Associate Scientist, Pilot Plant – Upstream
Gilead Sciences, Inc. is a research-based biopharmaceutical company founded in 1987. Together we deliver life-saving therapies to patients in need. With the commitment and drive you bring to workplace, you will be part of a team that is changing the world and helping millions of people live healthier, more fulfilling lives. You will see the tangible results of your contributions, where every individual matters, and everyone has a chance to enhance their skills through on-going development. Our scientific focus has resulted in marketed products that are benefiting hundreds of thousands of people, a pipeline of late-stage drug candidates, and unmatched patient access programs to ensure medications are available to those who could otherwise not afford them. By joining Gilead Sciences, you will further our mission to address unmet medical needs and improve life by advancing the care of patients with life-threatening diseases.
Gilead Gilead Sciences has an opportunity for an experienced candidate in Biologics Technical and Manufacturing Operations at our Oceanside facility in Southern California. We are seeking motivated, team oriented individuals with expertise in purification operations and technical transfer of recombinant proteins. You will have the opportunity to work with the early and late stage clinical development of our protein molecules. The qualified Associate Scientist will perform hands-on execution of all aspects of purification operations in pilot plant, process scale up/scale down, and potential GMP manufacturing support.
Skills required:
- Knowledge of cell culture scale-up and engineering principles (e.g. growth rates, specific consumption/production rates, bioreactor aspect ratios, power calculations, gas transfer, shear stress)
- Applicant should be an effective communicator of ideas and results and should have the ability to proactively identify issues and suggest solutions in a collaborative multidisciplinary environment
- Candidate should be self-motivated, ambitious, organized, and collaborative
Responsibilities:
- Prepare culture media, buffers, and other essential reagents
- Maintain multiple seed trains in shake flasks and bioreactors
- Build, operate, and troubleshoot bench top and pilot scale bioreactors; compile and analyze results
- Work with support functions to ensure equipment stays in peak working order
- Maintain a clean, organized, and uncluttered work area, and proper discretion with raw material sterilization and handling.
- Order raw materials, ensure availability, and maintain accurate inventories
- Write and edit batch records, work instructions, and campaign reports
- Identify opportunities for future process and equipment improvements
- Collaborate with the Oceanside Biologics Development, Biologics Manufacturing, Calibration, Maintenance, and Technical Operations colleagues to ensure successful scale-up and execution of lab operations
- Act as an effective and committed team player
- Demonstrate a strict adherence to safety and environmental and regulatory compliance
Essential Functions:
- Plans and executes assigned experiments and material generation operations that support project goals.
- Selects appropriate methods and techniques in performing operations.
- Recommends alternatives, researches new methods and techniques and proactively seeks out senior personnel to discuss potential solutions to problems.
- Participates in group meetings. Presents results of work, interprets data, and draws conclusions regarding presented material and nature of work.
- Demonstrates good verbal communication and interpersonal skills to provide insight into the processes used to achieve results of assigned tasks.
- Demonstrates ability to recognize anomalous and inconsistent results and interpret experimental outcomes.
- Develops skills in data analysis and ability to evaluate quality of data.
- Works with collaborative and problem solving spirit.
- Always works with safety in mind.
Knowledge, Experience, and Skills:
- 7+ years of experience with a BS degree in Chemical/Biochemical Engineering, Biochemistry, Biology or a related scientific discipline
- 5+ years of experience with a MS degree in Chemical/Biochemical Engineering, Biochemistry, Biology or a related scientific discipline
- Experience in Cell Culture Pilot Plant, MSAT, Development, and Manufacturing role(s)
- Experience with cell banking through scale-up and primary recovery (centrifugation and depth filtration). Mammalian and/or microbial fermentation experience is desired.
- Experience with bioreactor control systems is an advantage
- Hands-on experience with large-scale bioreactor operation is a plus
- Willing to flex schedule to perform weekend operations
- Consistent positive attitude and demonstrated ability to learn new skills
- Exhibits accountability, including taking ownership for words and actions and fulfilling commitments responsively
- Ability to lift 40 lbs repeatedly and stand for hours at a time