Senior Scientist* Ecosystem Development

Become a member of the BioNTech Family!

As a part of our team of more than 5.000 pioneers, you will play a key role in developing solutions for some of the most crucial scientific challenges of our age. Within less than a year, we were able to develop our COVID-19 mRNA vaccine following the highest scientific and ethical standards – writing medical history.
 
We aim to reduce the suffering of people with life-changing therapies by harnessing the potential of the immune system to develop novel therapies against cancer and infectious diseases. While doing so, we are guided by our three company values: united, innovative, passionate. Get in touch with us if you are looking to be a part of creating hope for a healthy future in many people's lives.

Senior Scientist* Ecosystem Development 

BioNTech is establishing an mRNA research and manufacturing facility in Melbourne based on its modular mRNA manufacturing approach called BioNTainers that will support R&D and the evaluation of mRNA vaccine candidates in clinical trials in Australia, with the aim of strengthening Australia’s mRNA ecosystem.  In this exciting role, you will: 

Partner with external ecosystem partners to support the transition of projects into non-clinical development and potential clinical manufacturing with the aim of strengthening Australia’s mRNA ecosystem. 

Work within the Research Production Hub & Development team responsible for the design, manufacture, formulation, and analysis of mRNA for non-clinical studies intended to support the selection of lead vaccine candidates. 

Partner with CMC and Manufacturing organizations to support the transition of vaccines candidates into GMP manufacturing for clinical trial supply.   

Your main responsibilities are: 

• Work in close partnership and alignment with the team of Strategy and Corporate Development to meet the needs of ecosystem project partners. 
• Participating in local ecosystem R&D projects by providing technical know-how and expertise to support the transition of academic research into the manufacture of mRNA vaccines for non-clinical studies and potential clinical studies. 
• Coordination of project activities to support the design, optimization, production, formulation, and manufacture of mRNA vaccines candidates in order support lead candidate selection. 
• Planning, execution and analysis of R&D production runs in partnership with the staff of the Research Production Hub including evaluation of process steps and parameters to achieve required quality attributes of mRNA and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams to evaluate formulations. 
• Partner with CMC team members, manufacturing, and QC organizations to support the transition of vaccines candidates into GMP manufacturing for clinical trial production.  
• Technical writing including the preparation of project reports and contributions to regulatory documents. 
• Research relevant scientific literature and follow developments in the field of mRNA vaccine design, manufacture, formulation, and characterization.   
• Mentor and develop junior staff on experimental design, troubleshooting and data interpretation as needed and serve as a mentor and advisor for both performance feedback and technical guidance.

 
What you have to offer: 

• PhD in a Biological Sciences, Biochemistry, Biochemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Development or related field, or master's degree plus additional years of professional experience. 
• 5+ years of industry experience in drug discovery and development.  
• Prior experience in the manufacture and characterization of nucleic acid-based vaccines and their formulation with experience in mRNA manufacturing, formulation, or characterization desirable. 
• Demonstrated project lead experience in an academic or industrial research setting. 
• Demonstrated ability to independently design and solve scientific problems using multiple, state-of-the-art technologies, experimental methods, and approaches is required.
• Strong technical and people leadership skills including ability to be agile and effectively collaborate in a dynamic, cross-functional environment with internal and external stakeholders. 
• Ability to communicate effectively up and down, at all levels of the organization, present complex and/or new ideas with clarity and simplicity. 
• Ability to work in an international team understanding cross-cultural perspectives for technical transfer of processes from Germany. 
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to manage shifting priorities, demands and timelines.  Ability to identify problems, define problem statements clearly and drive resolution through sound and systematic application of technical knowledge. Innovative and effective in solution development, risk management, and execution.  
• Brings a positive, can-do attitude with the ability to succeed in a fast-paced work environment. 
• Demonstrates sound judgment in collecting and synthesizing relevant data and information; communicates, influences, and escalates issues and decisions as needed. 
• Takes accountability for actions, drives results, learns from mistakes. Is direct and truthful and therefore widely trusted – delivers on promises, goals, and expectations. Makes quality decisions and resolves problems rapidly. Asks "what can I do to help?"

Benefits for you:

We offer a competitive compensation package which will be determined by the contract type and selected candidate’s qualifications and experience.

How to apply: 

Apply now and simply send us your application documents including Curriculum Vitae, copy of ID, copies of degree certificates and professional certificates, motivation letter as well as your contact details by using our online form.

Please note: 

• Only applications sent via our online form shall be considered.
• Only Candidates with the right qualifications and relevant experience shall be shortlisted and
• Incomplete applications shall be rejected.
• Please note that BioNTech will run a background check during the hiring process

We are looking forward receiving your application.

*BioNTech does not tolerate discrimination, favoritism, or harassment based on gender, political opinion, religion or belief, nationality, ethnic or social origin, age, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, physical appearance, health status or any other aspect of personal status. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Most important – it’s a match!

BioNTech - As unique as you

www.biontech.com