Director, Bioprocess Development (Biologics Research)
Insmed Incorporated
Summary
We're looking for a Director, Bioprocess Development on the Biologics Research team to help us expand what's possible for patients with serious diseases. Reporting to the Senior Director, Biologics Research, you'll lead the design, buildout, and execution of upstream and downstream capabilities within our Biologics Research organization.
Job description
Team Leadership & Organizational Build
- Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing research bioprocess development team
- Establish a collaborative, accountable, and scientifically rigorous team culture
- Set priorities and allocate resources across multiple concurrent programs
Laboratory & Capability Development
- Design and oversee the buildout of new state-of-the-art research bioprocess development laboratories
- Define equipment strategy and select platforms for upstream processing (USP): microbial and mammalian expression systems, as well as downstream processing (DSP): purification workflows including chromatography and filtration
- Implement scalable, fit-for-purpose technologies aligned with early-stage and preclinical needs
Technical Leadership (Upstream & Downstream)
- Provide subject matter expertise in recombinant protein expression in bacterial and mammalian systems, cell culture process development, media optimization, scale-up strategies, and protein purification processes including flocculation, tangential flow and depth filtration, buffer exchange, and affinity, ion exchange, and mixed mode chromatography
- Drive development of robust, reproducible processes suitable for preclinical material generation
- Establish platform approaches and best practices for rapid program advancement
Hands-On Execution
- Contribute directly to experimental design, experimentation, troubleshooting, and data interpretation
- Lead or support critical experiments, especially during early lab setup and high-priority programs
- Develop and review protocols, reports, and technical documentation
Program Support & Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Partner closely with Discovery, Analytical, Technical Operations, and Preclinical Development teams
- Support multiple biologics programs across modalities (e.g., enzymes, antibodies, fusion proteins)
- Ensure alignment of bioprocess strategies with program timelines and CMC expectations
- Provide input into candidate selection based on developability and manufacturability
CMC & Preclinical Development Interface
- Establish processes and documentation to support transition into formal CMC development
- Collaborate with external partners or internal CMC teams for tech transfer and scale-up
- Ensure early processes are designed with downstream manufacturability in mind
Requirements
- PhD in chemical engineering, biochemical engineering, biology, or related field with 5+ years of industry experience, or M.S. with 8+ years of industry experience
- Demonstrated experience in biologics process development within biotech or pharmaceutical settings
- Deep experience in both upstream and downstream bioprocess development
- Expertise in early- to late-stage preclinical CMC for biotherapeutic development candidates
- Hands-on experience with microbial expression systems (specific expertise with E. coli)
- Hands-on experience with mammalian expression systems
- Optimization of bioreactor operations (bench-scale; scale-up knowledge preferred)
- Optimization of protein purification and characterization workflows (with knowledge of scalable processes)
- Construction and optimization of commercial expression strains (both microbial and mammalian)
- Successful track record of tech transfer to technical operations groups and/or CDMOs
- A builder's mindset with the ability to create structure while maintaining agility and willingness to be hands-on while operating at a strategic level
- Passion for developing people and advancing innovative biologics programs
- Proven track record of building and leading teams and/or functional groups
- Strong leadership and mentoring skills
- Experience managing multiple programs in a fast-paced, research-driven environment
- Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration abilities
Benefits
- Medical, Dental & Vision
- Mental Health Support
- Wellbeing Reimbursement
- Employee Assistance Program
- Paid Time Off
- Fertility & Family Benefits
- Caregiver Support
- Flexible Work Schedules
- 401(k) Matching
- Annual Equity Awards
- Employee Stock Purchase Plan
- Life & Disability Insurance
- LinkedIn Learning Access
- Mentorship Programs
- Employee Resource Groups
Company overview
Insmed Incorporated is a people-first global biopharmaceutical company dedicated to transforming the lives of patients with serious and rare diseases. Headquartered in Bridgewater, New Jersey, with offices and research locations throughout the United States, Europe, and Japan, the company focuses on delivering first- and best-in-class therapies for underserved patient communities. Insmed's portfolio includes two approved therapies for chronic lung diseases: ARIKAYCE for Mycobacterium avium complex lung disease and BRINSUPRI for non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis. The company is advancing a diverse pipeline of mid- to late-stage investigational medicines and cutting-edge drug discovery programs spanning gene therapy, AI-driven protein engineering, RNA end-joining, and synthetic rescue technologies. Recognized as the No. 1 Science Top Employer for five consecutive years, Insmed employs 1,001-5,000 professionals globally and maintains a strong commitment to innovation, patient-centricity, and corporate responsibility.