Scientist/Senior Scientist, Cell Line Engineering

Department: Lab Science

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: San Mateo, CA

Description

The Role: BigHat is looking for an energetic and motivated individual to onboard and lead cell line engineering as a core Platform capability in support of our pipeline Discovery and early R&D efforts. This role will report directly to the Head of Protein Sciences, work cross functionally with Programs and Discovery, and directly impact the identification and validation of next generation biotherapeutics engineered on the Milliner Platform.

Key Responsibilities

• Onboard all the core components necessary for engineering cell lines expressing pipeline targets including expression vectors, gene delivery methods, selective antibiotic concentration determination protocols, expression validation means, and cell sorting capabilities
• Culture and maintain a variety of cell types; generate diverse target cell lines including knock-outs, cells expressing multiple targets, and reporter cell lines
• Perform the validation of cell line expression using FACS and take on bulk pool and single cell sorting to select for cell lines of various expression levels
• Maintain an organized cell line inventory with all relevant documentation
• Utilize literature and external resources as necessary to investigate target expression biology to recapitulate the most native conditions for expression. 
• Work with end user stakeholders to confirm correct domain expression and associated sequences 
• In collaboration with end user stakeholders, establish the workflow,timelines and deliverables for cell line engineering from request to hand-off

Skills Knowledge and Expertise

• PhD in biology-related discipline with 2+ years industry experience, preferably in an environment utilizing cell lines for antibody discovery and engineering
• Molecular biology knowledge for plasmid construction and experience with various expression vector and promoter types
• Experience culturing various cell types, including adherent, suspension, shaker flask etc. High level of organization in handling multiple cell lines simultaneously for manipulation and maintenance
• Demonstrated hands-on success in using CRISPR, electroporation, and lentivirus methods for enabling knock-out and expression
• Adept with FACS, cell sorting methods, and clonal cell selection and maintenance
• Prior use of automation for cell culture a plus