Research Associate - xPloration

The Research Associate reports directly to a Senior Research Scientist and is responsible for supporting Ligand’s OmniAb Technology. This position represents a critical role in performing high-throughput B cell screening and sequencing to identify therapeutic candidates for partners, as well as validating next generation transgenic animals. A successful candidate would have strong technical skills and hands-on experience in assay development, molecular biology, and/or cell culture. 

Working in Ligand’s OmniAb Group:    

Ligand is a dynamic, fast-paced organization committed to creating shareholder value and addressing unmet medical needs through developing and acquiring cutting-edge, royalty-bearing technologies and establishing research collaborations that make major life-saving global drugs possible. To be successful at Ligand, employees must be innovative, efficient, versatile, self-starters who take great pride in their work and want to contribute to something significant.

The OmniAb group consists of dynamic and innovative scientists that employ a variety of novel platforms to support our partners in discovering the best antibodies possible for their therapeutic applications. At the core of OmniAb is the ability to engineer animals to generate affinity matured human sequence antibodies for use in conventional and novel formats. We leverage our proprietary animals with state-of-the-art technology in antigen design, immunization methods and high-throughput single B cell screening to facilitate discovery of best-in-class antibodies. We are looking for accomplished team players who are enthusiastic to contribute to the technological frontier of antibody discovery, and passionate in their desire to collaborate with partners to develop next generation therapeutics. See OmniAb.com for more details about the exciting science being performed at OmniAb.

Essential Role Responsibilities:

• Perform high-throughput B cell screens, antibody sequencing and expression workflows
• Perform a wide variety of molecular biological techniques such as cloning, PCR, DNA/RNA isolation, NGS library preparation and QC, and DNA gel purification with exceptional attention to detail
• Maintain cell culture and other material required for antibody discovery campaigns
• With the guidance of senior team members, execute research and experiments on new assay and protocol development
• Keep organized, meticulous, and accurate electronic lab notebooks
• Contribute to data analysis and presentation of results internally 

Non-Essential Role Responsibilities Include:

• Support day-to-day operations, service, and troubleshooting
• Support and participate in scientific conferences
• Back-up to support other programs
• Other duties as required

Experience & Skills:

• BS or MS in biochemistry or equivalent, with 1 or more years of relevant experience
• Must demonstrate a thorough knowledge of experimental design, underlying scientific principles, and the ability to analyze and assess results independently
• Must have experience in standard molecular biological techniques, including DNA cloning, PCR, DNA isolation, cell transformations, and DNA gels
• Experience in protein expression and purification are highly preferred
• Experience in mammalian cells culture and flow cytometry is highly preferred
• Experience in high throughput sequencing is highly preferred
• An eager interest in learning and mastering new laboratory techniques approaches 
• Must demonstrate well-developed communication, record keeping, organizational skills, and the ability to work in a team environment

Benefits:

The company offers competitive benefits including Medical, Dental, Vision, Short/Long Term Disability and Life Insurance, as well as 401(k) Match, Stock Options, Bonus, and Paid Leave Time. 

Additional Information:

• All new hires are required to go through background and reference checks
• OmniAb is an EEO/AA/Disability/Vets employer
• Must be legally authorized to work in the US without sponsorship
• OmniAb celebrates the diversity of life and welcomes all individuals to apply
• New hires based in the US will be required to demonstrate that they have been fully vaccinated and boosted for COVID-19 or qualify for a medical or religious exemption or accommodation to this vaccination requirement

OmniAb is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against applicants due to race, ethnicity, gender, veteran status, or on the basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.