Scientist I, Research &Development

About the role

The Scientist I position at ImmunityBio, Inc. will aid in the development and generation of new novel therapeutics/vaccines intended for pre-clinical and cGMP-manufacturing use. The role is responsible for performing research and development work related to numerous expression system-based immunotherapies, including viral vector platforms and mRNA. The role will primarily be involved with the cloning of new gene-therapy vectors, subsequent vector characterization, cell culture optimization, and troubleshooting issues related to such pre-clinical manufacturing processes.

Responsibilities

• Support Research and Development projects designed to generate pre-clinical material characterization, design of experiments (DOE), and defining critical process parameters.
• Identify and propose process optimization, continuous improvement projects and support initiatives.
• Support scale-up and technology transfer of new products and processes into cGMP manufacturing.
• Apply analytical skills to evaluate and interpret complex issues and data sets utilizing multiple sources of qualitative information and quantitative research.
• Author and review technical protocols/reports, tech transfer documents, SOPs and MBRs.
• Lead and participate in team meetings and present results intra- and interdepartmentally.
• Provide support and technical insight for process-related issues and investigations, including non-conformance product impact assessments, root cause analysis, change control, and process optimization.
• Design and execute experiments, and compile results/statistical data analysis for scaled-down lab processes to enable process troubleshooting, support process robustness and characterization studies, and develop process improvements.
• Bench-scale study ownership including the collection and interpretation of data from bench scale experiments with minimal oversight.
• Conducts daily tasks associated with development and characterization of novel human therapeutics.
• Meticulously maintains experimental records with detailed observations.
• Conducts additional laboratory work and projects, as needed.
• Support preclinical studies by evaluating basic health status of animals and reporting abnormalities to the appropriate personnel.
• Support the lab by performing activities such as maintaining lab equipment, ordering and stocking supplies, and maintaining inventory.
• Performs ad-hoc and cross-functional duties and/or projects as assigned to support business needs and provide developmental opportunities.

Requirements

• Strong initiative, problem solving, attention to detail, ability to effectively organize and prioritize are required.
• Ability to work with Quality and Manufacturing groups to ensure a compliant manufacturing environment and work collaboratively with other team members to support the transfer of biological drug processes from R&D/Product Development to Manufacturing.
• Adapts to rapidly changing work environment and shift in priorities.
• Possess good interpersonal and strong written/verbal communication skills.
• Manage multiple assignments and processes with excellent skills in prioritizing and time management.
• Possess the ability to multitask and work independently or in a team environment with minimal supervision.
• Good computer skills in word processing, spreadsheets, and database software applications, including MS Office (Word, Excel), Visio and statistical software including JMP.
• Strong aptitude for problem solving, technical writing and ability to effectively participate on teams.
• Possess a high level of honesty and integrity, highly motivated and detail-oriented.
• Comfortable/Willing to work with small rodent research animals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Cell Biology, Microbiology, Biology, or other life science or related field with 10+ years of experience including direct experience in upstream and/or downstream processes.
• Master’s degree in Cell Biology, Microbiology, Biology, or other life science or related field with 8+ years of experience in biopharmaceutical-based process development and/or GMP manufacturing operations including direct experience in upstream processes required; or
• PhD degree in Cell Biology, Microbiology, Biology, or other life science or related field with 1+ experience in biopharmaceutical-based process development and/or GMP manufacturing operations including direct experience in upstream processes preferred.

Skills

• Experience with molecular cloning, human tissue culture, and viral vector construction required.
• Experience working with viruses in a BSL-2 viral laboratory required.
• Experience in molecular biology/cloning, RNA biology, cell biology, tissue culture and cell-based methods, with a proven track record of achievement required.

Benefits

Our competitive total rewards benefits package includes:

• 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