Associate Scientist II - Cell Line Development

Role Summary

The Cell Line Development Group in South San Francisco, CA is seeking an Associate Scientist II to join a talented and collaborative team developing CHO cell lines for GMP applications. In this laboratory position the candidate will perform hands-on CHO cell line development for pipeline assets and support the establishment of automation capabilities in the group to increase throughput. The successful candidate will contribute to the evaluation and implementation of an automated liquid handler for cell culture workflows.

Responsibilities

• Perform CHO cell line development, including transfection, selection, single cell subcloning, growth and productivity screening, cell banking and stability assessment of cell banks.
• Support the evaluation and implementation of liquid handlers like Tecan, Biomek or Hamilton for cell culture workflows.
• Culture mammalian cells across multiple scales and formats, from 96-well plates up to shake flasks.
• Operate instruments like ViCell automated cell counter, Octet, Clone Select Imager, microscope, HPLC, Ambr15, Beacon, SONY flow cytometer and liquid handlers (Tecan, Biomek and Hamilton). Share responsibility for equipment maintenance.
• Co-author cell line development technical reports that meet expectations of regulatory agencies for all stages from IND to BLA.
• Collaborate closely with cell culture, purification, analytical and formulation development colleagues to meet project timelines.
• Actively support opportunities to execute improvements to the cell line development workflow, including automation, assessment of new technologies and equipment.
• May generate data for internal or external conferences or consortia.
• Display effective organization, verbal and written communication skills, and adherence to good documentation practices.

Qualifications

• Required:
• Associate Scientist II: BS with a minimum of 3 years or MS with no minimum of experience
• Proficient in aseptic mammalian cell culture techniques. Understanding of cell biology and bioprocess engineering concepts.
• Familiarity with lab automation. Prior experience in scripting, operating and troubleshooting liquid handlers like Tecan, Biomek and Hamilton for automated, high throughput cell culture activities.
• Previous experience developing automated high throughput solutions in cell line development or cell culture process development to improve process efficiency.
• Must enjoy a hands-on laboratory-focused role in a CMC multidisciplinary team with excellent attention to detail and detailed daily record keeping proficiency.
• Demonstrated ability to independently generate precise, reliable and reproducible data promptly.
• Demonstrated ability to learn, understand and master new experimental techniques.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively within and outside of the group.
• Demonstrated ability to co-author technical reports and presentations.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office software and able to learn new software applications for frequently used instruments like Beacon, CSI, Sony MA900, Octet analyzer software. Able to multi-task and work within timelines.
• Strong communication skills – verbal, written, scientific data presentation.
• Preferred:
• Programming/data science languages skills, such as R, Python, and SQL.
• Prior experience performing statistical analysis and visualization using JMP, SIMCA, Spotfire and Power BI.
• Experience handling Ambr15 operation, Beacon and flow sorter.