Scientist I, Upstream Process Development-Cell Culture

Vir Biotechnology is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on powering the immune system to transform lives by discovering and developing medicines for serious infectious diseases and cancer. Its clinical-stage portfolio includes programs for chronic hepatitis delta and multiple dual-masked T-cell engagers across validated targets in solid tumor indications. Vir Biotechnology also has a preclinical portfolio of programs across a range of infectious diseases and oncologic malignancies.

We believe the success of our colleagues drives the success of our mission. We are committed to creating a company where everyone feels supported and encouraged to give their best.

THE OPPORTUNITY

Vir Biotechnology is looking for a Scientist I, Upstream Process Development who are highly self-motivated and can work in a collaborative fashion with other interdisciplinary team members in a fast-paced company that seeks to transform upstream bioprocessing. The Upstream Process Development team is responsible for the development and implementation of upstream processing methodologies on monoclonal antibodies that can be efficiently transferred to the cGMP Manufacturing Team and our CDMO partners. Additionally, the Upstream Process Development team supports other groups including Research and Development, Cell Line Development, Downstream Process Development, Manufacturing Science and Technology (MSAT), and External Manufacturing.

The primary focus of this role is to contribute to the pilot lab build up for Vir Bio's monoclonal antibody portfolio, execute lab scale experiments to assess platform fit, develop phase appropriate upstream processes, and plan, execute, and summarize bench and pilot scale production batches. Additionally, within this role, the candidate will have the opportunity to follow the process through pilot downstream operations, assist with pilot scale buffer preparation, support tech transfer to cGMP facilities and support late phase process development and process characterization studies with Vir's CDMO partners.

This role is based in our San Francisco California office with the expectations to be onsite 4 days a week.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Develop scalable processes such as mammalian cell culture and harvest processes for upstream cell culture development.
• Designs scientifically rigorous experiments using statistical DoE where applicable and execution of experiments, analyze and interpret data to further craft next studies.
• Works closely with project leads to source and order equipment and consumables to perform bench and pilot scale seed train and production runs and build a state of the art pilot production lab
• Lead and implement experiments in the design, development, optimization and scale-up of protein production processes in suspension cell culture systems (shake flasks, AMBR250, bench and pilot scale bioreactors)
• Works closely with project leads to draft standard operating procedures and master batch records for pilot scale batches, ensures all relevant information is recorded in a GLP / GDP compliant manner. Potential to lead upstream pilot scale production batches in the future with managerial responsibilities.
• Summarizes bench and pilot scale study results, reviews batch production records and drafts production summary reports
• Supports the creation and review of tech transfer protocol, supports the technical transfer of upstream unit operations to external manufacturing organizations
• Cross-trained for hands-on downstream process development and pilot scale production experience
• Supports the design and analyses of early and late stage process development and process characterization studies
• Provides oral project status updates and presentations to internal or external shareholders
• Aligns best practices and new technologies with needs of process development and manufacturing departments
• Works closely with Environmental Health and Safety and Quality to ensure lab work is performed in safe and compliant manner

WHO YOU ARE AND WHAT YOU BRING

• PhD with 0+ years, Master's with 4+ years, or Bachelor's with 6+ years of industrial experience in biological sciences, biochemistry, or biochemical/chemical engineering within a biopharmaceutical bioprocess research and development setting
• Proven understanding of cGMP antibody upstream process development and production using CHO host cell expression systems at bench or pilot scale
• Hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture, aseptic techniques, understanding of biochemical engineering concepts, and biochemical pathways.
• Experience in developing and improving scalable fed-batch, transfection, and perfusion upstream processes in PD setting.
• Familiar with bioreactor scale-up concepts and have a proven track record for scaling-up processes to disposable/stainless bioreactors.
• Ability to use Design of Experiments in JMP, Design Expert, or other for statistical experimental design, and data analysis.
• Direct pilot/cGMP scale biomanufacturing experience is strongly preferred
• Good documentation practices (GDP) experience and experience writing standard operating procedures, batch records, and technical reports is preferred
• Observant, detail oriented, curious, and passionate in their work are ideal qualities we look for on our candidate
• Desire and ability to work in a high paced team environment, meet deadlines, and prioritize work across multiple projects is a must
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, experience presenting data in written and verbal forms is a must

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WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE OFFER

The expected salary range for this position is $116,500 to $146,500. Actual pay will be determined based on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other job-related factors.

Vir Biotechnology's compensation and benefits are aligned with the current market and commensurate with the person's experience and qualifications. All full-time employees receive a package that includes compensation, bonus and equity as well as many other Vir Biotechnology benefits and perks such as health and welfare benefit plans, non-accrual paid time off, company shut down for holidays, commuter benefits, childcare reimbursement, education reimbursement, 401K match and lunch each day in the office.

Applicants must currently be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

All employment decisions at Vir Biotechnology are based on legitimate, non-discriminatory business requirements, job duties and individual qualifications. Employment decisions are made without regard to any legally protected characteristics.

This commitment extends to all management practices and decisions, including recruitment and hiring, compensation, appraisal systems, promotions, training and career development programs. Vir Biotechnology also strongly commits to providing employees with a work environment free of unlawful conduct or harassment.

Vir Biotechnology Human Resources leads recruitment and employment for Vir Biotechnology. Unsolicited resumes sent to the company from recruiters do not constitute any type of relationship between the recruiter and Vir Biotechnology and do not obligate us to pay fees should we hire from those resumes. We ask that external recruiters and/or agencies not contact or present candidates directly to our hiring manager or employees.

For hires based in the United States, Vir Biotechnology, participates in E-Verify.

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