Cell Biologist

Job title: Associate Scientist I

Location: South San Francisco, CA 94080

Duration: 12 Months (Contract)

Work Schedule: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Flexible)

Interview Process: 1 Hiring Manager Screening (MS Teams) followed by an in-person panel round (2–3 team members)

Position Overview

The Cell Line Development Group in South San Francisco, CA is seeking an energetic and detail-oriented Associate Scientist I to join a collaborative team developing mammalian (CHO) cell lines for GMP applications. In this laboratory-based role, you will perform hands-on cell line development, genetic characterization, and high-throughput screening to advance novel biotherapeutics and cancer pipeline candidates into clinical studies.

We are specifically seeking candidates with a strong technical track record in flow cytometry, lab automation, and molecular characterization (rt-qPCR/ddPCR, NGS), paired with solid foundational experience in mammalian cell culture.

Top Required Technical Skills
• Mammalian Cell Culture: Hands-on experience with cell culture (CHO preferred, or other mammalian systems), transfection, single-cell cloning, and scale-up.
• Flow Cytometry: Extensive hands-on experience operating, running assays, and analyzing data on multi-color flow cytometers.
• Molecular Biology & Genetic Characterization: Strong background in DNA/RNA isolation, RT-qPCR / ddPCR, PCR, vector construction, and Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) workflows.
• Lab Automation & High-Throughput Analytics: Practical experience with automated liquid handlers/imagers and analytical platforms (e.g., Vi-CELL, Octet, ambr15, HPLC).

Key Responsibilities
• Cell Line Execution & Scale-Up: Execute end-to-end mammalian/CHO cell line development workflows. Manage post-transfection selective pressure, single-cell cloning, high-throughput screening, and culture expansion from 96-well formats to shake flasks.
• Monoclonal Banking & Maintenance: Isolate, expand, and bank robust monoclonal cell lines. Assist in the generation and characterization of Master (MCB) and Working (WCB) Cell Banks.
• Molecular & Genomic Characterization: Design, extract, and analyze DNA/RNA from cell lines using RT-qPCR, ddPCR, and NGS pipelines to verify genetic stability and transgene copy numbers.
• Instrumentation & Automation: Routine operation, calibration, and troubleshooting of analytical equipment and automation systems including Vi-CELL, Octet, flow cytometers, automated imagers, and miniaturized bioreactors (ambr15).
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with upstream, downstream purification, and bioanalytical teams to streamline process transfers and hit aggressive project milestones.
• Data Integrity & Documentation: Maintain accurate, contemporaneous records of all workflows, protocol optimizations, and screening results within Electronic Lab Notebooks (ELN) in alignment with data integrity standards.

Qualifications & Requirements
• Education & Experience Limits:
• Bachelor’s Degree (BS) in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, or related discipline with typically 3 to 7 years of relevant industry/laboratory experience (strictly less than 8 years total).
• Master’s Degree (MS) in a relevant discipline with 1 to 3 years of hands-on experience (strictly less than 4 years total).
• Technical Experience: Demonstrated job track record specifically focused in multi-color flow cytometry, molecular assays (rt-qPCR/ddPCR, NGS), or laboratory automation alongside mammalian cell handling.
• Soft Skills: Strong analytical thinking, adaptability in a dynamic project environment, and excellent documentation practices under standard operating procedures.

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