Scientist I, Analytical Development
ImmunityBio is a vertically integrated commercial-stage biotechnology company developing next-generation therapies that bolster the natural immune system to defeat cancers and infectious diseases. The Company’s range of immunotherapy and cell therapy platforms, alone and together, act to drive and sustain an immune response with the goal of creating durable and safe protection against disease.
About the Role
The Scientist I, Analytical Development, will work as part of the Analytical and Process Development team. The role will assist in developing, optimizing, and validating bioassays to support cell therapy projects and will be responsible for supporting the efficient operation of the laboratory and performing scientific studies to support cell therapy projects.
Responsibilities
- Perform cell-based assays to support Process Development studies for different cell therapy projects.
- Develop and qualify potency assays including cytotoxicity, cell proliferation assays, and ADCC assays.
- Maintain, calibrate, and operate cell analytical equipment and instruments.
- Develop standard operating procedures, analytical test methods, analytical sampling plans, and batch records.
- Provide support to cross-functional teams to advance the development of NK cell therapy products.
- Develop or adapt analytical methods for cell therapy products and improve process efficiencies.
- Design and execute method development and qualification in support of lead candidate selection, process development, product release and stability, and product characterization.
- Train team members on optimized procedures.
- Design and execute experiments to develop, qualify, and transfer cell-based potency methods for the testing and release of pipeline products.
- Perform ad-hoc and cross-functional duties and/or projects to support business needs and provide developmental opportunities.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree with 8+ years’ experience in Immunology, cell biology, biochemistry, or biological sciences required, or Master’s degree with 5+ years of experience in Immunology, cell biology, biochemistry, or biological sciences required.
- Experience with immunoassay technologies such as flow cytometry, ELISA, and MSD, and molecular assays (DD-PCR, RT-qPCR) to support the characterization of NK or T cells required.
- Experience with cell therapy products including NK cells is a plus.
- Experience working in an immunology laboratory (preferably working with primary cells and cell lines) preferred.
- Experience with multiple flow-cytometer platforms is a plus.
Skills
- Proficient in handling and maintaining mammalian cell culture in a BSL2 Laboratory is required.
- Demonstrated knowledge of pharmaceutical manufacturing of biotechnology products, aseptic processing, analytical method development, technology transfer, method qualification/validation, and process development.
- Ability to follow laboratory procedures with attention to detail and successfully execute experiments at the bench.
- Knowledge in flow-cytometry.
- Comfortable in a fast-paced small company environment with minimal direction and able to adjust workload based upon changing priorities.
- Self-motivated and detail-oriented.
- Ability to think critically and demonstrate troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
- Excellent skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, and data analysis.
Working Environment
- This position works on-site in Torrey Pines, CA.
- This position is in a lab environment.
- This position involves bench work in a laboratory.
- Frequently working on a computer for data analysis.
- Occasionally lifts 11 – 20 lbs.
Pay
The annual base pay range for this position is $110,000 (entry-level qualifications) to $121,000 (highly experienced) annually. The specific rate will depend on the successful candidate’s qualifications, prior experience, as well as geographic location. This position is eligible for a discretionary bonus and equity award.
Benefits
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Plan Options
- Health and Financial Wellness Programs
- Employer Assistance Program (EAP)
- Company Paid and Voluntary Life/AD&D, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
- Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
- 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match
- 529 Education Savings Program
- Voluntary Legal Services, Identity Theft Protection, Pet Insurance, and Employee Discounts, Rewards, and Perks
- Paid Time Off (PTO) includes:
- 11 Holidays
- Exempt Employees are eligible for Unlimited PTO
- Non-Exempt Employees are eligible for 10 Vacation Days, 56 Hours of Health Pay, 2 Personal Days, and 1 Cultural Day