Associate Scientist II - Cell Line Development

AbbVie's mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines and solutions that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow. We strive to have a remarkable impact on people's lives across several key therapeutic areas – immunology, oncology, neuroscience, and eye care – and products and services in our Allergan Aesthetics portfolio. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbvie on X, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn and Tik Tok.

The Biologics CMC Development team at AbbVie in the Bay Area has a long and rich history of biologics development.   Located in a new state of the art facility in South San Francisco, the team leverages its comprehensive end-to-end CMC capabilities to work collaboratively through all phases of CMC development with a primary focus on advancing complex biologic therapies, such as bi-specifics and novel modalities, to human clinical studies and eventual licensure. 

The Cell Line Development Group in South San Francisco, CA is seeking an Associate Scientist II to join a talented and collaborative team developing CHO cell lines for GMP applications. In this laboratory position the candidate will perform hands-on CHO cell line development and characterization studies in a well-supported and dynamic environment to help advance novel biotherapeutics into human clinical studies. The work will encompass cellular, and bioprocess development studies relating to the generation and characterization of optimized CHO cell lines for production of our biologics drug pipeline. The new team member will collaborate with other colleagues and groups to share resources, technologies and tools

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform CHO cell line development, including transfection, selection, single cell subcloning, growth and productivity screening, cell banking and stability assessment of cell banks.
• Culture mammalian cells across multiple scales and formats, from 96-well plates up to shake flasks.
• Operate instruments like ViCell automated cell counter, Octet, Clone Select Imager, microscope, HPLC, Ambr®15, Beacon and SONY flow cytometer.  Share responsibility for equipment maintenance.
• Co-author cell line development technical reports that meet expectations of regulatory agencies for all stages from IND to BLA. 
•  Collaborate closely with cell culture, purification, analytical and formulation development colleagues to meet project timelines.
• Actively support opportunities to execute improvements to the cell line development workflow, including automation, assessment of new technologies and equipment. 
• May generate data for internal or external conferences or consortia. 
• Display effective organization, verbal and written communication skills, and adherence to good documentation practices.

Basic Qualifications:

• Associate Scientist II: BS with a minimum of 3 years or MS with no minimum of experience
• Proficient in aseptic techniques and mammalian cell culture
• Understanding of cell biology and bioprocess engineering concepts.
• Experienced in developing stably transfected CHO cell lines for production of monoclonal antibodies and antibody-like molecules
• Basic understanding of Ambr®15 bioreactor operations
• Strong understanding of mammalian cell biology and molecular biology concepts.
• Must enjoy a hands-on laboratory-focused role in a CMC multidisciplinary team with excellent attention to detail and detailed daily record keeping proficiency.
• Demonstrated ability to independently generate precise, reliable and reproducible data in a timely manner.
• Demonstrated ability to learn, understand and master new experimental techniques.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively within and outside of the group.
• Demonstrated ability to co-author technical reports and presentations.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office software and able to learn new software applications for frequently used instruments like, Beacon, CSI, Sony MA900, Octet analyzer, QxManager
• Able to multi-task and work within timelines.
• Strong communication skills – verbal, written, scientific data presentation.

Preferred:

• Background in CHO cell line development for GMP applications within biotech/pharma industry.
• Basic molecular biology techniques (molecular cloning, plasmid preps, DNA digests/gels, PCR/qPCR)
• Familiarity with bioinformatics software to analyze DNA sequence confirmation using Sequencher and Geneious
• Basic understanding or familiarity with liquid handlers like Tecan, Biomek and Hamilton for automated, high throughput cell culture activities.
• Experience with flow cytometry

Applicable only to applicants applying to a position in any location with pay disclosure requirements under state or local law: ​

• The compensation range described below is the range of possible base pay compensation that the Company believes in good faith it will pay for this role at the time of this posting based on the job grade for this position. Individual compensation paid within this range will depend on many factors including geographic location, and we may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range. This range may be modified in the future. ​

• We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick), medical/dental/vision insurance and 401(k) to eligible employees.​

• This job is eligible to participate in our short-term incentive programs. ​

• This job is eligible to participate in our long-term incentive programs​

Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, incentive, benefits, or any other form of compensation and benefits that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole and absolute discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company’s sole and absolute discretion, consistent with applicable law. 

AbbVie is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to operating with integrity, driving innovation, transforming lives and serving our community.  Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled. 

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