Scientist I

Job Description

Job Summary:

• The Cell Line Development Department at Client is seeking a highly motivated Molecular Biology Scientist to join a high-performing, collaborative team focused on optimizing CHO cell line development platforms through advanced molecular biology techniques and automation.
• Responsibilities will focus on improving process workflows, expression system components, and CLD methods used to generate recombinant CHO cell lines for production of protein biologics.
• This will include the design and generation of next generation vector topologies utilizing modern cloning strategies such as Gibson assembly and Golden Gate cloning.
• The ideal candidate will possess expertise in high-throughput molecular biology workflows and automated vector construction pipelines.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Design and construct expression vectors using advanced molecular cloning techniques including Gibson assembly, Golden Gate cloning, restriction enzyme-based cloning, and site-directed mutagenesis
• Develop, optimize, and implement automated workflows for high-throughput vector construction and DNA assembly on liquid handling platforms
• Generate, validate, and bank vector constructs for expression of candidate biotherapeutic molecules in mammalian cell systems
• Perform molecular characterization of cell lines and constructs using techniques such as ddPCR, Sanger sequencing, and restriction mapping
• Support NGS library preparation for genomic and transcriptomic analysis of CHO cell lines
• Optimize and troubleshoot molecular biology protocols to improve efficiency and reproducibility
• Prepare technical reports and presentations to communicate progress and data

Basic Qualifications:

• PhD (0-3 years) in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, or related discipline.
• Extensive hands-on experience with molecular cloning techniques including Gibson assembly, Golden Gate cloning, restriction cloning, and PCR-based methods.
• Demonstrated expertise in DNA construct design, vector engineering, and plasmid preparation.
• Experience with genetic characterization methods such as ddPCR, qPCR, gel electrophoresis, and DNA sequencing analysis.
• Proficiency in designing and optimizing molecular biology workflows for automation on liquid handling platforms (Hamilton, Tecan, or similar).
• Strong technical background in molecular biology with excellent attention to detail and troubleshooting skills.
• Self-motivated with excellent organization, time-management, and communication skills.
• Maintain detailed electronic laboratory notebooks and documentation of all experimental procedures.
• Demonstrated ability to work as member of a team and adhere to timelines.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Mammalian cell culture experience in a pharmaceutical or biotechnology setting, particularly with CHO cells.
• Experience with high-throughput screening and clone selection strategies.
• Familiarity with bioinformatic tools for DNA sequence analysis, primer design, and in silico cloning (Snapgene, Geneious, Benchling, Primer3 or similar).
• Knowledge of CHO cell line development processes and recombinant protein expression.
• Experience using Oxford Nanopore Technologies in NGS workflows.
• Basic programming skills in R or Python for data analysis and visualization.
• Experience with Bash/command line scripting for bioinformatics workflows and data processing.
• Experience with automated colony picking and clone tracking systems.
• Flexibility to adjust to a fast-paced, goal-oriented environment and willingness to expand and broaden skillset.