Position: Associate Scientist (I-III) – Research, Cell Line Development, and Process Development

Function: Research and Development

Company: Phanes Therapeutics, Inc.

Location: San Diego, CA

 

Phanes Therapeutics is a clinical stage biotech company focused on innovative discovery research and clinical development in oncology. The company has three programs in clinical stage: spevatamig (PT886) for pancreatic, gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) and gastric cancers, peluntamig (PT217) for small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC), mavrostobart (PT199) for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and pancreatic cancer. Both PT886 and PT217 have received Orphan Drug and Fast Track designations from the FDA. We are looking for motivated and passionate people to join us to help discover and develop new medicines and improve healthcare. We believe that innovative thinking, seamless execution, teamwork, and integrity are key values for building success. Our mission is to become a major source of innovation in the biotech and pharma industry.

 

At Phanes, we understand that scientific innovation is a challenging task and that is why we are looking for exceptionally talented people to join us on our mission. We are committed to fostering an innovative and fun working environment where individuals can pursue creative ideas and deliver results, because we know that our success depends on how to realize the true potential of our people.

 

Job Summary:

This position seeks an individual to advance our antibody therapeutics programs to the clinic. The individual will be responsible for assisting our cell line and process development efforts. Candidates should have a demonstrated record of excellent competency in wet laboratory research, with a focus on protein-related work, cell line development, process development, and should have a strong understanding of mammalian cell biology, biochemistry, chemical biology, and immuno-oncology. This position is on-site full time at our facility in San Diego, CA and will report to a Director at Phanes Therapeutics.

 

Key Responsibilities:

1. Cell line development for the production of antibodies:
   1. CHO cell transfection.
   2. Single cell cloning, scale-up, screening, and selecting top clones with favorable characteristics (i.e. growth, expression profile, stability).
   3. Setting up and maintaining fed batches.
   4. Generating Research Cell Banks (RCB).
2. Set up, maintain, and troubleshoot single use bioreactors up to 50 L:
   1. Expand cell cultures.
   2. Prepare media and tubing.
   3. Process development of lead clones in bioreactors to develop scalable processes that are transferable for further manufacturing.
   4. Monitor bioreactors throughout the production process and collect relevant process data.
   5. Carry out GLP-like production of antibodies at pilot scale.
3. Maintain detailed documentation of experiments in lab notebooks.
4. Communicate with team members regarding project status and advancement of project goals.
5. Perform additional tasks as needed, including running analytical assays, carrying out functional assays, purifying proteins, etc.

 

Qualifications:

1. Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree (BS/BA/MS) in biology, biochemistry, chemical biology, or a related life sciences or engineering field.
2. 0-5+ years of postgraduate experience in a laboratory research and development setting.
3. Strong background knowledge in protein chemistry, molecular biology, and biochemistry.
4. Experience in mammalian cell culture and aseptic technique is required.
5. Experience in cell and molecular biology, and routine analytical biochemistry is preferred.
6. Prior experience in antibody drug development, and in particular in cell line development for the production of antibodies is preferred.
7. Experience with bioreactors and their operation is a plus but not required.
8. Excellent attention to detail, ability to design and perform experiments, and maintain detailed and organized documentation.
9. Strong verbal and written communication skills.
10. Competent with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

 

Our Benefits Include:

• Competitive compensation package including bonus opportunities and stock options opportunities.
• Retirement 401(k) savings plan with employer match.
• Exceptional career growth opportunities.
• Excellent medical, dental and vision plans.
• Generous vacation and sick leave plans.
• 18 paid company holidays per year including a Winter Holiday Break.
• An opportunity to do truly meaningful work to make a lasting impact.
• On-site gym, ample parking including complimentary EV charging stations, company-sponsored events, etc.
• Flexible spending accounts (FSAs) for eligible out-of-pocket health care and dependent day care expenses.
• Health savings accounts (HSAs) a trust or custodial account to pay or reimburse certain medical expenses.
• Life and AD&D insurance, short- and long-term disability plans.
• Employee assistance program (EAP) provides employee counseling programs and various online resources.
• Additional voluntary benefits include pet insurance, auto and home insurance, commuter benefits, legal plans, and more.

 

The annual base salary we reasonably expect to pay is $69,000.00 - $100,000.00. Individual pay decisions depend on various factors, such as primary work location, complexity and responsibility of role, job duties/requirements, and relevant experience and skills.