Scientist/Senior Scientist, CHO Cell Line Development

Atum; Newark (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free daily catered lunch

Comprehensive health benefits

PTO

401(k) with Safe Harbor plan

Job summary

ATUM is seeking a bench-heavy Senior Scientist to join the Cell Line Development (CLD) team in Newark, CA. This hands-on role focuses on applying CRISPR and gene editing to engineer robust CHO host cell lines for recombinant protein production.

You will design and execute vector strategies, optimize expression constructs, and collaborate across cross-functional teams to translate data into actionable strategies while maintaining rigorous ELN documentation and SOP contributions.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in bioengineering or closely related life sciences field.
• 0–3 years of post-PhD experience; strong academic research track record encouraged.
• Mastery of CRISPR/gene editing and core molecular biology techniques.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; ability to collaborate across teams.

Responsibilities

• Bench-heavy execution of molecular biology, vector construction, CRISPR editing, and host cell engineering.
• Design and implement target-specific gene editing strategies to optimize CHO cell phenotypes.
• Develop novel expression vectors and optimize protein production in CHO cells.
• Document experiments rigorously in ELN and contribute to SOPs.

Skills

CRISPR

Gene editing

Molecular biology

Education

Ph.D. in Bioengineering

Ph.D. in Molecular Biology

Job description

ATUM is a leader in cell line development, gene synthesis, and protein engineering. We are seeking a highly motivated, bench-heavy Senior Scientist to join our Cell Line Development (CLD) team. This is a hands‑on, high‑impact laboratory role focused on applying deep, foundational principles of molecular and cell biology—including CRISPR and gene editing—to solve complex expression challenges, engineer robust mammalian systems, and drive the next generation of CHO host cell lines.

The ideal candidate brings rigorous academic training and exceptional technical mastery in core molecular biology, gene regulation, cellular mechanisms, and genome editing. Crucially, you possess outstanding communication and interdisciplinary skills, enabling you to bridge complex scientific disciplines and collaborate seamlessly across cross‑functional matrix teams. Rather than relying solely on standardized automated CLD workflows, you will lever your scientific depth and collaborative mindset to design novel vector strategies, apply CRISPR systems for host cell engineering, troubleshoot complex expression constructs, and optimize host cell biology for recombinant protein production.

Core Responsibilities

• Bench-Heavy Laboratory Execution: Spend the majority of time (~80%) at the bench executing hands‑on molecular biology, vector construction, CRISPR/gene editing, host cell engineering, transfection, and cell line generation experiments.
• CRISPR & Host Cell Engineering: Design and execute target‑specific CRISPR/Cas9 (and related gene‑editing technologies) strategies for targeted gene knock‑ins, knock‑outs, and functional genomic modifications to optimize CHO host cell phenotypes.
• Vector Design & Genetic Engineering: Apply deep theoretical and practical knowledge of molecular biology to design, construct, and evaluate novel expression vectors, promoters, and genetic elements to maximize recombinant protein expression in CHO cells.
• Cell Biology & Expression Optimization: Investigate cellular mechanisms governing gene integration, transcription, translation, and protein secretion; apply cell biology techniques (e.g., transient and stable transfections) to engineer host cell lines.
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Work dynamically at the intersection of molecular biology, cell line development, protein engineering, and bioinformatics to translate multifaceted data into actionable experimental strategies.
• Clear Scientific Communication: Present research strategies, technical updates, and complex data clearly and concisely in cross‑functional team meetings, internal seminars, and written reports.
• Experimental Design & Rigorous Analysis: Independently design well‑controlled experiments, execute complex laboratory workflows, perform thorough data analysis, and interpret results to troubleshoot scientific bottlenecks.
• Detailed Scientific Documentation: Maintain rigorous, real‑time electronic laboratory notebook (ELN) records, write comprehensive technical reports, and contribute to standard operating procedures (SOPs).

Qualifications

• Education: Ph.D. in Bioengineering, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or a closely related life sciences discipline (required).
• Experience: Ph.D. with 0–3 years of experience; recent Ph.D. graduates with strong academic research track records are fully encouraged to apply.
• Technical Expertise:
  • Demonstrated mastery of CRISPR and gene editing tools
  • Demonstrated mastery of core molecular biology techniques
  • Demonstrated mastery of cell biology fundamentals
  • Note: Direct prior experience with specialized industrial CHO CLD automation or high‑throughput instruments is not required; we prioritize exceptional foundational scientific and gene‑editing ability and a drive to learn.
• Communication & Interdisciplinary Skills:
  • Communication: Exceptional verbal, written, and active listening skills; ability to convey complex molecular biology concepts to diverse technical and non‑technical stakeholders clearly and persuasively.
  • Interdisciplinary Agility: Proven capability to collaborate effectively across scientific boundaries (e.g., interfacing with gene synthesis, analytics, protein biochemistry, and bioinformatics teams) to solve broad biological problems.
• Soft Skills: Strong analytical problem‑solving skills, high attention to detail, adaptability, and the ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced, matrixed environment.

Why ATUM?

• Innovative Environment: Be at the forefront of the next‑gen biotech revolution in Quantitative Biology.
• Culture of Excellence: Enjoy a collaborative, hands‑on atmosphere with mentorship and rapid professional growth opportunities.
• Perks & Benefits: Free daily catered lunch, comprehensive health benefits, PTO, and a 401(k) with a Safe Harbor plan.
• Compensation Range: $120,000 – $150,000 base salary (commensurate with experience).