Scientist, Protein Production and Characterization

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

Job summary

AlivaMab Biologics seeks a motivated Scientist for the Protein Sciences team to advance transient transfection workflows and developability strategies for biologics. You will design and optimize mammalian expression processes, guide purification methods, and collaborate across Discovery, Engineering, and Project Management to drive research excellence.

Based in San Diego, this role offers a competitive salary range and a fast-paced, collaborative environment where scientific rigor and innovation

Qualifications

• PhD with 1–3 years industry experience or MS with 5–7 years industry experience.
• Hands-on experience with multiple mammalian expression platforms.
• Proficiency with AKTA instrumentation and purification methods.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute transient transfection workflows for antibodies and proteins in mammalian expression systems.
• Lead protein purification to improve throughput, quality, and efficiency.
• Design analytical studies to evaluate protein stability, purity, and biophysical characteristics.
• Support construct design strategies (e.g., VLPs, nanodiscs) for challenging targets.
• Execute high-throughput processes using Bravo and robotic platforms.
• Maintain meticulous records and communicate findings for project progression.
• Collaborate across teams to drive research excellence in a fast-paced environment.

Skills

Mammalian expression

Analytical skills

Troubleshooting

Communication

Team collaboration

Education

Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Chemistry, Molecular Biology, Protein Engineering, or related field

M.S. in a related field

Tools

AKTA purification systems

Purification techniques (affinity, ion exchange, HIC, SEC)

Job description

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

• 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

• 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.