Scientist (HPLC/UHPLC Specialist)
About Invenra:
We are a rapidly expanding and well-funded biotechnology company focused on employing cutting edge protein engineering and multi-specific antibodies to discover therapeutic solutions to challenging diseases. At Invenra, we start with biology, then employ our extensive technology toolbox and efficient discovery engine to design and create first- and best-in-class drug candidates. Using our proprietary B-BODY®, SNIPER® and CLUSTR™ technologies, we have generated a robust pipeline of next-generation multi-specific antibodies to address unmet therapeutic needs in immuno-oncology and autoimmunity. Invenra’s employee-focused management and flexible work environment creates a culture of energy and innovation where everyone makes a difference, and everyone benefits from success. For more information, please visit www.invenra.com.
Position Summary:
Invenra is seeking an experienced, instrumentation-savvy analytical Scientist to join our Protein Characterization/Analytics team. A successful candidate will have strong technical competencies regarding operation and repair of chromatographic instrumentation and expert grasp of the fundamentals of chromatographic separations. This individual will assume responsibility for instrumentation suitability, instrumentation troubleshooting (including maintenance/repair), protein chromatography quality control, and assay development to support Invenra’s numerous pre-clinical protein biotherapeutic programs. This position reports to the Senior Director of Analytics.
Key Responsibilities:
- Ensures the fleet of HPLC/UHPLC instrumentation meets system suitability requirements. Up to a dozen instruments must be monitored.
- Performs routine maintenance on chromatographic instrumentation, including replacing pump seals/pistons, injection valve repair, and replacement of sampling needles and in-line filters.
- Troubleshoots and repairs instrumentation as needed, including diagnosing faulty electronic boards, performing major hardware repairs (replacing pump assemblies, replacing transport carriages, rebuilding detection cells and degassers, etc.), and upgrading firmware.
- Oversees QA/QC characterization of antibodies, antigens, and other engineered proteins using SEC, HIC, IEX, and SMAC techniques with UV, fluorescence, and/or MALS detection. Must endure data quality meets or exceeds quality criteria.
- Performs post-affinity purification polishing of proteins by analytical and semi-preparative HPLC methods.
- Prepares analytical standards, chromatographic mobile phases, and reagent stocks.
- Analyzes and interprets data from multiple assays prior to compiling and communicating results.
- Employs new strategies for protein characterization using chromatographic techniques.
- Develops and/or modify polishing techniques to improve protein yield, protein purity, and sample throughput.
- Establishes suitable standards and controls for new assays and writing standard operating procedures for use.
- Serves as a representative of Analytics Team on project core teams.
Required Education, Experience, and Competencies:
- Bachelor’s, Master’s or Ph.D. in chemistry, biochemistry, or other biological/physical science discipline with 0-2 years (Ph.D.), 3+ years, (M.S.) and 5+ years (B.S.) of relevant industry experience.
- Mastery of operation and troubleshooting/repairing of HPLC/UHPLC instrumentation is required. A minimum of 1 year of direct hands-on experience performing repairs beyond routine maintenance is a must.
- Previous experience performing and directing routine maintenance of HPLC/UHPLC instrumentation.
- Mastery of chromatographic separations and underlying chemistry fundamentals with an emphasis on protein chromatography. Must have solid grasp of the principles governing chromatographic separations including the variables that can be adjusted to achieve the desired experimental outcome.
- The ability to execute routine QA/QC work at expected quality with minimal supervisory oversight is a requirement.
- Must be willing to mentor junior scientists, research associates, and interns while fostering a laboratory environment comprising analytical rigor, creativity, and accountability.
- Must adhere to standard operating procedures, when required.
- Must be reliable, have a professional attitude, and maintain positive group dynamic through effective and timely communication.
- Should embrace working in a fast-paced environment, with multiple projects and evolving priorities.
Preferred, but not required:
- Experience with Agilent 1100/1200/1260/1290 series HPLC/UHPLC instruments and ChemStation software.
- Experience with antibody chromatography strongly preferred.
- Experience affinity purifying and characterizing biomolecules including mono-/multi-specific antibodies, nanobodies (VHH), cell-surface proteins, and affinity-tagged proteins is highly desired.
- Experience using and interpreting data from multiangle light scattering instrumentation (MALS) is a plus; favor will be shown to candidates with experience with Wyatt Technology instruments and software.
Note: All job candidates must be authorized to work in the United States.
Benefits:
Includes a competitive compensation and benefits package composed of health and dental benefits, 401k match, stock option grants, PTO, tuition reimbursement, a generous bonus plan and relocation assistance. At Invenra, we believe in maintaining the highest ethical standards and ensuring that all employees have a good work-life balance.
Invenra is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Invenra is committed to a diverse workforce. We believe every individual brings their own unique experience, and these experiences foster innovation and success. We are enthusiastically inclusive of age, race, creed, color, disability, marital status, sex, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, and military service.