Product Development Scientist, Stem Cell

The Product Development Scientist, Stem Cell, will contribute to the development of cell culture media and related technologies, primarily for stem cell and ATMP applications.

The role requires a versatile and hands-on scientist with experience in an industrial R&D environment, able to manage several projects in parallel, develop and implement experimental approaches, and analyze complex biological data.

The position combines cell biology, assay development, molecular and analytical methods, and data analysis/bioinformatics. The Product Development Scientist, Stem Cell, will contribute to establishing laboratory processes and workflows, including functional quality control of existing cell culture media products, SOPs and experimental documentation, and communication of results to internal stakeholders.

Development Projects

• Contribute to cell culture media development projects from proof-of-concept through development and transfer to Operations.
• Plan and perform laboratory studies across different cell biology projects and applications.
• Develop, optimize and implement cell-based and analytical assays supporting product development and characterization.
• Ensure high-quality experimental design, data integrity, scientific rigor and appropriate documentation.
• Independently plans, prioritizes, executes complex experimental workflows with high quality design and reproducibility.
• Maintain project documentation and reporting, including project lifecycle (PLC) updates, preparation of project review presentations, and communication of progress, results and next steps.

Laboratory & Functional QC

• Manage laboratory supplies, reagents and equipment, ensuring appropriate inventory control, maintenance and traceability.
• Perform functional QC testing of existing cell culture media products and support the implementation and continuous improvement of testing workflows.
• Establish and maintain laboratory methods, processes and SOPs.
• Contribute to the setup and day-to-day operation of the laboratory.

Data Analysis & Scientific Communication

• Analyze and interpret experimental data using appropriate statistical and bioinformatics approaches.
• Summarize and communicate results, conclusions and recommendations to internal stakeholders.
• Prepare technical reports, protocols and scientific documentation.
• Present scientific work at internal meetings, external scientific conferences and other relevant scientific forums.

Cross-Functional & External Collaboration

• Work closely with Development, Marketing, Quality and other internal teams.
• Contributes to technology transfer of new products.

·       Support regulatory and IP-related deliverables.

• Contribute to collaborations with academic and external scientific partners.
• Support technology scouting and the evaluation of new methods and approaches relevant to Development activities.

The position is based in our Development Laboratory at Genopole in Évry, France, and involves occasional travel to Takara locations and scientific conferences.

Qualification

Mandatory

• MSc or equivalent degree in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology or a related life science discipline.
• PhD in a relevant field, such as translational research, immunology or cell biology, or equivalent (3-5 years) relevant research experience in academic or industry environment.
• Minimum 2 years of wet lab experience (research, process development) in a biotechnology, pharmaceutical or other relevant life science industry environment.

Desirable

• Strong background and hands-on experience in mammalian cell culture, preferably in stem cell biology and/or immunology.
• Experience combining experimental biology with bioinformatics or quantitative data analysis.

Experience

Mandatory

• Demonstrated experience in planning and executing R&D projects, with the ability to manage multiple activities in parallel.
• Strong hands-on laboratory experience, including development and optimization of cell-based, molecular or biochemical assays.
• Experience in experimental design, troubleshooting, data analysis and interpretation.
• Experience working in cross-functional teams and communicating scientific results to different stakeholders.
• Experience with relevant analytical technologies such as flow cytometry, immunoassays, molecular biology, NGS or other omics-based approaches.

Desirable

• Experience in cell culture media development, optimization or functional testing.
• Experience with bioinformatics and/or analysis of complex biological datasets.
• Experience working in a regulated or quality-driven environment.
• Experience establishing new laboratory capabilities, workflows or technologies.

Competences, skills and abilities

Mandatory

• Strong scientific foundation in cell and molecular biology.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to interpret experimental data and translate results into clear conclusions.
• Microsoft Office skills, Flowjo, R Studio, ImageJ and Python.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple activities and adapt to changing project priorities.
• Strong planning and organizational skills, with a rigorous and structured approach to laboratory work and documentation.
• Hands-on, proactive and solution-oriented mindset.
• Ability to work effectively in a small team and interact with cross-functional and external stakeholders.
• Open and clear communicator, with strong scientific presentation and reporting skills.
• Resilience and ability to work effectively in a dynamic environment.
• Fluent English, oral and written.

Desirable

• Bioinformatics and/or NGS data analysis skills.
• Understanding of quality and regulatory considerations in life science product development.