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Octapharma is hiring an Associate Expert (m/f/d) in Upstream Processing for its R&D team in Heidelberg. This temporary role covers USP development from early to late clinical phases, with collaboration across GMP groups. Key tasks include process development and optimization on bioreactors (Sartorius, Finesse, Cytiva), tech transfer to GMP, lab organization, reporting and compliance documentation, and weekend duties as needed. The ideal candidate holds a biology or biotechnology degree, hands-on mammalian cell culture (HEK293F, CHO) and recombinant protein expression, plus USP DoE and MVDA experience and lab-scale bioreactor operation (0.2 to 5 L). To apply, tailor your CV to highlight DoE/MVDA and bioreactor work, emphasize independence and teamwork, strong communication, and a genuine motivation to solve scientific challenges, and note willingness for onsite work in an international environment.

Become part of a vital chain and contribute to our common goal of making people’s lives better. Octapharma is one of the largest human protein manufacturers in the world, developing and producing medicines sourced from human plasma and human cell lines. We are a privately-owned company, where the warmth of family meets the scale of a global organisation.

Octapharma Biopharmaceuticals GmbH with more than 200 employees is a subsidiary of the Octapharma group founded in 1997 and successfully expanding. Our core business is the development of recombinant proteins produced in human cell lines for therapeutic use in humans. We strive for effective treatments with an improved tolerability and convenience for our patients.

Join us in shaping our vision to provide new health solutions advancing human life. 

We are looking for an Associate Expert (m/f/d) in Upstream Processing (USP) for our R&D department at our Heidelberg site. This temporary position is available at the earliest date.
As a member of a highly motivated team of biotechnologists, you will support USP processes from early-stage development through late clinical phases. Interdisciplinary collaboration with other R&D and GMP groups is an integral part of our work culture.

Your main tasks and responsibilities 

• USP process development and optimization using various bioreactor systems (Sartorius, Finesse, Cytiva)
• Transfer of processes to the GMP environment
• Support of general laboratory organization
• Participation in weekend duties as required
• Regular reporting in the form of written reports and presentations
• Preparation of compliance documentation
  
  
  

Your expertise and ideal skill set

• Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Diploma degree in Biology, Biotechnology, or a related field
• Experience in mammalian cell culture (HEK293F & CHO) and recombinant protein expression
• Experience in USP process development (including DoE & MVDA)
• Expertise in operating and maintaining laboratory-scale bioreactor systems (0.2–5 L)
• Proactive with strong attention to detail and excellent organizational skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team
• Excellent communication skills
• You are creative and motivated to solve scientific challenges as part of a team. With your open and friendly personality, combined with strong technical expertise, you integrate well into existing teams and actively contribute to teamwork and a positive working atmosphere.

Thrive with us

• A temporary position in full-time (40 hrs./week) in a dynamically growing company
• A modern, "state of the art" working environment
• Flexible working hours
• Regular opportunities for further training
• 30 days vacation
• Own company restaurant with subsidies
• Free drinks such as coffee, tea and water
• Job ticket or parking space for bicycle or car
• An international team in an international corporate environment
• A collegial environment with many opportunities for activities
  
  
  

It´s in our blood

We live diversity and stand for equal opportunities as an employer! We therefore look forward to receiving your application - regardless of age, gender, origin, sexual orientation, and religion.  
We explicitly welcome applications from people with severe disabilities and those with equivalent status.

Do you have any questions? Then get in touch with your contact person. 

Mrs. Dorothee Schaupp

Octapharma Biopharmaceuticals GmbH

Im Neuenheimer Feld 590, 69120 Heidelberg

Tel: +49 (0)6221 – 1852 546

Want to find out more about us? 

 
Visit our website Octapharma Career and follow us daily on LinkedIn.