Entry Level Scientist- Viral Clearance
The Entry Level Scientist in Viral Clearance at Confidential Client is responsible for performing virus plaque assays, cell culture manipulations, and client purification process testing to ensure pharmaceutical products meet viral safety standards. The role involves working with advanced laboratory instrumentation and techniques to assess viral removal or inactivation in bio/pharmaceutical manufacturing processes, adhering to regulatory guidelines and quality standards. This position offers hands-on experience in virology and protein purification within a leading global life sciences company, requiring strong organizational skills and scientific logic in a full-time, on-site setting.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Scientific & QA.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
About the role
Confidential Client is seeking an Entry-Level Scientist — Viral Clearance to join their Viral Clearance Services team in Bausman, PA. This is a laboratory position focused on evaluating and documenting the ability of biopharmaceutical purification processes to remove or inactivate viral contaminants in accordance with industry guidance (e.g., ICH Q5A). The role is full-time, first shift (M–F, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM) and located on-site; candidates should live within commutable distance to Bausman, PA.
What You’ll Do
- Perform cell culture manipulations, virus sample dilutions, and plaque assays (PFU) under appropriate biosafety procedures.
- Prepare and propagate virus stocks and maintain inventory/titers with attention to contamination control.
- Assist with spiking client intermediates and executing client purification steps when requested.
- Operate and support laboratory equipment including AKTA chromatography systems, biological safety cabinets, microscopes, centrifuges, water baths, electronic pipettors, pH meters, shakers, and balances.
- Record, review and report experimental data that meet GMP/GLP quality standards; ensure accuracy, clarity, and traceability of results.
- Complete assigned training promptly and work with an experienced mentor/analyst until independently competent on tasks.
- Follow established safety protocols, SOPs and participate in continuous improvement initiatives.
- Support client-facing work with professionalism and responsive communication when interacting with client teams.
Qualifications
Minimum requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, or related life-science field.
- No prior industry laboratory experience required — this is an entry-level role with on-the-job training.
- Authorization to work in the U.S. indefinitely without sponsorship.
- Good manual dexterity and attention to detail.
- Strong work habits: organized, safety-conscious, reliable, and able to multitask.
- Basic understanding of laboratory instrumentation and scientific logic.
- Positive, solution-oriented attitude and ability to work with moderate supervision after training.
Preferred skills and experience (not required):
- Hands-on exposure to cell culture, virology, plaque assays (PFU), TCID50 or virus production.
- Familiarity with AKTA systems and protein purification workflows (AEX/CEX, viral filtration, inactivation).
- Experience with GMP/GLP documentation and quality-focused laboratory practices.
- Effective verbal and written communication and the ability to work well in cross-functional teams.
Logistics & Benefits
- Employment type: Full-time, First Shift (M–F, 8am–5pm). This position is on-site and NOT remote.
- Location: Bausman, PA — candidates should be within commutable distance; no relocation assistance is provided.
- Travel: Up to 25% travel may be required.
- Compensation: Estimated annual pay displayed on the original posting. (Recruiters will confirm salary details during the hiring process.)
- Benefits: Comprehensive medical, dental, vision options; life and disability insurance; 401(k) with match; paid vacation and holidays.
- Confidential Client is committed to inclusive hiring and provides reasonable accommodations in the application process.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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