Associate Scientist - Primordial Germ Cell Technology

The Associate Scientist position will produce genetically modified primordial germ cells for the generation of chickens expressing human antibodies and other novel antigen-binding scaffolds. This position reports to the Sr. Director, Molecular Biology and will interface between the cell culture and molecular biology teams. This position represents a critical role in developing our next generation of innovative in vivo platforms for the discovery of novel therapeutics. The successful candidate will have strong technical skills and hands-on experience in primary cell culture and genetic modification.   

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. This position is at the forefront of the effort to produce these genetic modifications in our engineered animals. 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, Inc.

About OmniAb®:

OmniAb’s discovery platform provides pharmaceutical industry partners access to diverse antibody repertoires and high-throughput screening technologies to enable discovery of next-generation therapeutics. At the heart of the OmniAb platform is the Biological Intelligence™ (BI) of our proprietary transgenic animals, including OmniRat, OmniChicken and OmniMouse that have been genetically modified to generate antibodies with human sequences to facilitate development of human therapeutic candidates. OmniFlic (transgenic rat) and OmniClic (transgenic chicken) address industry needs for bispecific antibody applications though a common light chain approach, and OmniTaur features unique structural attributes of cow antibodies for complex targets. We believe the OmniAb animals comprise the most diverse host systems available in the industry and they are optimally leveraged through computational antigen design and immunization methods, paired with high-throughput single B cell phenotypic screening and mining of next-generation sequencing datasets with custom algorithms to identify fully human antibodies with superior performance and developability characteristics. An established core competency focused on ion channels and transporters further differentiates our technology and creates opportunities in emerging target classes. OmniAb antibodies have been leveraged across modalities, including bispecific antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates and others. The OmniAb suite of technologies span from BI-powered repertoire generation to cutting edge antibody discovery and optimization offering a highly efficient and customizable end-to-end solution for the growing discovery needs of the global pharmaceutical industry.

Essential Role Responsibilities Include:

• Propagate and genetically modify primordial germ cells (PGCs)

• Produce germline chimeras by microinjection

• Establish re-derived PGC lines from transgenic animals

• Characterize PGC lines and transgenes by molecular techniques

Non-Essential Role Responsibilities Include:

• Assist in immunophenotyping of OmniAb birds

• Mentor Research Associates

Minimum Requirements:

• BS with 4-6 years, or MS with 2+ years, relevant experience

• Experience with primary cell culture is required, preferably stem cells

• Experience with genetic modification of stem cells is preferred

• Experience in molecular biology is preferred

• Eagerness to learn new methods and apply knowledge to a steady stream of new projects with distinct goals

• 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

Base Pay Range:  $110,000 - $125,000/year

The pay range provided is an estimated base range for this role. Exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience, education, and location. We also offer an excellent benefits program which includes a selection of Medical and Dental plans, and Life, AD&D and Short-Term Disability insurance, Tuition Reimbursement, 401(k) with immediate Company match vesting, Company paid holidays, and more!

OmniAb, Inc. 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.