Senior Scientist, Molecular Discovery

Job Description

Our company is a global health care leader with a diversified portfolio of prescription medicines, vaccines and animal health products. The difference between potential and achievement lies in the spark that fuels innovation and inventiveness; this is the space where our company has codified its legacy for over a century.

Our Research and Development Division in San Diego is a cross-functional team (Discovery Biologics, Immunology, and Data Science) with the goal to discover and develop novel, innovative therapeutics in the field of Inflammation and Immunology. The Discovery Biologics Department is seeking a Senior Scientist with expertise in antibody expression and production workflows. This position offers a great opportunity to be a part of the early scientific team, and a key interface within global Discovery Biologics network and with Immunology and other functions across our company.  

The successful candidate will carry out experiments in the lab to build and support projects in the early discovery pipeline, with focus on antibody-based therapeutics and different mammalian expression systems. We recognize that the diversity in our team is our strength and are dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Successful candidates should demonstrate attention to detail, ability to work efficiently and collaboratively, a desire to learn, and be adaptable to thrive in a dynamic team environment.

Key Responsibilities: 

• Expressing both antibodies and target proteins in mammalian cells and other eukaryotic systems.

• Executing tissue culture-based experiments, including maintaining and transfecting mammalian cell line.

• Troubleshooting mammalian expression systems and Optimizing parameters to maximize protein expression levels.

•  Developing high-throughput mammalian cell-based production platforms for antibodies.

• Exploring and applying new protein expression technologies and strategies as needed.

• Running and developing analytical assays, including protein quantitation, HPLC, Western blotting, and other characterization assays.

• Continuously reviewing processes, troubleshooting issues, and implementing improved workflows.

• Managing day-to-day laboratory activities and ensuring the team operates efficiently.

• Collaborating with other teams to integrate new developments into future projects.

Position Qualifications:

Education:

• Bachelor’s (with 7 years), Master’s (with 4 years) or Ph.D. in molecular biology, biochemistry, structural biology or related discipline with relevant laboratory experience described below

Required Experience and Skills: 

• Extensive hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture and expression platforms (CHO, HEK293)

• Experience with antibody-based therapeutic modalities (mAb, VHH, bispecific Ab, antibody fusions, etc)

• Expertise in cell culture process optimization to improve titer and productivity

• Hands-on experience with cloning techniques, including Gibson assembly, plasmid characterization, and protein expression

• Experience in designing constructs in Geneious: vector selection, cassette design, cloning and validation

• Proven proficiency in protein production workflows, including purification and analytical characterization

• Demonstrated strong communication skills and ability to multi-task and work collaboratively in a cross-functional team environment

• Excellent organizational skills and high attention to detail

Preferred Experience and Skills: 

• Five (5) years of hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture and expression platforms (CHO, HEK293)

• Experience in stable expression systems

• Experience with Mass spectrometry for antibody intact mass determination and peptide mapping

• Experience with high throughput technologies and automation platforms

#EligibleforERP

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

US and Puerto Rico Residents Only:

Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities. Please