Industry: Pharmaceutical 

Job Title:  Scientist I/II (CHO Cells Culture)

Location: South San Francisco, CA 94080

Duration: 12+ Months Temp to Hire

Pay Range: Scientist I - $45-$55/hr

Description:

• 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.

• 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.

• 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 MS 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.

• 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

The Company offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements:
1. Medical Insurance
2. Dental Insurance
3. Vision Insurance
4. 401(k) Retirement Plan
5. Life Insurance
6. Long-term disability Insurance
7. Short-term Disability Insurance
8. Paid Parking/Public Tansportation
9. Days/Hours of Paid Time off
10.Days/Hours of Paid Sick and Safe Time
11.Days/Hours of Paid Vacation Time
12. Weeks of Paid Parental Leave
13. Paid Holidays annually