Senior Research Associate, Antigen Production

At SAB Biotherapeutics (SAB), we’re using the sophistication of science and genius of nature to change the landscape of human health. Our team of scientists, researchers and professionals has made it their life's work–with technology and tenacity–to pioneer a new powerful platform to make an impact that’s global + personal.

Through advanced genetic engineering and antibody science, we are dedicated to advancing a new class of immunotherapies, leveraging the native human immune response, with first-in-class and best-in-class potential across broad therapeutic categories including autoimmune, inflammation, infectious disease and immune-oncology. SAB-185, is among the elite therapy candidates for COVID-19, advancing with Operation Warp Speed. As true innovation, our novel platform is also being developed in a rapid response capacity for future pandemic response.

Position Summary:

SAB is starting an Antigen Production Division and is currently seeking an enthusiastic Sr. Research Associate to help optimize and scale this process. The Sr. Research Associate will be responsible for assisting the Manager with scaling up recombinant protein production, including cell culture, protein purification, antigen characterization, and other technical procedures. The Sr. Research Associate will write research protocols, summarize experimental data, and report the information accordingly. All tasks will be executed under the direction of the Manager of Antigen Production.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist in scaling up protein production from shaker flasks to bioreactors.
• Perform procedures such as tissue culture, plasmid preps, cell transfection and purification of antigens.
• Maintain cells for various systems of protein expression, including Sf9, CHO and 293 cells.
• Purify antigens using column chromatography.
• Implement quality control assays, such as SDS-PAGE and western immunoblot analysis, to ensure quality of the antigen.
• Provide training to other antigen production team members to ensure efficient, timely and high-quality results.
• Develop and optimize technical procedures, writing ROPs, SOPs, and documentation of procedures for research and development.
• Responsible for collecting, evaluating, interpreting, and documenting research data and maintaining a laboratory notebook.
• Support general laboratory operations including preparing reagent solutions, buffers, and media.
• Ordering and maintaining supplies.

Qualifications:
The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required to perform this job successfully.

• Requires a bachelor’s degree.
• 1+ years of laboratory experience utilizing analytical procedures and equipment for protein, nucleic acid, or cell-based assays is preferred, but we are willing to train the right person.
• Background in biochemistry, microbiology, molecular biology, immunology, or cell biology will be considered.
• Experience with running, troubleshooting, and scaling in bioreactors is favorable.
• Familiarity with protein expression methods (e.g., plasmid transfection and baculovirus).
• Experience with agarose gel electrophoresis, SDS-PAGE and western immunoblot analysis.
• Experience with tissue culture and maintaining cell lines.
• Knowledge of protein chromatography techniques including IMAC, SEC, ion exchange, and buffer exchange.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Willing to learn new techniques.
• Ability to work with a team.

Language Skills:
Individual should be proficient in Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook). Individual must have strong communication skills as well as the ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group meetings. The successful candidate will be able to write technical reports detailing procedures, outcomes and observations.

Mathematical Skills:
Utilizes established mathematical and scientific techniques to compile and analyze data. Understanding of basic statistical analysis and capable of calculating concentrations, dilutions and molarity.

Physical Demands:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk, stand and sit. The employee will be able to use the pipettes for long periods of time. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

Working Environment:
Normal laboratory working conditions.

ADA:
The employer will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.