Senior Scientist, Cell Line Development (CHO)

Exelixis, Inc.; Alameda (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 213,000; Full time

Job summary

Exelixis, Inc. in Alameda seeks a Principal Scientist in Cell Line Development to drive CHO-based antibody and bispecific production for early-stage biologics.

You will design vectors, engineer host cells, perform transfections, single-cell cloning and characterize clones to ensure monoclonality, contributing to scalable manufacturing readiness. The role requires deep molecular biology experience, extensive CHO workflows, and interpretation of analytical data (HPLC/LC-MS/CE).

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s/Master’s/PhD in molecular biology, biochemistry, biology or microbiology with industry experience.
• Experience in recombinant antibody/bispecific expression and CHO-based workflows.
• Strong transfection, cloning, and monoclonality demonstration knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute CHO cell line development experiments for biologics entering clinical development.
• Improve expression systems and workflows through vector/host engineering and process optimization.
• Perform transfections, single-cell cloning, imaging, and monoclonality assessment; manage cell banking and stability.
• Generate and review cell line development reports, summaries and presentations.
• Collaborate cross-functionally; ensure compliance with regulatory and safety standards.

Skills

Molecular biology

Vector construction

Genetic elements

CHO cell lines

Transfection methods

Single cell cloning

Imaging technologies

Titer determination

Analysis techniques

Education

Bachelor’s degree in related science

Master’s degree in related science

PhD in related science

Tools

Ambr fed-batch systems

Automation platforms

Job description

Exelixis, Inc. in Alameda seeks a Principal Scientist in Cell Line Development to drive CHO-based antibody and bispecific production for early-stage biologics.

You will design vectors, engineer host cells, perform transfections, single-cell cloning and characterize clones to ensure monoclonality, contributing to scalable manufacturing readiness. The role requires deep molecular biology experience, extensive CHO workflows, and interpretation of analytical data (HPLC/LC-MS/CE).