Associate Scientist - Cell Line Development

Overview

Job Role:

Associate Scientist – Cloning
Department:
Cell Line Development

Reports to:

Team Lead, Lab Manager
Work week:
Tuesday - Saturday
Job-status:
Non-exempt

About ATUM:ATUM has a 20+ year history of innovation, headquartered in California. ATUM provides contract research and development services for biologics drug discovery and development. Our scope of service spans sequence optimization through cell line development. We use advanced AI, machine-learning and proprietary algorithms to de-risk and accelerate time-to-market for biologics.

Position Overview

We are looking for a skilled and detail-oriented Associate Scientist to join our Cell Line Development (CLD) Department. The successful candidate will possess strong knowledge and proficiency in cell line development workflows. The candidate will have experience in executing experiments in collaboration with other scientists, analyzing complex datasets, and resolving challenges in advanced assay workflows. This position requires expertise in operating cell line development instrumentation, as well as the ability to train team members and support laboratory operations.

Strong time management and collaboration abilities are critical, as this role involves juggling multiple lab responsibilities while delivering high-quality results and meeting production deadlines.

The ideal candidate will play a critical role in maintaining operational excellence to successfully completing client projects and adhering to deliverable deadlines. This position also involves lab housekeeping, and collaboration with other team members to enhance overall lab performance.

• Cell Line Development & Workflow Execution
• Apply a high level of knowledge in cell line development principles to execute and optimize production workflows.
• Independently execute production tasks in compliance with established procedures for the Cloning and Stability CLD workflow in LIMS, including:
• Thaw and expansion of pool or clones
• Single cell cloning
• Stability studies
• Cell Banking process
• Assist the manager with lab-to-lab handover samples to ensure seamless transitions.
• Fluent in LIMS user interface for executing work and reviewing data.
• Perform weekly and monthly maintenance on Vi-cells to ensure reliability and accuracy.
• Operate and maintain laboratory instruments, including Vi-cell, incubators, liquid handlers, VIPS, and Cell Metrics.
• Ensure optimal performance and adherence to quality standards.
• Track quality metrics for assigned processes, compile reports, and communicate results to the Production Manager.
• Execute experiments based on protocols, analyze and interpret experimental data, and contribute to new approaches and technologies.
• Review and edit Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to reflect best practices and current processes.
• Demonstrate excellent time management skills by prioritizing multiple tasks across various lab functions.
• Masterfully apply aseptic techniques while working with cell cultures in a biosafety cabinet (BSC).
• Make decisions that impact your own work and have a limited effect on broader workflows.
• Manage liquid nitrogen vial storage and inventory, ensuring proper labeling, organization, and documentation.
• Meet production deliverable deadlines consistently and efficiently.

• Actively perform troubleshooting for production issues and work with the manager and Scientists to identify and implement solutions.
• Drive initiatives related to the continuous improvement of workflows and the development of new approaches or technologies.
• Discuss experimental setups with the manager to ensure clarity on project overviews and goals. Work is reviewed upon completion and is consistent with departmental objectives.
• Execute research and development tasks as needed to support production innovation and process enhancements.
• Analyze data from production steps to ensure accuracy and adherence to quality standards.
• Address quality issues specific to CLD processes.
• Understands and works on complex scientific issues where analysis of situations or data requires an in-depth evaluation of variable factors.
• Decisions frequently impact the entire work group and occasionally the entire project team.

• Serve as a floater in the lab, stepping into various production workflows and tasks as needed.
• Provide guidance and support to team members on best practices and troubleshooting techniques.
• Collaborate with the team to drive continuous improvements in production processes and workflows.
• Train employees on protocols and instruments in areas where independence and mastery have been demonstrated, ensuring knowledge transfer and consistency in execution.
• Build strong working relationships within the team and across other labs in the company.
• Communicate effectively with management, staff, and cross-functional colleagues to ensure the alignment of production goals.
• Participate actively in team discussions, exchanging ideas and information to improve workflows.