Title: RA1 or RA2, Cell Culture Process Development
Employee Type: FTE
Location: United States - Novato, California

SUMMARY:

The Cell Culture Process Development department at BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc. is seeking to fill a full-time position for a Research Associate in upstream research and development. The successful candidate will work both independently and as part of a team focusing on optimizing production of recombinant viral vectors for the company’s gene therapy programs.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Buffer and media preparation
• Cell line maintenance, expansion, transfection
• Production, harvest, and purification of viral material
• Perform associated analytical assays
• Diligently document the results
• Maintenance of laboratory equipment
• Flexibility in a fast-paced, changing environment; be willing to accept responsibilities outside of the initial job description
• Handle multiple tasks efficiently
• Closely interact with other team members; develop internal and external collaborations
• Present results and conclusions in group and department meetings; write reports

EXPERIENCE

Required:

• Good working knowledge of chemistry and biochemistry principles
• Aseptic culturing technique
• Hands-on experience in suspension or adherent cells culturing
• Critical thinking, data analysis and interpretation skills
• Good interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

Desired:

• Experience with mammalian cell cultures, metabolite measurement, cell count and viability measurements
• Working knowledge of rAAV production process, transfection
• Experience with any of the following analytical techniques: flow cytometry, ddPCR/qPCR, Western Blotting, ELISA, Bio-Layer Interferometry (Octet), total protein assay, cell based assays.
• Knowledge of Ambr bioreactor operation is a plus
• Knowledge of JMP software and Design of Experiments principles is a plus

EDUCATION

Minimum: Bachelor’s degree in biological sciences or in a related field with 2+ years of experience in a cell culture laboratory.

Preferred: Bachelor’s degree with 4+ years or Master’s degree with 2+ years of experience in industrial research and development.