Principal Scientist - Cell Therapy Process Development

Company: Atara Biotherapeutics
Location: Thousand Oaks
Posted on: June 4, 2021

Job Description:

Job Description

This position will work with the Process Sciences teams to develop and characterize cell therapy manufacturing processes and products. The Principal Scientist will be responsible for developing new manufacturing platform technologies, designing closed system processes and automating manufacturing platforms to support Atara's T cell products. He/she will be responsible for Upstream process development and process characterization of scale-up/scale-down cell manufacturing processes. Under minimal supervision, you will be expected to design and perform experiments, organize and carefully document results, as well as analyze and interpret results, and communicate findings through presentations.

Reports to Director of Cell Therapy Process Development

Work Location Thousand Oaks, CA

Primary Responsibilities

• Individually contributing and leading a team of 2-3 Engineers/ Scientists on development and optimization of upstream bioreactor processes
• Become the Subject Matter Expert (SME) for bioreactor culture and operations for T-cell Manufacturing
• Manage the design and execution of studies to establish operating and performance parameters (design space) for T cell manufacturing processes.
• Performs gap analysis and risk assessments to identify problems and deficiencies, as well as provide recommendations for studies and solutions to manufacturing process.
• Support the development of standard operating procedures, FMEA, batch records, and analytical sampling plans.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• PhD in a biological or engineering science with 5+ years of industry related experience, OR Master's Degree with 8+ years of related industry experience OR Bachelor's Degree with 10+ years of experience.
• Knowledge and experience in mammalian cell culture / biotechnology related development (aseptic operations, cell biology, & upstream cell manufacturing processes).
• Experience with process characterization, scale-up and closed system development.
• Experience with process automation and high throughput data management in JMP.
• Basic in-process analytical skills including the following techniques: multicolor flow cytometry, cell-based bioassays, etc.
• Ability to follow laboratory procedures with attention to detail, and successfully execute experiments at the bench.
• Comfortable in a fast-paced environment with minimal direction and able to adjust workload based upon changing priorities.
• Demonstrated ability to manage project per timeline, maintain lab execution records and perform data analysis

Preferred

• Prior experience developing suspension bioreactor processes in cell therapy
• Familiarity with development and /or commercialization of cell-based therapeutics
• Basic understanding of cGMP requirements.
• Experience using Design of Experiment (DOE) and JMP SAS software.
• Experience in Biotech / API DeltaV batch applications.
• Role model for Atara TRAIT values (Transparency, Respect, Accountability, Integrity, Trust)

More about Atara Bio

We launched Atara Biotherapeutics in August 2012 to help patients with serious diseases and few therapeutic options. We are considered a leading off-the-shelf T-cell immunotherapy company (Nasdaq ATRA) developing novel treatments for patients with cancer, autoimmune and viral diseases.

We're proud of our team of 425+ Atarians co-located by design in 4 different locations including South San Francisco (corporate headquarters), Thousand Oaks (R&D and manufacturing headquarters), Zug, Switzerland (european headquarters) and a R&D site in the Denver, Colorado area. Our Southern California hub is anchored by a new 90,000 sq. ft., state-of-the-art Atara T-Cell Operations and Manufacturing (ATOM) facility. Our mission - "Transform the lives of patients with serious medical conditions through pioneering science, teamwork, and a commitment to excellence."

Our vision - "T-Cell Immunotherapy for every patient, any time."

Atara offers a competitive benefits packages that includes medical/dental/vision benefits, life and disability, retirement and stock program, as well as a generous paid time off and wellness plan that supports the well-being of our staff. Visit www.atarabio.com/careers to learn more.

Atara Bio is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions on the basis of merit and other lawful factors. In accordance with applicable law, the Company prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth or medical condition related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, expression or dysphoria, marital status, age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, veteran status, caregiver status, sexual orientation, transgender status or any other classification protected by federal, state or local laws or because of the individual's association with a member of a protected group or connection to an organization or group related to a protected group.We comply with all applicable national, state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment as well as employment eligibility verification requirements of the Immigration and Nationality Act. All applicants must have authorization to work for Atara Bio in the United States.

Keywords: Atara Biotherapeutics, Thousand Oaks , Principal Scientist - Cell Therapy Process Development, Other , Thousand Oaks, California