledge of biotherapeutic process development and manufacturing is required. 
• In-depth knowledge of upstream and downstream process development principles supporting plasmid DNA, RNA, lipid nanoparticle (LNP), and recombinant protein manufacturing processes from laboratory development through technology transfer.
• Knowledge of upstream microbial fermentation and downstream purification process development, scale-up, technology transfer, and GMP manufacturing support.
• Experience with bioprocess unit operations including fermentation/cell culture, lysis, chromatography, depth filtration, dead-end filtration, enzymatic reactions, and UF/DF/TFF.
• Understanding of process characterization, critical process parameters (CPPs), critical quality attributes (CQAs), data analysis, and technical reporting.
• Plasmid DNA
• Knowledge of bacterial fermentation, plasmid recovery, alkaline lysis, clarification, chromatography, and TFF/UFDF purification.
• Understanding of plasmid quality attributes including supercoiled content, endotoxin, residual host-cell DNA, HCP, and residual RNA.
• RNA & LNP
• Knowledge of RNA manufacturing processes including plasmid linearization, IVT, purification, concentration, and formulation.
• Experience with RNA purification technologies and understanding of RNA quality attributes including integrity, purity, capping efficiency, dsRNA, and residual DNA template.
• Knowledge of LNP formulation and characterization, including microfluidic mixing, encapsulation efficiency, particle size, and stability.
• Proteins
• Knowledge of microbial expression systems for recombinant protein production.
• Experience with protein purification operations including affinity, ion exchange, and polishing chromatography.
• Understanding of protein quality attributes including purity, aggregation, host cell protein clearance, residual DNA, and stability.
• Ability to independently plan and execute laboratory experiments using established procedures.  Ability to analyze, interpret, and summarize technical data.
• Understanding of experimental design and scientific troubleshooting approaches.
• Familiarity with cGMP principles and quality systems within biotechnology or pharmaceutical environments.
• Willingness and ability to perform work within GMP manufacturing cleanrooms, as required, including gowning and execution of manufacturing support activities. Experience working in classified manufacturing environments and adherence to GMP documentation, contamination control, and safety requirements is preferred.
• Ability to prepare technical reports and present findings to internal teams.
• Demonstrated ability to operate effectively in a client‑facing CDMO environment, balancing scientific rigor, timelines, and customer expectations.  Ability to clearly communicate complex technical concepts to diverse audiences, including non‑technical stakeholders and clients.
• Demonstrated organizational and project planning skills.  Ability to collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary teams and interface with internal stakeholders and external customers when necessary.
• Multitasking, thrive in a high pace environment, enjoy facing challenges
• Thrive in an international and matrixed organization
• Excellent problem-solving and project management skills.
• Experience with change management and driving the adoption of new processes.
• Ability to engage in multiple projects and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment.
• Experience with process automation and digital transformation initiatives.
• Working knowledge of data visualization and reporting tools (e.g. Tableau, Power BI, mindmap).
• Knowledge of emerging technologies and their impact on business processes.

• Compensation and Incentive plans
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance effective day 1
• Paid Time Off in addition to personal days and holidays
• Paid parental leave
• Wellbeing fund
• Flexible hybrid work arrangements
• 401(k) with company match
• Education Assistance Program
• Career development and advancement opportunities
• Support for Community Involvement