Associate Scientist II – Cell Line Development Full-time

Associate Scientist Ii – Cell Line Development

The Biologics CMC Development team at AbbVie in the Bay Area has a long and rich history of biologics development. Located in a new state of the art facility in South San Francisco, the team leverages its comprehensive end-to-end CMC capabilities to work collaboratively through all phases of CMC development with a primary focus on advancing complex biologic therapies, such as bi-specifics and novel modalities, to human clinical studies and eventual licensure.

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 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 biologics drug pipeline. The new team member will collaborate with other colleagues and groups to share resources, technologies and tools

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.
• 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, Ambr®15, Beacon and SONY flow cytometer. 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.

Basic Qualifications:

• Associate Scientist II: BS with a minimum of 3 years or MS with no minimum of experience
• Proficient in aseptic techniques and mammalian cell culture
• 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
• Basic understanding of Ambr®15 bioreactor operations
• Strong understanding of mammalian cell biology and molecular biology concepts.
• 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 in a timely manner.
• 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 applicationsfor frequently used instruments like, Beacon, CSI, Sony MA900, Octet analyzer, QxManager
• 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.
• Basic molecular biology techniques (molecular cloning, plasmid preps, DNA digests/gels, PCR/qPCR)
• Familiarity with bioinformatics software to analyze DNA sequence confirmation using Sequencher and Geneious
• Basic understanding or familiarity with liquid handlers like Tecan, Biomek and Hamilton for automated, high throughput cell culture activities.
• Experience with flow cytometry