Scientist I, Protein Production and Characterization
- AlivaMab Discovery Services
- San Diego, California
- Full Time
Overview
Scientist I, Protein Production and Characterization
We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Scientist to join our Protein Sciences team and contribute to both day-to-day operations and the advancement of Protein Science workflows. This position will focus on the design, optimization, and execution of transient transfection processes at various scales for antibody and protein production in mammalian expression systems. The successful candidate will leverage expertise in biophysical characterization and biochemical modification to evaluate key protein attributes. This position will report to the Associate Director of Protein Sciences and work closely with scientists in the Antibody Discovery, Antibody Engineering, Protein Sciences, and Project Management teams. The ideal candidate will drive innovation through process refinement, high-throughput automation, and growing proficiency of chemical conjugation techniques. This role offers the opportunity to work in a fast-paced, collaborative research environment, where creative solutions and a strong scientific approach are key to success.
AlivaMab Biologics is a rapidly growing leader in the discovery of human antibody therapeutics, trusted by top-tier pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies to deliver panels of drug-quality human antibodies. We deliver on our partners' design goals, from simple to extraordinarily challenging, through collaborative access to our scientists' creativity and experience combined with proven technologies, including the AlivaMab Mouse suite of transgenic mice. We excel in the rapid and efficient delivery of molecularly diverse therapeutic antibody candidates, well-characterized for function, kinetics, and developability, with expanding capabilities for engineering advanced modalities, including multispecifics and single-domain human VH antibodies.
Responsibilities
Responsibilities:
- Independently design, execute, and optimize transient transfection workflows for antibodies and proteins in various mammalian expression systems
- Troubleshoot and refine current Protein Sciences processes for throughput, quality, and efficiency, as needed
- Design and conduct small- to mid-scale antibody purification by affinity, ion-exchange or other chromatographic methods from hybridoma and recombinant expression systems
- Perform protein characterization (SDS-PAGE and SDS-cGE, SEC-HPLC, SEC-MALS) for quality control and to support developability assessment of antibodies for stability, purity, and other relevant biophysical properties
- Explore, enable, and execute the development of automated high-throughput processes to support protein production workflows on Bravo and other platforms
- Develop expression and purifications methods for difficult-to-handle proteins and optimize platform processes for higher production yields and product stability, including VLP production
- Bring or develop a strong understanding of current protein chemical conjugation techniques, and perform ongoing optimization and validation for research applications
- Effectively maintain meticulous records of lab activities using an electronic notebook (Benchling); communicate findings clearly through written reports and presentations
- Manage multiple projects independently, demonstrate strong self-motivation, effective time management, and the ability to consistently meet project deadlines
- Demonstrate attention to detail and scientific judgment essential for guiding data-driven decisions
- Drive innovation and project success by providing creative solutions to protein science challenges, taking initiative to explore new ideas and approaches while collaborating effectively within the team and cross-functionally in a fast-paced research environment
Qualifications
Qualifications:
- Ph,D. in Biochemistry, Chemistry, Molecular Biology, Protein Engineering, or a related field with 1-3 years of industry experience or MS with 5-7 years of industry experience is required
- Proven hands-on experience with multiple mammalian expression platforms is required
- Proficiency with AKTA instrumentation, demonstrating a broad range of standard and unique purification (e.g., affinity, ion exchange, HIC and SEC) and protein QC techniques is required
- Demonstrated track record of generating high-quality recombinant proteins for biophysics or assay development in a timely manner
- Experience with SDS-PAGE or SDS-cGE, SEC-HPLC, SEC-MALS, and mass spectrometry-based methods for antibody analysis
- Experience with therapeutic antibody developability assessment is a plus
- Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving capabilities are required
- Self-motivated team player with excellent record keeping as well as written and verbal communication skills
- Extraordinary attention to detail, planning, and organizational skills are required
- Creative thinker who demonstrates initiative and a desire to collaborate in an exciting and fast-paced research environment
About AlivaMab Biologics
AlivaMab Biologics sets its partners' antibody discovery programs on the fastest and most de-risked path through discovery and development. Trusted by top-tier pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, AMB delivers drug-quality, fully human antibodies on exceptional timelines. AMB achieves its partners' design goals, from simple to extraordinarily challenging, through the generation and screening of large, molecularly diverse panels of antibodies. AMB focuses on rapid and efficient delivery of antibodies, characterized for function, kinetics and developability, and engineering for alternative formats, including multi-specifics and CARs. The AMB team's experience and passion for antibody drug discovery and development combined with the use of trusted, proven technologies, including Ablexis' AlivaMab Mouse platforms, ensure the highest probability of success.
AlivaMab Biologics provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to religion, race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identification, alienage or citizenship status, national origin, age, marital status, pregnancy, disability, veteran or military status, predisposing genetic characteristics or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local law.
The salary range for this position considers various factors, including skills, experience, training, certifications, and organizational needs. Note that this range does not reflect any geographic adjustments based on the location where the role will be based. At AlivaMab Biologics, it is uncommon for a new hire to start at or near the top of the salary range, as compensation is tailored to each individual's circumstances. The current estimated range is $98,500 - $128,000, plus a bonus target, benefits, and equity.
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