Position Title: Scientist - II (Associate) Work Location: South San Francisco, CA 94080 Assignment Duration: 12 months Work Arrangement: Onsite Position Summary:
- We are looking for a motivated scientist to be an integral part of the Protein Science department within Discovery Biologics at our organization.
- The successful candidate will be involved in multiple aspects of the production of recombinant proteins, monoclonal antibodies, multispecific scaffolds, and novel protein modalities to enable all aspects of Early Discovery.
- Ideally, the candidate will be able to execute and develop on techniques involving recombinant protein expression in CHO cells using both transient and stable-pool techniques.
- Additionally, the candidate should have foundational experience in purification and QC, along with a proven ability to accurately record and present data.
Background & Context:
- We are Discovery Biologics, and we are on a quest for cures and are committed to be the world's premier, most research-intensive biopharmaceutical company.
- We identify and target steps in disease mechanisms or pathways that could be inhibited or enhanced.
- Our goal is to isolate a compound that is effective against a disease target.
- Using innovative thinking, state-of-the-art facilities and robust scientific methodology we collaborate to discover the next medical breakthrough.
- Our teams combine leading drug discovery capabilities and world-class R&D with the purpose of turning breakthrough science into life-changing medicines.
Key Responsibilities:
- Maintain and propagate CHO cells in suspension culture independently to support ongoing projects in a cell culture lab.
- Perform transient and stable transfections for protein expression in mammalian cells (CHO, HEK293).
- Express and batch purify a variety of proteins (monoclonal, bispecific antibodies, VHHs, Fabs, Fc-Fusions, etc.) using both resin and magnetic-bead immunoprecipitation methods.
- Execute fed-batch experiments in a variety of platforms: shake flasks 125ml to 5L, tube spins and multi-well plates.
- Perform analytical measurements for cell growth, metabolite measurements and HPLC analysis of titers from supernatant.
- Analyze purified proteins using techniques: SDS-PAGE, HPLC, UPLC, CESDS, Nano-drop, UV-Vis.
- Maintain and troubleshoot mammalian cell culture systems.
- Document protein production processes, prepare reports and communicate results.
- ELN documentation.
Qualification & Experience:
- B.S. degree in Biochemistry, Cell/Molecular Biology, Bioprocess engineering or related fields and three (3) years of industry or academia experience or a M.S. degree with 1 year of experience in similar fields.
- Prior experience in mammalian cell culture techniques, and cell culture media preparation is a prerequisite: single use mammalian cell culture tools employed in bioprocess development, including but not limited to deep well plates and shake flasks.
- Perform transient and stable transfections for protein expression in mammalian cells (CHO, HEK293).
- Ability to multi-task different protocols at once, handle concurrent projects simultaneously with high attention to detail.
- Excellent aseptic techniques and familiarity with principles of sterilization/disinfection.
- Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
- Able to maintain a "can-do" attitude and act with a sense of urgency to complete innovative projects while being flexible in work priorities based on business needs.
- Understand and adhere to corporate standards regarding code of conduct, safety, appropriate handling of materials.
- Able to troubleshoot cell culture system and think critically about experiments.
- Must be comfortable with physical activities of constant standing, walking, and sitting with arm stretching into biosafety cabinets for cell culture work.
- Basic knowledge on biological data collection and analysis tools (Vicell, metabolite analyzers) and computer applications such as ELN, MS Word, MS Excel and MS PowerPoint.
- Experience with high-throughput systems and automation.
- Experience with batch purification using a variety of scaffolds and basic QC.
- Industry experience is preferred.
- Experience with data and reagent management software such as Dotmatics, Benchling, Spotfire, etc is preferred.
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