ABSCI Group Leader, Analytical Development Salary in the United States

Analytical Development – Group Leader

 AbSci is a growth stage synthetic biology company located in a new, state-of-the art laboratory in downtown Vancouver, WA, just across the river from Portland, OR.  AbSci is a global leader and innovator of revolutionary biomanufacturing technologies, designing and programming cells for next-generation biopharmaceuticals. Our Protein Printing™ technology results in dramatic reductions in the cost of producing biologics, acceleration of drug discovery timelines, and enables the production of previously difficult or impossible-to-produce molecules. Our technology is a new paradigm in protein production, as it increases discovery throughput, accelerates development, reduces manufacturing costs, and increases plant capacity for the biopharmaceutical industry.

 We are currently seeking a self-motivated, passionate, and accomplished Group Leader to join our Analytical Development team, reporting to Executive Director, Assay and Analytical Development.  The successful candidate will play a significant role in analytical method development and characterization of therapeutic proteins expressed using SoluPro™, AbSci’s proprietary E. coli expression platform.  This position requires a strong background in the development and analytical characterization of complex biologics by LC (e.g. LC-UV, SEC, IEX, etc.), LC-MS (e.g. intact mass, peptide mapping), CE-SDS, ELISA, BLI, SPR, SDS-PAGE, Western blot, etc.  The successful candidate is responsible for leading a team of at least 5 scientists, maintain budgets, CAPEX oversight, and requires multi-disciplinary collaboration with internal and external partners and key stakeholders.  Following a player-coach model, the Group Leader will both lead the team as well as participate directly in work at the lab bench.  This position requires innovative thinking and a drive to implement operational improvements.  The ideal candidate will have a passion for scientific innovation, excellent technical skills, implement operational improvements, execute their responsibilities with high attention to detail and a sense of urgency, and work well within a team dynamic in a high-performance culture.  

Responsibilities:

• Work with the Executive Director, Assay and Analytical Development to set the scientific direction and objectives, be the “guiding” intelligence for the Analytical Development team
• Lead, motivate, and empower a high-performing team of scientists in successfully executing on project milestones under aggressive timelines
• Effectively split time between leadership activities and hands-on time at the bench
• Provide technical leadership and project management to advance internal company priorities and deliver high-quality data on partnered programs
• Collaborate with AbSci’s scientific leadership team to ensure success of external partnerships and build a company culture that reflects AbSci’s core values
• Assist in the development and oversight of departmental budgets, including CAPEX
• Evaluate data for trends indicative of product performance, method performance, and/or analyst performance
• Write and review formal reports, including method SOPs, reports, and other technical documents
• Identify and drive operational improvements, including automation, high-throughout screening, new technologies, process mapping, etc.
• Develop a world-class team of high caliber scientist with an emphasis on routinely delivering high quality data and meeting project deadlines and deliverables
• Demonstrate effective communication and cross-collaborative interactions with internal and external partners to meet business needs

 Qualifications:

• PhD in Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, or related scientific discipline with a minimum of 7 years of relevant industry experience
• Previous experience leading a team of 5 or more senior scientists, scientists, and research associates
• Comprehensive hands-on knowledge of protein analytics and characterization, including LC (e.g. LC-UV, SEC, IEX, etc.), LC-MS (e.g. intact mass, peptide mapping), ELISA, BLI, SPR, SDS-PAGE, Western blot, etc. and associated sample preparation techniques
• Demonstrated experience in analytical method development and optimization, and implementation of the appropriate experimental and statistical controls to monitor method performance over time
• Experience working in highly matrixed team environments and collaborations
• Previous experience in statistical data analysis and Design of Experiment (DoE) as applied in an industrial biopharmaceutical environment is preferred
• Experience in using software packages such as LIMS, ELNs (electronic lab notebooks), EMPOWER, JMP, etc., is preferred
• Experience working with CMO’s and CRO’s for methods transfer, method optimization, and data and report review is a preferred
• Knowledge of cGLP/cGMP, FDA, EMA, ICH guidance’s and industry standards for analytical development and characterization of proteins is preferred
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills, strong verbal and written communication skills, attention to detail, a sense of urgency, and organizational skills
• Passion for building a creative company culture that is collaborative, multidisciplinary, and determined to make a transformative impact to our industry   
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills, strong verbal and written communication skills, attention to detail, a sense of urgency, and organizational skills
• Passion for building a creative company culture that is collaborative, multidisciplinary, and determined to make a transformative impact to our industry   

 AbSci offers highly competitive salaries and benefits, including medical and dental insurance, paid time off, and 401(k) with a generous company match. To apply for this job please use the link provided below.

 Legal authorization to work in the U.S. is required.  AbSci may agree to sponsor an individual for an employment visa now or in the future if there is a shortage of individuals with particular skills for this job.  In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.  This position is for our Vancouver, WA location (just outside of Portland, OR) - AbSci may agree to offer relocation assistance for this role.