Scientist II, Bioprocess Cell Culture Development

AbbVie • South San Francisco, CA

218d • Hybrid

About The Position

The role is part of the DevSci Biologics Drug Substance group based at ABA, responsible for providing technical support to manufacturing development of novel biologics, technology transfers and bioprocess innovation projects. The candidate will be responsible for executing tasks to achieve departmental and project goals. The candidate should be experienced in standard cell culture, biochemistry, and molecular biology techniques and is expected to clearly communicate the scientific rationale, methodology and results in written and oral formats.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent education with typically 7+ years of experience, or Master's Degree or equivalent education with typically 5+ years of experience
• Prior experience in mammalian cell culture techniques, bioreactor operation and cell culture media preparation is a prerequisite
• Experience with perfusion technologies and some experience with LIMS deployment or high throughput experimentation and data collection highly desirable
• Excellent aseptic techniques and familiarity with principles of sterilization/disinfection
• Familiar with general troubleshooting techniques and implementation of quality controls in developmental lab
• Experience with process development, optimization, and troubleshooting
• Experience in setting up high throughput experiments in both fed batch and batch modes, and comfortable with automation and manual operation when needed
• Comfortable with practical considerations needed to successfully scale up conditions tested in high throughput systems to larger scales
• Excellent communication skills and experience using collaborative cloud-based technologies to in a hybrid working environment
• Basic knowledge on biological data collection and analysis tools (GraphPad Prism, HPLCs, Blood gas analyzers, metabolite analyzers) and computer applications such as MS Word, MS Excel and MS PowerPoint
• Able to maintain instrumentation, inventory and cleanliness of a developmental lab to create a safe, effective and efficient scientific working environment
• Familiarity with the use of single use mammalian cell culture technologies such as deep well plates, shake flasks, ambr250s, stirred tank bioreactors

Responsibilities

• Perform routine tasks such as media/buffer preparation, thawing of cryopreserved cells, cell culture passaging, aseptic sampling and banking competently and independently to support ongoing projects in cell culture lab
• Take routine analytical measurements for cell growth, gas-content analysis, pH, osmolality, nutrient and metabolite measurements and HPLC analysis of monoclonal antibody titers
• Utilize technical expertise and available information to troubleshoot and resolve operational hurdles when encountered and adapt protocols as necessary
• Propose novel scientific experiments in mammalian cell culture
• Collaborate across CMC functions to optimize bioprocess parameters for the production of difficult-to-manufacture biologics
• Execute high-throughput fed batch and batch experiments and perform data analysis of the same
• Able to maintain a 'can-do' attitude to complete innovative projects while being flexible in work priorities based on business needs
• Perform tasks with rigorous attention to detail consistently. Prioritize tasks and contribute to a highly motivated and productive team with a sense of urgency and desire to meet project timelines
• Accurately document, critically analyze/interpret data and communicate the results promptly through various electronic means
• Understand and adhere to corporate standards regarding code of conduct, safety, appropriate handling of materials
• Must be comfortable with physical activities of constant standing, walking, and sitting with arm stretching into biosafety cabinets for cell culture work and occasionally lifting 50 lbs.
• Strong interpersonal skills to thrive in a team environment

Benefits

• Paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick)
• Medical/dental/vision insurance
• 401(k) to eligible employees
• Short-term incentive programs

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Chemical Manufacturing
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree