What are the responsibilities and job description for the Scientist - Viral vector production position at Prolific Machines?
Prolific Machines is ushering in a new era of biotechnology with light. Our first-of-its-kind photomolecular platform delivers unprecedented control, precisely guiding cellular behavior when and where it matters most. Unlike existing tools used to control biology, our technology unlocks dynamic control over virtually any cellular function in any cell type. We're enabling partners to unlock robust efficiency, quality, reproducibility, and sustainability advantages across pharmaceuticals and therapeutic proteins. Prolific is supported by leading investors, including Bill Gates’s Breakthrough Energy Ventures, Mayfield and SOSV.
Help us create a brighter tomorrow with biology. We're looking for mission-driven, talented, and kind people to join our team.
About this Job
We are looking for a scientist with experience in the development of stable packaging or producer lines for viral vectors such as rAAV or lentiviral vectors. The scientist will be part of the optogenetics team and work closely with members from the synthetic biology, cell line development, bioprocess development, and AI/data teams to develop revolutionizing methods for viral vector production.
\n- Design and generation of novel stable packaging and producer cell lines for viral vectors
- Small-scale production and characterization of viral vectors
- Design and cloning of the required genetic constructs
- Characterization of the genetic constructs in mammalian cells
- Close collaboration with members within the optogenetics team and with members from the synthetic biology, cell line development, bioprocess development, and AI/data teams
- Analysis, documentation, and presentation of experimental data
- Contribution to expanding the intellectual property (IP) portfolio
- Experience in the development of stable packaging or producer lines for viral vectors (e.g. rAAV or lentiviral vectors). Experience with inducible gene expression systems is an advantage.
- PhD in virology, synthetic biology, biotechnology, biochemistry, or another relevant discipline. Postdoctoral experience in industry or academia is a plus.
- Experience with state-of-the-art engineering techniques of mammalian cells
- Experience with mammalian suspension cells (e.g. CHO, HEK) including bioreactors is an advantage
- Enjoy both leading and carrying out independent projects and experimental work
- Excited about working with interdisciplinary teams
- Have strong communication skills
- Eager to work in a high-growth, fast-paced, and dynamic startup environment
- Comfortable pushing the boundaries of what is known to create innovative solutions
Diversity: We value diverse people, perspectives, and knowledge. To this end, we aim to foster a sense of belonging that enables everyone to bring their whole, authentic self to work everyday. We are committed to growing a diverse and inclusive team that encompasses all types of people. We believe this can only be achieved by acknowledging the ancestral, historic, and current systemic and communal inequities.
Location: The San Francisco Bay Area (Emeryville, CA)
Benefits: Outstanding Health, Vision & Dental Insurance (including full spouse coverage), at least one all-expense-paid team holiday per year, flexibility in schedule and unlimited vacation days. Free lunch every day!
Salary : $110,000 - $190,000
