Senior Research Associate, Mammalian Cell Culture Process Development

Ambrx is a biopharmaceutical company enabling a new field of protein medicinal chemistry, using a fundamentally new technology that directs incorporation of amino acids beyond nature’s conserved set into biosynthetic proteins to produce high value biologics products.  Ambrx is seeking a highly motivated Senior Research Associate to be a key member of a fast-paced and dynamic organization. 

Job Summary

The candidate will be responsible for developing cell culture medium, feeding strategies, process parameter optimization, and scale-up to support R&D, large scale production, pre-clinical, and clinical activities. Participation in writing development reports, protocols, batch records and technology transfer will also be required.  This scientist should demonstrate strong scientific/technical and interpersonal skills as well as the ability to communicate effectively. The candidate will apply biological and engineering expertise to develop recombinant protein production processes suitable for large-scale cGMP manufacturing. This job may require some travel to development partners and other manufacturing sites both in and outside the US. 

Job Responsibilities

• Independently set up, run, and harvest shake flasks, WAVE bioreactors, and bench top bioreactors
• Independently execute process optimization experiments in deep-well plates, shake flasks, and bioreactors
• Design experiments and analyze data
• Prepare media, buffers, and other reagents and solutions
• Order reagents and consumables and maintain cell culture equipment
• Present work in group meetings
• Comply with good housekeeping and company safety practices
• Maintenance of laboratory preparedness including responsibilities for the PM, calibration, and operations of laboratory equipment
• Maintaining experimental records and compliance procedures for Good Laboratory Practice
• Able to thrive in a highly interactive and team-based environment
• Compilation, evaluation, and presentation of experimental data in oral presentations and written technical reports
• Tech transfer activities to manufacturing organizations

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, Biochemistry, or related scientific field with 3-5 years minimum industrial experience
• Must have hands on experience in process development utilizing CHO cells to produce biologics using deep well plates, shake flasks, and bioreactors
• Must have knowledge of Design of Experiments (DOE) and statistical analysis of data
• Must have a proven record of innovation and can apply scientific and engineering principles to solve complex problems
• A good understanding of cell physiology, metabolism, and cell biology
• Ability to multitask and adapt in a fast-paced environment and stay focused on project deliverables
• Work with minimum supervision in designing and executing experiments and analyzing data

Additional Desired Experience and Skills

• Knowledgeable in cell culture process scale-up and technology transfer to contract manufacturing organizations
• Working knowledge of GMPs and experience writing SOPs and batch records
• Medium development experience for CHO cell culture

• Experience with pilot scale bioreactors and primary recovery equipment