Scientist I (Pasadena, CA)

Summary:
We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled individual to join our Antibody Discovery team as Scientist I. This open position is an exciting opportunity to impact the next wave of biologic candidates to enter our pipeline. The successful candidate should have general in vitro antibody display experience, with special emphasis on yeast display, though candidates with any display technology experience are encouraged to apply. The ideal candidate will work to optimize a yeast-display discovery platform and participate in antibody library design and construction. They will collaborate with scientists from different functional groups and conduct in vitro display campaigns to identify novel therapeutic hits and optimize leads against a wide range of targets and diseases. Candidates should have a demonstrated record of technical proficiency and the ability to work effectively with a diverse group of researchers in a team environment.
 

Job Duties Include:

• Perform yeast and phage display-based discovery screens to support new and ongoing therapeutic programs.
• Use NGS, including NGS library generation, QC, sequencing, and data analysis, for hit selection.
• Execute display-based lead optimization, including design and building of new display libraries, QC, and screening.
• Stay current with external advancements in relevant scientific fields and techniques.
• Evaluate scientific strategies, review data in real-time, and make the necessary experimental adjustments to ensure successful delivery of yeast display discovery campaigns.
• Coordinate research & development efforts with other departments to prioritize critical experiments for advancing discovery programs.
• Participate and present data in group and departmental meetings as needed.
• Follow all laboratory safety guidelines, practices, and protocols.
• Contribute to the design and execution of experiments, analysis, interpretation of data, and reporting and archiving of results.
• Adhere to all department and company-wide policies regarding conduct, performance, and procedures.
• May provide direction to direct and indirect reports, as applicable, in accordance with the organization’s policies and procedures.
• Attend to daily laboratory operations including the maintenance of equipment, inventories, consumables, reagents, and other supplies.

Education/Experience/Skills:

• Position requires a Ph.D. in a relevant scientific field, with at least 1-year post-graduate laboratory work experience preferred.
• Also requires sound theoretical and experimental experience in a relevant scientific field coupled with technical proficiency, scientific creativity, collaboration with others, and independent thought.
• Small company and industry work experience preferred.
• Strong hands-on experience with phage and/or yeast display, including building naïve and/or immunized libraries.
• Experience with antibody lead optimization, including affinity, potency, and developability enhancement.
• Expertise in molecular cloning and utilization of DNA analysis software (Geneious Prime, Sequencher, or similar software).
• Experience in NGS technology, including NGS library generation, QC, sequencing, and sequence analysis.
• Experience with AI / ML sequence analysis preferred.
• Strong understanding of antibody structure, function, and engineering.
• Experience with high throughput screening (96 and 384-well plates) and liquid handling automation is desirable.
• On-site presence with time split between lab (80%) and non-lab activities (20%).
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to communicate clearly and effectively with scientific colleagues and management by contributing sound scientific concepts, ideas, and direction.
• Significant analytical, assessment, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to perform method development, write protocols, maintain detailed records, and use an electronic notebook are required.
• Experience with Benchling as an ELN and database is desirable.
• Ability to read, analyze, interpret, and communicate complex data and information.
• Proficiency in software and data analysis packages like Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and GraphPad Prism.
• Ability to effectively collaborate, coach, and mentor others through scientific and technical communication.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, goal-oriented, multi-project environment with adaptability to changing priorities and capacity to excel working on a team and individually is required.
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and professional competencies in oral and written communication are required.
• May contribute to authoring of scientific documents as needed.

Physical, Mental and Environment Demands:

• The working environment includes a research laboratory, which may involve running experiments and operating laboratory-scale process equipment for sample and data generation.
• Occasionally, repetitive tasks, prolonged standing, and the use of PPE for handling hazardous and biohazardous materials may be required.
• Office environment includes extended time sitting and using office equipment, including a computer, keyboard, and mouse, which can cause muscle strain.
• The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, and sit, with periodic light lifting of supplies and materials.
• Ability to multitask without loss of efficiency or accuracy.
• Ability to work and sustain attention with distractions and/or interruptions.
• Ability to interact appropriately with various individuals, including vendors, customers, and clients.

Additional Requirements for Laboratory and Research Related Jobs:

• Ability to follow the established Environmental Health & Safety rules, procedures, and/or BioSafety Guidelines.
• Ability to read and understand Safety Data Sheets (SDSs).
• Ability to be available and willing to work some weekends and evenings to conduct and complete experiments.
• Knowledge of biosafety techniques and aseptic/gowning practices.
• Experience with laboratory safety standards and procedures, including biohazard handling and disposal techniques, and the ability to ensure laboratory compliance with required safety regulations.
• Experience working with biological and chemical hazards, infectious agents, bloodborne pathogens, and animal allergens.
• Experience working in and maintaining a sterile environment.
• Thorough knowledge of the operation and maintenance of various lab equipment such as microscopes, centrifuges, spectrophotometers, balances, pH meters, electrophoresis equipment, freezers, and incubators.

Department: Direct Clients
This is a full time position