New

Scientist II

Spectraforce Technologies

Sep 01, 2026
Position Title: Scientist II Work Location: North Chicago, IL 60064 Assignment Duration: 12 Months Work Arrangement: 100% Onsite Position Summary: The incumbent will help develop and optimize protocols for 3D bioreactor cell culture work using a human adherent primary cell line coupled with microcarriers as well as more traditional 2D cell culture. This role will focus on bioprocess optimization and secretome characterization. Background & Context: The Skincare Aesthetics Bioprocess Innovation Center (SABIC) is in North Chicago and is a joint effort between Skincare Aesthetics R&D and Bioprocess Engineering R&D towards bioprocess discovery related to cell-based technologies for topical skincare. Key Responsibilities: Conduct laboratory experimentation for cell culture and bioprocess development, optimization, and scale-up in a quest to innovate new cell-based active materials and processes. Stirred-tank bioreactor bioprocess development and optimization. Support scale-up from 100 mL to 15+L cultures. Evaluate and optimize feeding process, including continuous perfusion feed system. Daily checks and maintenance through bioprocess experiments (like glucose/lactate monitoring, viability and proliferation tracking etc.). Perform bioassays to characterize secretome products (like ELISA, flow cytometry, immunofluorescent imaging etc.). Assist with sample prep and working with collaborators for secretome characterization. Assist in analysis and interpretation of proteomic, lipidomic, and metabolomic data. Regular updates through oral presentations and written technical reports. Qualifications & Experience: Degree in Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, Biology, or other relevant scientific discipline with BS and typically 5+ years of experience, MS and typically 2+ years of experience, or PhD and typically 0+ years of experience in industry. Must have strong fundamentals in cell biology. Must have hands-on experience with cell culture. Desirable to have experience working with bioreactors, process optimization, and scale-up. Proven ability to adjust accordingly in response to shifting priorities. Proven ability to design and carry through multiple experiments in parallel.