USP Scientist / Senior USP Scientist

Black Swans Exist
Senior Upstream Scientist – Client facing / Project Management
I’m supporting a fast-growing company in Ireland, that is looking for a Senior Upstream Scientist to join its biologics development team.
This role would suit someone who enjoys:
- Working across diverse biologic modalities, including monoclonal antibodies, recombinant proteins, viral vectors, vaccines, cell-based platforms, and other complex biologics
- Hands-on upstream process development, including cell culture, bioreactor work, fed-batch and/or perfusion processes
- Supporting projects from early feasibility and process design through optimisation, scale-up, and technical transfer
- Running and supporting studies around media/feed optimisation, process parameter evaluation, troubleshooting, and experimental design
- Interpreting upstream process data and analytical outputs to identify trends, risks, and improvement opportunities
- Building robust upstream strategies that can support later-stage development and manufacturing
A big part of the role is being comfrtable not just with the science, but also with working with clients and project management:
- Lead or contribute to technical discussions with external partners
- Present data clearly and confidently
- Translate complex scientific findings into practical project decisions
- Manage project workstreams, timelines, and deliverables
- Coordinate input across upstream, downstream, analytical, quality, and manufacturing teams
They’re looking for someone who combines strong upstream technical depth with the communication skills, ownership, and project management mindset needed in a client-facing CDMO environment.
Apply here or if you know someone from your network, please let me know.

Jonathan McNab
Director
Jon is a Director at Black Swans Exist, focused on building high-impact teams across the European life sciences market. He brings 15+ years of experience in life sciences recruitment, with a strong track record of operating at a senior level and leading teams in complex, high-growth international environments. Jon has worked extensively across biotech, pharma, manufacturing and clinical development, giving him a deep understanding of both the scientific and commercial drivers behind hiring.
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