Recruiter's Glossary

Examples: ELISA • Process Development • Fed-batch

Expression Systems

Term from Biotechnology industry explained for recruiters

Expression Systems are methods and tools used in biotechnology to produce proteins and other biological molecules. Think of them as biological factories where scientists can program cells to make specific proteins needed for medicines, research, or industrial products. Common examples include bacterial systems (like E. coli), yeast, or specialized mammalian cell lines. When you see this term in a resume, it means the candidate has experience with making biological products in a laboratory setting. Similar terms you might see are "protein production systems," "recombinant protein expression," or "cell-based production systems."

Examples in Resumes

Optimized Expression Systems to increase protein yield by 40%

Developed new Expression System protocols for producing antibodies

Managed multiple Protein Expression Systems for vaccine production

Successfully implemented bacterial and mammalian Expression Systems

Typical job title: "Expression Systems Scientists"

Also try searching for:

Protein Production Scientist Molecular Biology Scientist Bioprocess Scientist Research Associate Biotechnology Scientist Process Development Scientist Cell Culture Scientist

Where to Find Expression Systems Scientists

Professional Organizations

Job Boards

Professional Networks

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you approach scaling up protein production from lab scale to manufacturing scale?

Expected Answer: A senior candidate should discuss process optimization, risk assessment, cost considerations, and regulatory requirements. They should mention experience with different scales of production and troubleshooting major production issues.

Q: What strategies would you use to improve protein yield in an expression system?

Expected Answer: Look for answers that discuss optimization of growth conditions, genetic modifications, and process parameters. They should mention past experiences with successful yield improvements and problem-solving approaches.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What different types of expression systems have you worked with, and what are their pros and cons?

Expected Answer: Candidate should be able to compare bacterial, yeast, and mammalian systems, discussing when each is most appropriate to use. They should demonstrate practical experience with at least two different systems.

Q: How do you troubleshoot low protein expression levels?

Expected Answer: Should describe a systematic approach to identifying problems, including checking growth conditions, DNA sequences, and protein stability. Should mention specific examples from their experience.

Junior Level Questions

Q: Can you explain the basic steps in setting up an expression system?

Expected Answer: Should be able to describe the fundamental process: choosing a host system, introducing the gene of interest, growing cells, and collecting the protein product. Basic understanding is sufficient.

Q: What safety practices are important when working with expression systems?

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate knowledge of basic lab safety, sterile technique, and proper handling of biological materials. Understanding of containment levels and waste disposal is important.