Scientist l, Cell Line Development (based fully onsite)

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

Responsibilities

• Execute CHO cell line development and characterization for GMP biotherapeutics: transfection, selection, high-throughput clone screening, and culture scale-up (multi-well → shake flasks → small-scale stirred tanks).
• Perform random/targeted integration approaches (transposase-, recombinase-mediated).
• Conduct molecular/genetic characterization: DNA/RNA extraction; PCR, qPCR/RT-qPCR, ddPCR, sequencing; support vector design/construction and sequence confirmation.
• 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.

Qualifications

• BS with 5+ years (or MS with 2+ years) in biologics discovery/development or related field.
• Aseptic technique; hands-on mammalian (CHO) cell culture; manage multiple projects.
• Nucleic acid extraction; PCR/qPCR and/or ddPCR.
• Experience developing stably transfected CHO lines for monoclonal/antibody-like molecules (transfection, selection, minipools, clone isolation/screening, scale-up).
• Experience with transposase/recombinase technologies.
• Cryopreservation and research cell bank creation (viability/recovery; inventory record-keeping).
• Recombinant protein titer quantification (e.g., Octet/biolayer interferometry or equivalent).
• Plate-based clone screening (96-well, 24‑deep‑well; mapping/sampling; outlier/plate-effect review).
• Clone productivity/growth/stability assessment (batch/fed‑batch; ranking on manual/automated platforms).
• Independent experiment design/execution/analysis/troubleshooting; strong mammalian & molecular biology understanding; attention to detail; strong written/verbal communication.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits including PTO, medical/dental/vision insurance, and 401(k) for eligible employees; eligible for short-term incentive programs.