Scientist, Protein Production and Characterization

AlivaMab Discovery Services; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 118,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

AlivaMab Biologics in San Diego, CA is seeking a Scientist to advance Protein Sciences workflows, focusing on design, optimization and execution of transient transfection for antibodies and proteins in mammalian systems.

The role emphasizes developability assessment, purification method development, and high-throughput automation using Bravo and other robotic platforms; collaboration across discovery, engineering and project management teams is required.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Chemistry, Molecular Biology, Protein Engineering, or related field with 1–3 years of industry experience or MS with 5–7 years direct industry experience is required.
• Proven hands-on experience with multiple mammalian expression platforms is required.
• Proficiency with AKTA instrumentation, demonstrating a broad range of standard and specialized purification (e.g., affinity, ion exchange, HIC and SEC) and protein QC techniques is required.
• Experience with therapeutic antibody developability assessment is highly desirable.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and communication skills with meticulous attention to detail.
• Motivated self-starter with excellent organization, teamwork, and a passion for scientific innovation.

Responsibilities

• Independently design and execute transient transfection workflows for antibodies and proteins in various mammalian expression systems.
• Provide leadership in protein purification by designing and improving methods for throughput, quality, and efficiency.
• Drive developability assessment efforts by designing and executing analytical studies to evaluate protein stability, purity, and key biophysical characteristics.
• Support production of complex construct design strategies (e.g., VLPs, nanodiscs), to enable immunization of challenging targets.
• Execute high throughput processes to support protein production workflows using Bravo and other robotic platforms.
• Effectively maintain meticulous records of lab activities using electronic notebook (Benchling); communicate findings clearly through written reports and presentations to support project progression and scientific decision-making.
• Contribute innovative ideas and collaborate effectively across teams to drive research excellence and project success in a fast-paced environment.

Skills

Mammalian expression platforms

Analytical troubleshooting

Team collaboration

Education

Ph.D. in Biochemistry/ Chemistry/ Molecular Biology/ Protein Engineering

MS with 5–7 years direct industry experience

Tools

AKTA purification system

Benchling

Bravo robotics platform

Job description

Overview

We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Scientist to join our Protein Sciences team and contribute to both day-to-day operations and the advancement of Protein Science workflows. This position will focus on the design, optimization, and execution of transient transfection processes at various scales for antibody and protein production in mammalian expression systems. The successful candidate will leverage expertise in biophysical characterization and biochemical modification to evaluate key protein attributes. This position will report to the Associate Director of Protein Sciences and work closely with scientists in the Antibody Discovery, Antibody Engineering, Protein Sciences, and Project Management teams. The ideal candidate will drive innovation through process refinement and high-throughput automation, while advancing developability and purification strategies for novel biologic formats. This role offers the opportunity to work in a fast-paced, collaborative research environment, where creative solutions and a strong scientific approach are key to success.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities

• Independently design and execute transient transfection workflows for antibodies and proteins in various mammalian expression systems
• Provide leadership in protein purification by designing and improving methods for throughput, quality, and efficiency
• Drive developability assessment efforts by designing and executing analytical studies to evaluate protein stability, purity, and key biophysical characteristics
• Support production of complex construct design strategies (e.g., VLPs, nanodiscs), to enable immunization of challenging targets
• Execute high throughput processes to support protein production workflows using Bravo and other robotic platforms
• Effectively maintain meticulous records of lab activities using electronic notebook (Benchling); communicate findings clearly through written reports and presentations to support project progression and scientific decision-making
• Contribute innovative ideas and collaborate effectively across teams to drive research excellence and project success in a fast-paced environment

Qualifications

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Chemistry, Molecular Biology, Protein Engineering, or a related field with 1-3 years of industry experience or MS with 5-7 years of direct industry experience is required
• Proven hands-on experience with multiple mammalian expression platforms is required
• Proficiency with AKTA instrumentation, demonstrating a broad range of standard and specialized purification (e.g., affinity, ion exchange, HIC and SEC) and protein QC techniques is required

• Experience with therapeutic antibody developability assessment is highly desirable
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and communication skills with meticulous attention to detail
• Motivated self-starter with excellent organization, teamwork, and a passion for scientific innovation

About AlivaMab Biologics

AlivaMab Biologics sets its partners’ antibody discovery programs on the fastest and most de-risked path through discovery and development. Trusted by top-tier pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, AMB delivers drug-quality, fully human antibodies on exceptional timelines. AMB achieves its partners’ design goals, from simple to extraordinarily challenging, through the generation and function-first screening of large, molecularly diverse panels of antibodies. AMB focuses on rapid and efficient delivery of antibodies, characterized for function, kinetics and developability, and engineering for alternative formats, including multi-specifics and CARs. The AMB team’s experience and passion for antibody drug discovery and development combined with the use of trusted, proven technologies, including Ablexis' AlivaMab Mouse platforms, ensure the highest probability of success.

AlivaMab Biologics provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion or creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, reproductive health decision-making, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, citizenship or immigration status, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Salary Range: $118,000 - $145,000 annually

This range represents AlivaMab Biologics' good-faith estimate of the base compensation for this position at the time of posting. Offered title and compensation will account for factors such as experience, education, and comprehensiveness of qualifications. The salary range excludes bonuses, equity, health benefits, PTO, other benefits, or any other forms of compensation that may be part of the total compensation package.

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