Principal Scientist, Process Development
Memphis, TN, US, 38118 Memphis, TN, US, 38118
For 75 years, Charles River employees have worked together to assist in the discovery, development and safe manufacture of new drug therapies. When you join our family, you will have a significant impact on the health and well-being of people across the globe. Whether your background is in life sciences, finance, IT, sales or another area, your skills will play an important role in the work we perform. In return, we’ll help you build a career that you can feel passionate about.
Job Summary
The Principal Scientist Process Development is a leadership role focused on driving scientific innovation and strategy within Process Development. The Principal Scientist leads research projects, develops new scientific approaches, and mentors junior scientists. The Principal Scientist will work across various teams, build collaborations, and contribute to the company's scientific strategy and goals. The Principal Scientist will lead functional areas dedicated to technology development activities, as well as coordinate functional activities and manufacturing support for clinical/commercial bioprocesses. The position entails presenting at and leading internal departmental and cross-functional meetings and the expectation of reviewing and approving technical reports, and possibly also scientific publications, patent applications, and regulatory submissions. The Principal Scientist must possess strong technical expertise and significant technical and hands on experience and have skills and experience leading scientific groups that can analyze data, interpret results, and contribute to important decisions based on data. The position entails the ability to manage direct reports and experience leading and mentoring teams in a senior management role while also being able to lead collectively in a larger team and organizational environment. The position will participate in client-facing discussions and key business decisions.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Design and execute experiments to support process development, including cell therapy process optimization, technology development, and process modelling.
• Lead and manage scientific projects or workstreams: This can include designing experiments, overseeing the development and execution of studies, and analyzing and interpreting data.
• Contribute to strategy and decision-making: Provide expert input to shape research direction, influence cross-functional teams, and contribute to regulatory submissions and internal reports.
• Collaborate and communicate: Work closely with internal and external stakeholders, including other scientists, project teams, and regulatory bodies, to achieve project goals, share knowledge, and represent Charles River Laboratories in the scientific community.
• Mentor and develop others: Coach and manage junior scientists, fostering a collaborative and high-performing team environment.
• Provide scientific leadership and direction for research programs, often focusing on a specific therapeutic area or technology.
• Lead or contribute to research projects, from early discovery to late-stage development, often involving the application of cutting-edge technologies in cell therapy.
• Work effectively with multidisciplinary teams, including researchers, clinicians, and commercial teams.
• Represent the company in scientific forums, build external collaborations, and stay abreast of scientific advancements.
Job Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree with 19+ years of experience, Master’s degree with 14+ years of experience, or PhD with 8+ years of experience.
• Experience leading groups or departments in biopharmaceutical, bioprocessing, analytical, and/or drug product or process development.
• Experience with relevant small to large scale bioprocessing equipment.
• Experience with relevant processes as they pertain to cell therapy.
• Experience working in CDMO or CRO industry.
• Experience in a client-facing role.
The pay range for this position is $152,493 - $170,000. Please note that salaries vary within the range based on factors including, but not limited to, experience, skills, education, certifications, and location.
About Charles River’s CDMO Services
With over 20 years of experience and industry-leading expertise, Charles River’s cell and gene therapy Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) group supports biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies in advancing their complex programs from early development through commercialization. Our integrated, phase-appropriate CDMO capabilities—including plasmid DNA, viral vector, and cell therapy manufacturing—enable seamless development and faster timelines. With centers of excellence in the US and UK, we offer GMP-compliant and research-grade solutions, along with comprehensive analytical services and regulatory support. Whether clients need end-to-end development, standalone services, or insourced support, our CDMO team provides custom solutions to meet evolving program needs. From process development in Hanover to viral vector manufacturing in Rockville, large-scale cell therapy production in Memphis, and plasmid DNA services in Keele, we simplify the supply chain and accelerate cell and gene therapy breakthroughs.
About Charles River
Charles River is an early-stage contract research organization (CRO). We have built upon our foundation of laboratory animal medicine and science to develop a diverse portfolio of discovery and safety assessment services, both Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and non-GLP, to support clients from target identification through preclinical development. Charles River also provides a suite of products and services to support our clients’ clinical laboratory testing needs and manufacturing activities. Utilizing this broad portfolio of products and services enables our clients to create a more flexible drug development model, which reduces their costs, enhances their productivity and effectiveness to increase speed to market.
With over 20,000 employees within 110 facilities in over 20 countries around the globe, we are strategically positioned to coordinate worldwide resources and apply multidisciplinary perspectives in resolving our client’s unique challenges. Our client base includes global pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology companies, government agencies and hospitals and academic institutions around the world.
At Charles River, we are passionate about our role in improving the quality of people’s lives. Our mission, our excellent science and our strong sense of purpose guide us in all that we do, and we approach each day with the knowledge that our work helps to improve the health and well-being of many across the globe. We have proudly worked on 80% of the drugs approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the past five years.
We’re committed to providing benefits that elevate your quality of life. Based on your position these may include: bonus/incentives based on performance, 401K, paid time off, stock purchase program, Health and wellness coverage, employee and family wellbeing support programs, and work life balance flexibility.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Charles River is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, mental or physical disability, family status, pregnancy, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
It is unlawful in some states (including Massachusetts) to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
If you are interested in applying to Charles River Laboratories and need special assistance or an accommodation due to a disability to complete any forms or to otherwise participate in the resume submission process, please contact a member of our Human Resources team by sending an e-mail message to crrecruitment_US@crl.com. This contact is for accommodation requests for individuals with disabilities only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.
For more information, please visit www.criver.com.
Nearest Major Market: Memphis
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