Education Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Immunology, Biotechnology, or a related scientific discipline with typically 3–5 years of relevant experience.
- BS with Master’s degree preferred; PhD with 0–2 years of relevant experience in automation and high-throughput antibody screening also considered.
Experience Requirements
Required:
- Strong, hands-on experience with binding assays, such as ELISA and flow cytometry/FACS.
- Proven experience with automated liquid handling platforms (e.g., Hamilton Microlab STAR) and robotic arms or similar automation technologies.
- Demonstrated experience with immunoassays and antibody functional characterization.
- Strong experience with mammalian cell culture techniques, including maintenance, expansion, and assay ready cell preparation.
- Experience independently planning experiments, troubleshooting, and managing multiple concurrent laboratory tasks or projects.
Preferred:
- In-depth knowledge and experience with high throughput screening (HTS), including assay miniaturization and optimization.
- Familiarity with multiple microplate readers (e.g., SpectraMax, EnVision, CLARIOstar) and assay data acquisition.
- Experience with programming or scripting (e.g., Python, SQL, Venus, Momentum) for data processing, workflow automation, or instrument integration.
Skills and Competencies
Technical Skills:
- Proficiency in ELISA, flow cytometry, and other immunoassays for antibody binding and functional characterization.
- Strong proficiency with automated liquid handling systems and basic automation method development.
- Solid cell culture skills and the ability to support cell based assays.
- Proficiency with scientific data analysis software, such as GraphPad Prism, Spotfire, Genedata, or equivalent tools.
Soft Skills:
- Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex data and concepts clearly in group settings.
- Strong organizational and coordination skills, with demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and shifting priorities.
- Proven team player who can operate effectively in a fast paced, multi disciplinary environment.
- Ability to adapt to rapid changes in project priorities and timelines while maintaining high quality and attention to detail.
Note:
- 100% lab based onsite role.
- Possibility of extension based on budget and performance.
- Department: Discovery Biologics
- Work location: South San Francisco, CA
Job Title: Research Scientist – Automation and High-throughput antibody screening (Contractor)
Workload: Full-time, 40 hours/week
Job Summary / Purpose
We are seeking a highly motivated Research Scientist to join the Lab Automation Team for the Antibody Discovery group. This role will directly contribute to an innovative program focused on modernizing and automating antibody discovery workflows in alignment with strategic organizational goals.
The successful candidate will support and optimize hybridoma-based antibody generation workflows using advanced laboratory automation equipment and collaborate on streamlining data processing to produce robust, stage gate appropriate in vitro / cellular data packages that support new system development. The individual will also design, automate, and execute cell and protein based screening and characterization assays.
Key Responsibilities
- Design, implement, and validate automated methods for high throughput antibody screening and characterization to assess binding and functional attributes.
- Perform general laboratory research competently and independently, modifying and troubleshooting experimental design, methods, and instrumentation to meet evolving project needs.
- Support the expansion of high throughput screening (HTS) platforms, assay design, and the evaluation and integration of Client technologies.
- Implement automated liquid handling processes to support routine lab workflows, including protein normalization, serial dilution, cherry picking, and NGS library preparation.
- Perform cell culture on a variety of cell types to support characterization of antibodies and related biologics.
- Independently analyze and interpret experimental results, placing findings in the proper scientific context through review of relevant literature.
- Document, summarize, and report data clearly and accurately, including preparation of presentations for team and project meetings.
- Work on multiple projects in a fast paced, multidisciplinary team environment, collaborating effectively with cross functional partners.
- Adhere to good laboratory practices, maintain accurate records, and ensure compliance with relevant safety and quality standards.