R&D Researcher CDMO Process Development

HIPRA is a pharmaceutical and biotechnological company focused on prevention and diagnosis for animal and human health, with a broad range of highly innovative vaccines and an advanced diagnostic service. 

HIPRA has a solid international presence in more than 40 countries, with its own subsidiaries, 11 diagnostic centres and 6 production plants strategically located in Europe (Spain) and America (Brazil).

Research and Development constitute the core of its knowledge. HIPRA dedicates 15% of its annual turnover to R&D activities that concentrate on the creation and application of the latest scientific advances to the development of the highest quality innovative vaccines. To give added value to its vaccination experience, the company also develops medical devices and traceability services.

At HIPRA Biotech Services, we are seeking an R&D Researcher CDMO - Process Development - to contribute to the launch and consolidation of our newly created R&D CDMO unit, a dedicated team established to provide Cell Line Development, Process Development, and Analytical Development services to external clients.

This position is based in Aiguaiviva (Girona)

In this role, you will accompany clients throughout the entire development lifecycle, from early discovery and process setup through process development, process optimization, transfer to real industrial scale, process characterization, and support for clinical and commercial manufacturing stages. This position provides broad exposure to how biologics are developed, transferred, and manufactured within a CDMO environment.

You will be part of a multidisciplinary R&D team responsible for the technical coordination of client projects, working closely with internal specialists in Cell Line Development, Process Development, and Analytical Methods. The role combines hands-on scientific work with strong coordination and communication responsibilities, offering a comprehensive and transversal view of biological development.

QUALIFICATIONS

Ph.D. in Biotechnology, Bioengineering, Pharmacy, or a related field with at least 1 year of industrial experience in biologics process development, or alternatively at least 3 years of equivalent experience without a Ph.D.

Practical experience in upstream and/or downstream process development for biologics in mammalian and/or microbial systems.

Solid understanding of process transfer and scale-down concepts.

Familiarity with GMP principles applied to biologics development and manufacturing.

Prior experience in a CDMO or regulated industrial environment is a plus.

Ability to be Proactive, well-organized, and solution-oriented individual

Strong communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with clients and multidisciplinary internal teams.

Experience in preparing technical documentation and participating in technical discussions.

Fluent in written and spoken English.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Execute and support process development activities (USP and/or DSP) within R&D for biologics projects.

Support and coordinate process transfer from clients, including review and organization of process descriptions, batch records, and development history.

Act as a technical interface between clients and internal R&D teams, ensuring clear understanding of process scope, assumptions, risks, and open points.

Support scale-down execution and verification of transferred processes at laboratory and pilot scale.

Contribute to process optimization and troubleshooting during development, technical, engineering, and GMP batches.

Provide technical support to Operations during GMP manufacturing at industrial scale, ensuring continuity between development data and manufacturing execution.

Participate in process characterization and validation-related activities, supporting readiness for clinical and commercial manufacturing.

Prepare, review, and maintain process-related documentation (process descriptions, transfer summaries, development and technical reports).

Collaborate closely with Analytical Development, Quality, Manufacturing, and other internal stakeholders to ensure coherent project execution.

Participate in technical meetings with clients, internal project meetings, audits, and on-site visits.

Contribute to the continuous improvement of process development and process transfer workflows within the CDMO organization.