Pharma/ Biotech Associate Scientist (Contract W2 Role, F2F Interview)

Greetings from IT Engagements

IT Engagements is a global staff augmentation firm providing a wide-range of talent on-demand and total workforce solutions. We have an immediate opening for the below position with one of our premium clients.

Job Title: Associate Scientist (Contract W2 Role)

Work Location: San Diego, CA 

Interview Model: One Round Virtual and One In-person rounds (Both - 45 minutes each)

Working Hours: 9 AM to 5:30 PM PT

Job ID:  ROCGJP00040620

Description

Position Summary
We are seeking an experienced and motivated Associate Scientist to join the Analytical Development team at
San Diego. This position works with the PTCC team to develop and/or improve cell-based assays for cell product characterization and release. The Analytical Development Associate Scientist participates in laboratory activities to support process development, evaluate and develop new assay methods, and perform product characterization for CAR-T cell products. He/she is also involved in assay optimization and standardization and assay transfer to internal or external QC labs. Under the reasonable supervision, the role includes performing assay development experiments, carefully documenting methods and materials, writing SOPs/reports, and communicating findings. The ideal candidate has a proven track record of innovation, demonstrated skill set and knowledge in process and analytical development, and is excited to take on new challenges in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.

Responsibilities
These may include but are not limited to:

• Develops analytical test method procedures in accordance with relevant guidelines from ICH, USP, EP for cell therapy product GMP release testing and characterization.
• Supports analytical routine testing, qualification, and validation.
• Evaluates reagents and supplies to meet QC standards
• Co-authors test methods (SOPs), technical reports, and analytical sampling plans
• Documents laboratory procedures and experiments with great attention to detail in laboratory notebooks
• Performs assays for process assessment and product characterization
• Participates in assay transfers to QC and provides lifecycle support
• Summarize and present scientific data to project teams.
• Evaluates alternative technologies to create robust and reproducible analytical methods
• Sets up, monitors, samples, and analyzes cell culture processes
• Works with R&D teams to gain deeper understanding of the analytical methods for characterization of product critical quality attributes

Requirements, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• BS or MS degree in a relevant scientific discipline with five plus years of relevant experience in a biotech environment (an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered)
• Experience in human T cell biology with demonstrated proficiency in a broad range of cellular immunology techniques, including cell-based assays, immunoassays, and flow cytometry.
• Experiences with aseptic cell culture (human primary cells and cell lines) and bio-assay development and/or testing
• Ability to follow laboratory procedures with attention to detail, and successfully execute experiments at the bench
• Demonstrated ability to maintain detailed lab execution records and perform data analysis
• Excellent communication skills, data presentation and interpersonal skills
• Basic computer skills in Excel, PowerPoint, and word processing
• Attention to detail, initiative, and strong organizational skills
• Comfortable in a fast-paced small company environment with reasonable direction and able to adjust workload based upon changing priorities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Two plus years of relevant cell therapy industry experience
• Foundation in experimental documentation, basic statistical analysis, and data presentation
• Exposure in vitro T cell functional assays (potency, cytotoxicity, ELISA, proliferation, Luminex)
• Basic skills in molecular techniques including qPCR or ddPCR and electrophoresis.
• Experience with drafting SOP and forms
• Develops assays for cell product release and characterization by designing and executing studies via design of experiment (DoE)

Thank You

vinaya [at] itengagements [dot] com