Associate Scientist II Orscientist I, CMC Drug Substance Cell Line Development Group

Company Description

AbbVie's mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines and solutions that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow. We strive to have a remarkable impact on people's lives across several key therapeutic areas - immunology, oncology, neuroscience, and eye care - and products and services in our Allergan Aesthetics portfolio. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbvie on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn.

Job Description

The Development Sciences Biologics CMC Drug Substance Cell Line Development Group in South San Francisco, CA is seeking a Scientist to join a talented and collaborative team developing CHO cell lines for GMP applications.

In this laboratory position, the candidate will perform hands-on molecular characterization studies in a well-supported and dynamic environment to help advance novel therapies to human clinical studies. The work will encompass molecular, cellular, and bioprocess development studies relating to the generation and characterization of optimized CHO cell lines for production of our pipeline candidates.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and generate DNA vector constructs for protein expression (including monoclonal antibodies and antibody-like molecules)

• Optimize the vector workflow to increase speed and throughput

• Perform genetic characterization of CHO cell banks to confirm identity and evaluate quality of transgene DNA and RNA.

• Review DNA sequencing data (including NGS), Southern/Northern blots, quantitative PCR results

• Perform routine molecular screens of CHO cell lines using ddPCR and MinION, P2 sequencers

• Author technical reports that meet expectations of regulatory agencies for all stages from IND to BLA

• Present updates at team meetings and collaborate closely with others in the cell line development group.

• Actively seek opportunities to optimize or enhance the molecular characterization workflow.

• Display effective organization, verbal and written communication skills, and adherence to good documentation practices.

Qualifications

Associate Scientist II - Bachelor's Degree, or equivalent education, with typically 3 or more years' experience or Master's Degree or equivalent education (no additional experience)

Scientist I - Bachelor's Degree or equivalent education with typically 5 years of experience, or Master's Degree or equivalent education with typically two years of experience.

• Proficiency with basic molecular biology techniques (molecular cloning, plasmid preps, DNA digests/gels, PCR/qPCR, DNA sequencing), sterile technique, and mammalian cell culture.

• Strong understanding of mammalian cell biology and molecular biology concepts.

• Independently generate precise, reliable and reproducible data in a timely manner. Demonstrate experimental precision and strong data interpretation skills and should possess understanding of core discipline.

• Excellent attention to detail and ability to keep detailed written records in lab notebook on a daily basis.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office software, ability to learn new software applications.

• Proficiency with Geneious software.

• Ability to learn, understand, and execute new scientific techniques.

• Ability to multi-task and work within timelines.

• Ability to work collaboratively within and outside of group.

• Strong communication skills - verbal, written, scientific data presentation.

Preferred:

• Background in CHO cell line development for GMP applications within biotech/pharma industry.

• Hands-on experience using Illumina and Nanopore sequencers running RNA-seq workflow and analysis

• Experience with ddPCR

• Experience in bioinformatics software to analyze DNA and RNA for sequence confirmation and expression analysis

• Familiarity with genome browser (IGV) and familiarity with NGS data file formats

• Ability to use bioinformatics tools such as "FASTQC", Samtool, and other related tools to carry out basic NGS analysis

• Proficiency in programming/data science languages, such as R, Python, and Java

• Understanding of cell biology and bioprocess engineering concepts

Applicable only to applicants