Scientist I/II, Biologics Cell Line Development

Role Summary

The Cell Line Development Group in South San Francisco, CA is seeking an Scientist I or 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 and characterization studies in a well-supported and dynamic environment to help advance novel biotherapeutics into human clinical studies. The work will encompass cellular and bioprocess development studies relating to the generation and characterization of optimized CHO cell lines for production of our pipeline candidates.

Responsibilities

• Perform CHO cell line development, including transfection, selection, single cell subcloning, growth and productivity screening, cell banking and stability assessment of cell banks.
• 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, flow cytometer and Liquid handlers (Tecan and Hamilton). Share responsibility for equipment maintenance.
• Author and review cell line development technical reports that meet expectations of regulatory agencies for all stages from IND to BLA.
• Present updates at cross-functional meetings and collaborate closely with cell culture, purification, analytical and formulation development colleagues to meet project timelines.
• Actively seek opportunities to optimize or enhance the cell line development workflow.
• May publish or present scientific findings in peer-reviewed journals, internal or external conferences or consortia.
• Display effective organization, verbal and written communication skills, and adherence to good documentation practices.

Qualifications

• Scientist I: Bachelor‚Äôs Degree or equivalent education with typically 5 years of experience, or Master‚Äôs Degree or equivalent education with typically two years of experience.
• Scientist II: BS or equivalent education with typically 7 or more years of experience or MS or equivalent education with typically 5 or more years of experience.
• Proficient in aseptic techniques and mammalian cell culture. Strong understanding of cell biology and bioprocess engineering concepts.
• Experienced in developing stably transfected CHO cell lines for production of monoclonal antibodies and antibody-like molecules.
• Experienced in operating liquid handlers like Tecan and Hamilton for automated, high throughput cell culture activities.
• Excellent attention to detail and must keep detailed records in electronic lab notebook on a daily basis.
• Demonstrated ability to independently design, execute and interpret critical experiments to answer scientific questions.
• Demonstrated ability to learn, understand and master new experimental techniques.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively within and outside of the group.
• Demonstrated ability to author technical reports and presentations.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office software and able to learn new software applications.
• Able to multi-task and work within timelines.
• Strong communication skills ‚Äì verbal, written, scientific data presentation.

Preferred

• Exposure to CHO cell line development for GMP applications within biotech/pharma industry.
• Previous hands-on experience with Beacon, flow cytometry, ddPCR and ambr15 operation.
• Prior experience in evaluating, optimizing and establishing automated, high throughput cell culture workflows using liquid handlers like Tecan and Hamilton.
• Proficiency in programming/data science languages, such as R, Python, and SQL. Prior experience performing statistical analysis and visualization using JMP, SIMCA, Spotfire and Power BI.