SCIENTIST I

Planet Pharma; South San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 58,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

Planet Pharma in South San Francisco, CA is seeking a Scientist I to lead CHO cell line development and related characterization in GMP-focused projects, contract role on-site.

The role involves hands-on lab work across molecular, cellular, and bioprocess activities, scaling from 96-well plates to shake flasks, and collaborating with purification, analytics, and formulation teams.

Qualifications

• Hands-on CHO cell line development and characterization for GMP applications.
• Experience with DNA/RNA analysis and molecular characterization techniques.
• Experience documenting experiments in electronic lab notebooks and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end CHO cell line development workflows, post-transfection selection, high-throughput screening, and scale-up.
• Perform single-cell cloning to generate monoclonal CHO lines; establish banks and characterize them.
• Engineer DNA constructs for antibodies; perform deep genetic characterization using PCR/qPCR/NGS.
• Operate and maintain ViCell, Octet, flow cytometers, ambr15, HPLC, and automated imagers.
• Present updates at cross-functional meetings; collaborate with purification, analytical, and formulation teams.
• Maintain meticulous ELN records and ensure data integrity and compliant documentation.

Skills

CHO cell line development

Monoclonal cell line generation

Genetic & molecular characterization

Instrumentation & automation

Data integrity & documentation

Cross-functional collaboration

Tools

ViCell

Octet

Flow cytometers

ambr15

HPLC

Automated imagers

Job description

Scientist I

Location: South San Francisco, California

Category: Scientific

Salary: Apply for details

Country: United States

Employment: Contract

Worksite: On-Site

Target PR Range: 42-52/hr

• Depending on experience

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 standards for data integrity and good documentation practices.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We welcome and encourage applications from all qualified candidates regardless of race, sex, gender identity or expression, disability, age, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws and regulations. It is our policy not to discriminate against any applicant or employee, and we are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful work environment across all locations in which we operate. We believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion are fundamental to our mission and enhance our ability to serve clients globally. If you have a disability or require any reasonable accommodations during the application or interview process, please inform your recruiter or contact us(opens in new tab) directly so that we can explore the appropriate arrangements. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.