Cell Culture Specialist I

Meso Scale Diagnostics LLC; Gaithersburg (MD); On-site; USD 59,000 - 88,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision coverage

401(k) with company match

Paid vacation and holidays

Disability and life insurance

Employee assistance program

Parental leave

Job summary

Meso Scale Diagnostics LLC is seeking a cell culture specialist to produce cell-based products, including hybridoma and recombinant antibodies. The role focuses on cell culture, purification, and maintaining production readiness in a GMP/ISO setting.

The successful candidate will handle multiple cell lines, perform transfections, and operate AKTA systems, ensuring quality and compliance in a hands-on lab environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Chemistry, Biotechnology, Engineering or related field or equivalent experience.
• At least 3 months of aseptic cell culture experience in a lab.
• GMP/GLP or ISO environment experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Cultivate multiple cell lines (adherent and suspension) for monoclonal antibodies and cell products.
• Perform transfections for recombinant antibody production.
• Operate cell culture and purification equipment and maintain clean lab spaces.
• Coordinate equipment maintenance and validation as required.
• Perform daily cell culture and purification processes to meet production needs.
• Vial and store cell-based products and manage inventory.

Skills

Cell culture

Aseptic technique

GMP/GLP familiarity

Hybridoma culture

Teamwork

Communication

Safety procedures

Attention to detail

Troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biology/related field

Tools

AKTA purification systems

Biological Safety Cabinet

Hemocytometer

Automated Cell Counter

Plate Readers

LN2 Freezers

CO2 Incubators

Controlled Rate Freezers

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the direction of the manager, this position is responsible for the production of cell-based products including but not limited to: hybridoma antibodies and recombinant antibodies. Primarily responsible for cell culture and managing multiple purifications systems.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manipulate multiple cell lines (both adherent and suspension), such as mouse hybridoma cell , Expi 293 and Expi CHO cells for the production of monoclonal antibodies and other cell based products.
• Execute transfections for the production of recombinant QRM antibodies.
• Use the following cell culture equipment: Hemocytometer, Biological Safety Cabinet, Automated Cell Counter, Plate Readers (for ELISA and BCA assays), LN2 Freezers, Humidified Incubators, Water Baths, CO2 Tanks, and Controlled Rate Freezer.
• Use AKTA purification systems
• Provide general cell culture laboratory maintenance. Keep process areas stocked with essential equipment and supplies and maintain overall laboratory appearance and cleanliness.
• Coordinate regular equipment maintenance and calibrations; complete and document equipment validation as required in MFG.
• Perform daily scheduled cell culture and purification processes to meet production demand
• Perform vialing and storage of cell based products.
• Maintain and organize inventory of supplies, including but not limited to cell stocks and records, to support daily production.
• Other duties as assigned.

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Chemistry, Biotechnology, Engineering or a related field or equivalent applicable work experience. May substitute degree for equivalent combination of experience/education.
• Minimum of three months of experience performing cell culture using aseptic technique in a laboratory setting required.
• Experience in a GMP/GLP, ISO Certified environment preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of manufacturing mammalian cell based products preferred
• Knowledge of Hybridoma cell culture and expansion preferred.
• Knowledge of common cell culture equipment: Hemocytometer, Biological Safety Cabinet, Automated Cell Counter, Plate Readers (for ELISA and BCA assays), LN2 Freezers, Humidified Incubators, Water Baths, CO2 Tanks, and Controlled Rate Freezer.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite and SharePoint preferred.
• Attention to detail with demonstrated commitment to excellence and performance
• Organizational, planning, and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple and often changing priorities while meeting time-sensitive deadlines and deliverables.
• Good communication skills with the ability to organize, present, and articulate ideas both verbally and in writing.
• Basic knowledge of aseptic technique; ability to complete cell culture in the absence of antibiotics.
• Ability to work both independently and as an effective team member.
• Willingness and ability to acquire new skills in various cell culture methods as necessary.
• Ability to understand and follow safety procedures
• Ability to move/lift up to 40 pounds.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• While performing the duties of this job, the individual is frequently required to sit and stand for long periods. The individual is occasionally required to walk; use hands and fingers to operate, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms.
• May be required to move/lift up to 40 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• This position is performed in a traditional industrial laboratory environment but can also include work in a laboratory environment (which can include work with chemicals and hazardous materials.

COMPENSATION SUMMARY

The annual base salary for this position ranges from $59,100. to $87,900. This salary range represents a general guideline as MSD considers other factors when presenting an offer of employment, such as scope and responsibilities of the position, external market factors, and the candidate's knowledge, skills, abilities, education and experience. Employees may qualify for a discretionary or non-discretionary bonus in addition to their base salary. These annual bonuses are intended to recognize individual performance and enable employees to benefit from the Company's overall success.

BENEFITS SUMMARY

At MSD, we offer a comprehensive benefits package to support our employees' well-being and financial security. In addition to competitive salaries, our benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage, along with prescription benefits. We provide a 401(k) plan with company matching, flexible spending accounts, and company-paid short- and long-term disability insurance as well as group life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance. Our offerings also encompass paid vacation, paid sick leave, paid holidays, and paid parental leave, along with an employee assistance program. Additional voluntary perks include a fitness club membership contribution, pet insurance, identity theft protection, home and auto insurance discounts, and optional supplemental life insurance.

EEO/AA STATEMENT

MSD is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, making employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, age, protected veteran status, pregnancy, disability status, or any other protected characteristic. For our full EEO/AA and Pay Transparency statement, please visit here.

Meso Scale Diagnostics uses E-Verify to validate the work eligibility of candidates.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.

For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.