Senior Scientist - Mammalian Expression

About Us:

Tentarix Biotherapeutics is an exciting company with a game-changing technology platform that allows for the discovery of next-generation, multi-specific investigational drugs, called Tentacles, to address limitations of existing cancer, autoimmune, and other disease therapies.

We are led by a seasoned executive team with proven expertise in multi-specific drug discovery. We are committed to hiring and retaining highly qualified and motivated team members passionate about making a difference for patients in the modern drug discovery landscape with our ground-breaking technology.

Tentarix team members are creative, hands-on, self-directed, and display excellent communication skills. They also exhibit a high level of integrity, resiliency, and a determination to contribute to the success of the company. We offer autonomy, flexibility, a modern culture, and the best tools to ensure the success of our individuals and collectively.

Role:

The Senior Scientist, Mammalian Expression will lead a San Diego-based Mammalian Expression Team responsible for expression and characterization of Tentacle (multi-specific) molecules. Additionally, the Senior Scientist will collaborate with the other Biotherapeutics and Biology Teams to provide protein material, characterization data, and molecular biology support to move Tentarix’s project portfolio forward.

Responsibilities:

• Lead mammalian cell expression team for protein expression and characterization including mAbs, bi/multispecific antibodies, and antigens for biologics discovery
• Establish robust transient expression workflows for CHO and HEK expression cell lines, optimize expression processes for microwell and shake flasks
• Implement the design of experiments (DOEs) to improve titers of low-expressing multichain proteins
• Implement a rapid CHO stable cell line system to produce mAbs, multispecific antibodies, and antigens
• Screen hits via common affinity characterization methods such as ELISA, MSD, BLI, and FLOW cytometry
• Contribute to building automated cell transfection and high-throughput protein expression methods to increase efficiency and productivity
• Manage protein expression requests and interface closely with project team members to ensure assays and screening efforts are aligned with project goals
• Interpret, summarize, and report research findings in team meetings and contribute to research strategy discussions
• Work with our automated notebook, molecular biology, and workflow software partner to establish the process for improved data capture and lot tracking
• Build strong lines of communication with the other teams at Tentarix to ensure proper hand-offs, maintain efficient workflows and to maximize our capabilities
• Maintain a culture of innovation and continual improvement
• Contribute to develop analytical methods for affinity characterization
• Cross train team members to ensure consistency and flexibility
• Transition current in-house mammalian platform to incorporate proprietary technologies and expanded workflows
  
  

Qualifications and Skills:

• Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, or other related scientific fields and 2-4 years of industry experience, or MS with 10+ years of experience, BS with 12+ years of experience.
• Strong background in mammalian cell culture and transient expression with outstanding aseptic technique and expression process optimization is required
• Experience with biologics including antibody and antibody-like therapeutics, including bi/multispecific antibodies is highly desirable
• Experience in state-of-the-art molecular biology methods is preferred
• Proficiency with immunoassays; such as ELISA, MSD, bio-layer interferometry (BLI), and flow cytometry is desired
• Some managerial experience leading small teams is preferred with an ability to grow as a leader
• Goal-oriented, organized, capable of prioritizing across multiple projects, and able to execute timelines that meet company goals
• Commitment to exhibiting the highest levels of integrity, ethics, and scientific standards
• A track record of innovation and scientific rigor, strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills, and the ability to contribute constructively to discussions.
• Thrive in a cross-functional team environment and committed to positively contributing to Tentarix supportive small company culture
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Confident, independent, and decisive; proactive and results-oriented with high-performance standards
• Hands-on contributor who understands the need for involvement at all levels of activity within a small company environment
  
  

Our employees are the Company’s most valuable asset, so we offer attractive compensation and benefits packages to retain the best in the field. Tentarix is committed to equal opportunity in the terms and conditions of employment for all employees and job applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, gender identity or gender expression, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

The wage range for this role takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets, experience, training, licensure, certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The disclosed range estimate has not been adjusted for the applicable geographic differential associated with the location at which the position may be filled. At Tentarix, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their role and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current range is $130,000 – 150,000 + bonus target + benefits + equity.

Tentarix Biotherapeutics, Inc. also complies with all applicable national, state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements of the Immigration and Nationality Act and IRCA. We are an E-Verify employer.