Scientist, Process Technologies (downstream)

Job Details

Level: Experienced

Job Location: TX-8900 - Austin, TX

Position Type: Full Time

Education Level: Graduate Degree

Salary Range: Undisclosed

Travel Percentage: None

Job Shift: Day

Job Category: Biopharmaceutical Development

Company Description:

Molecular Templates is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of differentiated, targeted, biologic therapeutics. Our proprietary biologic drug platform technology, known as engineered toxin bodies, or ETBs, leverages the resident biology of a genetically engineered form of Shiga-like Toxin A subunit to create novel therapies with potent and differentiated mechanisms of action for cancer and other serious diseases. MTEM currently has multiple clinical-stage ETB candidates in development including MT-5111 , TAK-169, and MT-6402 . Additional preclinical compounds derived from our ETB platform technology are being advanced toward clinical development. Additional information about Molecular Templates can be obtained at www.mtem.com .

Position Overview:

This position, as a part of the Manufacturability Assessment team, is responsible for the custom-development of a downstream process for a specific ETB during the transition from Research to Biopharmaceutical Development teams. This process starts with the ETB purification from overexpressing microbial cell lines that produce high-quality ETBs. The Scientist will work independently to develop procedures to isolate the ETB based on their biological, biochemical, and biophysical properties. The deliverable will be a process description for purifying ETBs with high purity and stability. This position requires knowledge and technical skills in biochemistry, protein chemistry and molecular biology; hands-on experience in protein purification and characterization; ability to collaborate and communicate with a multi-disciplinary team.

Job Responsibilities:

• Responsible for independently developing robust, efficient, and scalable protein purification methods
• Purify ETBs from expression cell lines and analyze SDS-PAGE and immunoblots, protein quantification assays, and determine production titers
• Create methods, operate, and maintain AKTA Avant and Pure systems
• Perform ultrafiltration/diafiltration and maintain TFF systems
• Perform some microbial procedures: competent cell preparation; transformation; shake flask growth and ETB expression; and high throughput cell expression screen
• Maintain detailed experimental records: complete required laboratory and notebook documentation in an accurate and timely manner; adhere to written procedures and regulatory requirements
• Work on problems of diverse scope where analysis of data requires evaluation of identifiable factors
• Author technical reports and process descriptions for internal review
• Review and revise established protocols and SOPs related to CMC development
• Support technology transfer of process internally and externally
• Maintain knowledge of scientific trends, industry processes and pipeline target literature through readings, conferences, and seminars to contribute to strategic development of novel ETB platforms
• Network with the multi-disciplinary groups including Research and Biopharmaceutical Development team personnel, as well as Process Technologies team in own area of expertise
• Assist with non-complex projects, such as laboratory sanitization and organization or implementation of new instrumentation, as needed
• Interface with various departments and serve as internal SME, as needed
• Interface with external CRO or vendors to deliver on project goals
• Support in mentoring and training junior team members
• Follow safety guidelines for handling, disposal, and use of chemicals and bio-waste
• Conduct general laboratory duties: washing glassware, ordering supplies, and maintaining inventory e.g. buffers and basic laboratory equipment

Qualifications:

• Degree in Life Sciences or related technical area, required
• Required years of relevant experience in biochemistry and molecular biology within the biopharmaceutical industry or research institutions advancing tools designed for protein purification and characterization with degree level: PhD with no additional experience; Master's with two (2) years; Bachelor's with four (4) years
• Experience in column chromatography and protein purification and characterization, required
• Demonstrated technical, analytical, and organizational skills
• Experience in biochemical and biophysical protein analysis, highly desired
• Experience in alternative protein isolation and purification, preferred
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work in a fast-paced business environment
• Ability to work collaboratively in cross-functional teams
• Ability to exercise good judgement and arrive at data-driven, defendable conclusions
• Experience in maintaining accurate laboratory notebooks and records
• Excellent computer skills and experience with Unicorn software is desired

Reporting Structure:

This position may include supervisory responsibilities. This position reports to the Principal Scientist, Process Technologies.

Molecular Templates celebrates and supports our differences and is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected characteristic.

MTEM is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals. If you need assistance with your application due to a disability, you may contact us at: careers@mtem.com .

By submitting a resume for consideration, applicants verify that they have read MTEM's Applicant Privacy notice. https://www.mtem.com/privacy-policy