Scientist II

Target PR Range: 40-60/hr
*Depending on experience

The Cell Line Development Group in South San Francisco, CA is seeking a Scientist I/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 molecular, cellular, and bioprocess development studies relating to the generation and characterization of optimized CHO cell lines for production of our cancer pipeline candidates.

Key Responsibilities:
• Perform CHO cell line development, including transfection, selection, single cell subcloning, growth and productivity screening, cell banking and stability assessment of cell banks.
• Design and generate DNA vector constructs for protein?including monoclonal antibodies and antibody-like molecules)
• 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 and flow cytometer. Share responsibility for equipment maintenance.
• Perform genetic characterization of cell banks using molecular techniques like DNA sequencing and PCR.
• Review DNA sequencing data (including NGS), Southern/Northern blots, quantitative PCR results.
• 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
Basic:
• Scientist I: BS with a minimum of 5 years or MS with a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience
• Scientist II: BS with a minimum of 7 years or MS with a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience
• Proficient in aseptic techniques, mammalian cell culture and basic molecular biology techniques (molecular cloning, plasmid preps, DNA digests/gels, PCR/qPCR)
• Experienced in developing stably transfected CHO cell lines for production of monoclonal antibodies and antibody-like molecules.
• Strong understanding of mammalian cell biology and molecular biology concepts.
• Must have 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 – verbal, written, scientific data presentation.

Preferred:
• Background in CHO cell line development for GMP applications within biotech/pharma industry.
• Understanding of cell biology and bioprocess engineering concepts.
• Hands-on experience running RNA-seq workflow and analysis
• Experience in bioinformatics software to analyze DNA and RNA for sequence confirmation and expression analysis
• Proficiency in programming/data science languages, such as R, Python, and Java
• Experience with flow cytometry
• Experience with ddPCR
• Experience with ambr15 operation