CHO Cell Line Development Scientist I

Scorpion Therapeutics; South San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO

Medical/dental/vision insurance

401(k)

Short-term incentive programs

Job summary

Scorpion Therapeutics is seeking a hands-on Biologics Scientist to lead CHO cell line development and characterization for GMP biotherapeutics. You will perform transfection, selection, clone screening, and scale-up across multi-well plates to small-scale stirred tanks.

You will conduct molecular/genetic characterization (DNA/RNA extraction, qPCR/ddPCR, sequencing), develop stable transfected CHO lines, and support analytical methods, assay qualification, and cross-functional collaboration while

Qualifications

• BS with 5+ years in biologics discovery/development or MS with 2+ years.
• Aseptic technique and hands-on mammalian (CHO) cell culture.
• Nucleic acid extraction; PCR/qPCR and/or ddPCR.
• Experience developing stably transfected CHO lines for monoclonal/antibody-like molecules.
• Experience with transposase/recombinase technologies.
• Cryopreservation and research cell bank creation.

Responsibilities

• Execute CHO cell line development and characterization for GMP biotherapeutics (transfection, selection, clone screening, culture scale-up).
• Perform random/targeted integration approaches (transposase-, recombinase-mediated).
• Conduct molecular/genetic characterization (DNA/RNA extraction; PCR/qPCR/RT-qPCR, ddPCR, sequencing).
• Generate monoclonal CHO cell lines via single-cell cloning; cryopreserve research cell banks and maintain inventory.
• Assess productivity/stability using fed-batch and parallel cultures on manual/automated platforms.
• Operate instrumentation (Vi-CELL counters, Octet label-free binding platforms).
• Develop/optimize methods and support assay qualification/troubleshooting; improve throughput, data quality, and workflow.
• Maintain ELN records; author/revise protocols; train team members; present updates and collaborate cross-functionally.
• Follow safety, code of conduct, and GxP compliance.

Skills

CHO culture

Mammalian culture

Transfection

Clone screening

qPCR/ddPCR

Molecular characterization

Data analysis

Experimental design

Cross-functional

Education

BS in Biologics or related field

MS in Biologics or related field

Tools

Vi-CELL counters

Octet system

Biolayer interferometry

PCR/qPCR instruments

Job description

Scorpion Therapeutics is seeking a hands-on Biologics Scientist to lead CHO cell line development and characterization for GMP biotherapeutics. You will perform transfection, selection, clone screening, and scale-up across multi-well plates to small-scale stirred tanks.

You will conduct molecular/genetic characterization (DNA/RNA extraction, qPCR/ddPCR, sequencing), develop stable transfected CHO lines, and support analytical methods, assay qualification, and cross-functional collaboration while