Associate Scientist I (Cell-Line Development)

SPECTRAFORCE; South San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 66,000 - 73,000; Full time

Job summary

SPECTRAFORCE in South San Francisco, CA is seeking an Associate Scientist I (Cell-Line Development) to lead CHO cell line development and characterization for GMP applications. The role involves hands-on work across molecular, cellular, and bioprocess development to advance biotherapeutics into human clinical studies.

You will perform single-cell cloning to generate monoclonal CHO lines, engineer DNA vectors, and analyze DNA/RNA by PCR, qPCR, and NGS, while operating instruments like ViCell,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with 5 years’ experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead CHO cell line development workflows from transfection to high-throughput screening and scaling cultures from 96-well plates to shake flasks.
• Perform monoclonal cell line generation by single-cell cloning and bank creation/characterization.
• Engineer DNA vector constructs for antibodies and novel protein formats; perform genetic characterization with PCR/qPCR/NGS.
• Operate and maintain ViCell, flow cytometers, ambr15, HPLC, and automated imagers; ensure data integrity.
• Collaborate with purification, analytical, and formulation teams; present updates and meet deadlines.
• Maintain contemporaneous ELN records and compliance with data integrity standards.

Skills

Flow cytometry

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Position Title – Associate Scientist I (Cell-Line Development)

Work shift (days/times) – 8am - 4pm (flexible)

Top 3-5 skills needed –

2. Flow cytometry

Number of Interviews – 1 hiring manager screening on teams and a follow-up in-person interview with 2-3 people.

The Cell Line Development Group in South San Francisco, CA is seeking a Scientist I/II to join a talented and collaborative team developing CHO cell lines for GMP applications. In this laboratory position the candidate will perform hands-on CHO cell line development and characterization studies in a well-supported and dynamic environment to help advance novel biotherapeutics into 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 cancer pipeline candidates.

Key Responsibilities:

• CHO Cell Line Development & Execution: Lead the end-to-end execution of CHO cell line development workflows for both pipeline and innovation projects. This includes managing post-transfection selective pressures, high-throughput screening, and scaling cultures from 96-well plates to shake flasks.
• Monoclonal Cell Line Generation & Banking: Expertly perform single-cell cloning to generate and establish monoclonal CHO cell lines. Create, expand, and meticulously characterize master and working cell banks.
• Genetic & Molecular Characterization: Engineer and generate complex DNA vector constructs for expressing antibodies and novel protein formats. Perform deep genetic characterization of cell banks by extracting DNA/RNA for analysis via PCR, qPCR/ddPCR, and Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS).
• Advanced Instrumentation & Automation: Skillfully operate and maintain a suite of key laboratory instruments, including ViCell, Octet, flow cytometers, ambr15, HPLC, and automated imagers.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration & Communication: Present scientific updates at cross-functional meetings, collaborating closely with colleagues in purification, analytical, and formulation development to drive projects forward and meet aggressive timelines.
• Data Integrity & Documentation: Maintain meticulous, contemporaneous records of all experimental designs, data, and analysis in electronic lab notebooks (ELNs), ensuring compliance with the client’s standards for data integrity and good documentation practices.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree with 5 years’ experience

At SPECTRAFORCE, we are committed to maintaining a workplace that ensures fair compensation and wage transparency in adherence with all applicable state and local laws. This position's pay range is $48.00/hr - $53.00/hr.