Associate Scientist I

Target PR Range: $27–37/hr depending on experience.

About the role

The Associate Scientist I will be a member of the South San Francisco CMC Biologics Cell Culture Development group, responsible for providing support for the development of novel biologics and bioprocess innovation projects, performing laboratory maintenance, and executing tasks to support departmental and project goals.

Responsibilities

• Follow established experimental protocols and assess results with supervision.
• Maintain a “can-do” attitude to complete innovative projects while being flexible in work priorities based on business needs.
• Perform routine tasks such as media/buffer preparation, thawing of cryopreserved cells, cell culture passaging, aseptic flask sampling, bioreactor sampling, and cell banking to support ongoing projects.
• Take routine analytical measurements for cell growth, culture gas-content, pH, osmolality, nutrient and metabolite measurements, and HPLC analysis of antibody titers.
• Prepare bench top bioreactors and supporting equipment for sterile operation.
• Maintain instrumentation, consumables inventory, and general cleanliness of a developmental lab to create a safe, effective, and efficient scientific working environment.
• Display effective organization, verbal, and written communication skills for effective explanation of experimental results and adherence to good documentation practices.
• Weekend work to support bioreactor and other vessel sampling and feeding, as required.

Qualifications

• Basic BS in Biological Sciences or Chemical/Biochemical Engineering or related field with 0–3 years of experience.
• Experience with aseptic technique, preferably mammalian cell culture.
• Hands-on experience with analytical instrumentation (Vi-Cell, BGA, HPLC, and Cedex Bio) and cell culture equipment (biosafety cabinet, incubators, and microscopes).
• Experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Preferred Skills

• Experience in bioreactor operation and cell culture media preparation.
• Experience in single-use cell culture tools employed in bioprocess development, including but not limited to deep well plates, shake flasks, ambr250 bioreactors, or other stirred tank bioreactors.
• Experience with programming (VBA, Python, JavaScript, C++).
• Understand statistical analysis using software (JMP, SIMCA, Minitab, Design Expert, R) and statistical design of experiments (DOE).

Physical Demands

• Capable of pushing heavy containers on wheels.
• Must be comfortable with physical activities of constant standing, walking, and sitting with arm stretching into biosafety cabinets for cell culture work.
• Occasionally lifting 25 lbs.