Principal Scientist, Cell Engineering

Job Description

We are on a quest for cures and are committed to being the world’s premier, most research-intensive biopharmaceutical company. Today, we’re doubling down on this goal to take our Company’s leading discovery capabilities and world-class small molecule and biologics R&D expertise to create breakthrough science that radically changes the way we approach serious diseases.

The Discovery Biologics Department is seeking a Principal Scientist to join a Cell Science team that leverages cell engineering and innovative bioassays to drive the design and progression of biotherapeutics. Cell engineering is integral to Discovery Biologics and enables antibody discovery, functional characterization, and the development of pipeline molecules. The Principal Scientist, Cell Engineer will lead a comprehensive cell engineering function with subject matter expertise to build next-generation reporters, expression cassettes, and knockouts and consolidate efforts across multiple Discovery Biologics sites. The successful candidate will possess a broad and strong technical background in cell and molecular biology as well as in emerging functional genomics technologies and be capable of implementing and adapting these novel approaches to cell line engineering. This role will be based in South San Francisco and will work collaboratively with scientists and teams across our Company research sites.

We recognize that the diversity in our team is our strength and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Successful candidates must demonstrate inclusive behaviors in working with a diverse group of scientists to drive our core mission.

Key Responsibilities

• Production level support for mammalian cell line needs for cell binding and functional assays across the Discovery Biologics organization and key partners within our Company's network.
• Centralize vector designs, gene synthesis, lentiviral production, and out-sourced vendors for end-to-end work across the Discovery Biologics organization.
• Innovate on lentiviral, landing-pad, transposon, plasmid methods for mammalian stable cell line development.
• Explore next-generation reporters, proximity assays, and bi-cistronic expression cassettes.
• Deploy CRISPR gene editing for precision cellular models to enable mechanism of action studies and analytical characterization of molecular concepts.
• Contribute to and lead the authoring of patents and external publications.
• Present research findings at group meetings, project meetings, and at external meetings.
• Actively develop talent, strategically maximize diversity to complement and strengthen our team.
• Foster a high-performance culture of collaboration, engagement, self-accountability, and inclusion.

Qualifications & Experience

• Ph.D. or equivalent with 8 or more years of professional experience or Master’s degree with 10 or more years of professional experience or Bachelor’s degree with 14 or more years of professional experience.

Required Skills:

• Deep knowledge and experience with mammalian cell engineering and generation of cell lines and clones to enable functional assays and mechanism of action studies.
• Experience working with disease-specific cell models and optimizing nucleic acid delivery via lipofection, nucleofection, and/or viral transduction.
• Expertise with molecular biology and design strategies to enable building of next-generation reporters, expression cassettes, and knockouts.
• Cell culture experience with a variety of human cell types including lymphoid & myeloid derived cell lines.
• Experience with FACS-based methods for characterizing cell surface expression.
• Transcript/protein quantification assays including RT-qPCR; d/ddPCR, RNA-seq, ELISA, and/or our Company.
• Detail-oriented, highly organized, and able to multi-task with multiple projects.
• Proven track record working with multiple vendors and contract research organizations to build on internal capabilities via outsourcing.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with laboratory automation such as Tecan, Biomek, Hamilton, or similar.
• Relevant experience with the development of biotherapeutics and general interest in functional characterization of large molecules.
• An innovator who proactively seeks opportunities to share their knowledge and enthusiasm.

NOTICE FOR INTERNAL APPLICANTS

In accordance with Managers' Policy - Job Posting and Employee Placement, all employees subject to this policy are required to have a minimum of twelve (12) months of service in current position prior to applying for open positions.

If you have been offered a separation benefits package, but have not yet reached your separation date and are offered a position within the salary and geographical parameters as set forth in the Summary Plan Description (SPD) of your separation package, then you are no longer eligible for your separation benefits package. To discuss in more detail, please contact your HRBP or Talent Acquisition Advisor.

Employees working in roles that the Company determines require routine collaboration with external stakeholders, such as customer-facing commercial, or research-based roles, will be expected to comply not only with Company policy but also with policies established by such external stakeholders.