Scientist II, Biology (MS & BS level)

Pharmacyclics is committed to the development and commercialization of novel therapies intended to improve the quality and duration of life and to resolve serious unmet medical needs for cancer patients. Pharmacyclics is a wholly-owned subsidiary of AbbVie (NYSE:ABBV), a global, research-based biopharmaceutical company. Oncology is a key therapeutic area for AbbVie, with a portfolio consisting of three marketed products and a pipeline containing multiple promising new molecules that are being studied in more than 200 clinical trials for over 20 different types of cancer.

More than 1,200 Pharmacyclics and AbbVie research scientists, clinicians, marketing, operations and corporate professionals work in the San Francisco Bay Area. They combine their expertise in immuno-oncology, stem cells, and cell-signaling with their knowledge of bispecific antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), and covalent-inhibitor technologies to discover and develop novel cancer treatments. Together, we are striving to outsmart cancer.

To learn more about us, please visit us at http://www.pharmacyclics.com/

General Position Summary/Purpose:

The Scientist II will be a key member of the Research Biology team responsible for providing strong technical expertise and implementation to support drug discovery and novel target identification and validation in hematologic malignancies. The Scientist II will be responsible for independently conceiving and executing tasks that require human/murine cell culture, various biochemical and molecular biology-based assays and other novel scientific approaches to achieve departmental and project goals. The successful candidate should be proficient in standard molecular biology, cell culture and biochemistry techniques and clearly communicate the scientific rationale, methodology and results in written and oral formats.

Key Accountabilities/Core Job Responsibilities:

• Design and hands-on execution of in vitro or ex vivo experiments to validate novel targets using cell lines and primary human cell sources.
• Perform cell culture (suspension and adherent) and assays including but not limited to: DNA/RNA/protein purification, lentiviral transduction, CRISPR, RNAi, immunoprecipitation, western blot, ELISA, MSD, qPCR and colorimetric assays.
• Demonstrate scientific knowledge and independence to establish and implement strategies for exploring the mechanisms of action of novel molecules to support translation into future therapies for new indications in hematological malignancies.
• Work with supervisors to improve assay protocols and take the leading role in the development, optimization, and validation of new assays. Utilize technical expertise and available information to troubleshoot and resolve key assay hurdles when encountered.
• Apply basic cell and molecular biology techniques to identify and evaluate cellular efficacy and selectivity endpoints. Accurately document, critically analyze/interpret data and communicate the results promptly.
• Actively participate in scientific meetings by presenting and critically evaluating emerging scientific literature to facilitate further progress and success of key project assignments.
• Perform tasks with diligent attention to detail and high level of accuracy. Prioritize tasks and contribute to a highly motivated and productive research team with a sense of urgency and desire to meet project timelines.

Experience:

• Extensive experience in latest molecular and cellular biology techniques for manipulation of gene/protein expression in cancer and immune cell types (viral production, transduction of primary cells, shRNA etc) is essential. Expertise in CRISPR/Cas9 systems is highly desirable.
• Expertise in multi-color immunophenotyping, flow cytometry and cell imaging techniques.
• Experience with cell-based assay development, optimization and troubleshooting.
• Experience in developing assays using purified-components and cell-based systems configured to identify small-molecule inhibitors or activators and their automation to enable high-throughput via liquid handlers is desirable.
• Knowledge of protein chemistry including protein expression, purification and characterization by various biotechniques such as Protein Simple WES system is desirable.
• Experience in using cell biology models, including co-culture systems, to elucidate molecular mechanisms of action is essential.
• Basic knowledge on biological data analysis tools (GraphPad Prism, FACS DIVA software, FlowJo, Image Studio) and applications such as MS Excel and MS PowerPoint.
• Contribute to lab and equipment maintenance and help create a safe, effective and efficient working environmen.

Qualifications:

• ​BS with 7 or more years of relevant laboratory experience or MS with 5 or more years of relevant laboratory experience either in academic or industrial settings. Experience working on hematologic cancers is highly desired.
• Demonstrated ability to design, execute and interpret experiments via publications, external presentations or patents.
• Strong interpersonal skills to thrive in a team environment as well as strong written and verbal English communication skills.

Equal Opportunity Employer Minorities/Women/Veterans/Disabled