Scientist II

WuXi Biology at San Diego, a division of WuXi AppTec Company, is seeking a highly motivated and established Scientist II with deep and broad expertise in drug discovery and cutting-edge technologies in drug delivery with a focus on tLNP (targeted mRNA LNP) generation and in vitro validation via cell-based assays. The Scientist II will take the lead on the scientific innovation and technical development to provide tailored scientific services and solutions to our customers on their drug discovery research needs.

• Provides innovative scientific proposals, identifies and implements emerging key technologies to expand service capabilities and fulfill customer needs in cutting-edge drug discoveries.
• Leads the scientific innovation on evaluating and implementing newly emerging drug delivery technologies and builds new relevant integrated service platforms based on the emerging key technologies.
• Leads projects from study design to execution and troubleshooting to ensure successful project completion and provide best quality services.
• Drafts scientific proposals to provide tailored solutions for Clients.
• Performs tLNP generation and in vitro validation via cell-based assays.
• Establishes and ensures delivery of financial and productivity goals.
• Works closely with colleagues to coordinate collaborations within the in vitro team and with cross-functional teams.
• Responsible for coordinating efforts and facilitating communication to ensure alignment between different units and our customers.
• Ensures operation compliance of EHS rules and government regulations for all members of the in vitro Biology team
• Perform job specific tasks in compliance with applicable Regulations, International Standards, and WuXi AppTec Policies and Standard Operating Procedures.
• Other duties as assigned.
• May be required to assist in other departments.

Experience / Education       

• Ph.D in chemical engineering, chemistry, biochemistry, immunology, or related field with 3+ years of Biotech/Pharmaceutical/CRO working experience.
• Experienced with mRNA LNP design, optimization and production, antibody conjugation, in vitro cell-based assays for mRNA LNP drug validation and scientific proposal & report writing.

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities:

• Demonstrated broad expertise in state-of-art drug delivery technologies, including mRNA LNP design, optimization, production, antibody conjugation and validation in different assay systems.
• In-depth knowledge and hand-on experience on drug delivery (mRNA LNP, etc.) and related in vitro validation assays, including using human whole blood, PBMC, and isolated immune cell subsets for drug testing.
• Have a mindset from in vitro, to in vivo and clinical translation to continuously improve the data translatability during in vitro assay development.
• Knowledge of in vitro pharmacology assay development, validation and compound screening for different drug modalities, such as small molecule inhibitor/modulator, mAb, depleting mAb, bispecific, multi-specific, antibody oligonucleotide conjugate, antibody drug conjugate, antibody-conjugated nanoparticles with various payloads (small molecules, peptides, hormones, and various RNA moieties).
• Willing to expand technical expertise and support additional technologies and cross-functional activities as needed to strengthen team capabilities and project delivery.
• Strong communication skills with collaborators and clients, and the ability to present information clearly and professionally to varying levels of individuals.
• Ability to work effectively in team settings, build collaborative relationships with customers, managements, and peers from diverse backgrounds.

• Thorough understanding of Good Laboratory Practices and Good Manufacturing Practices.

Physical Requirements:               

• Must be able to work in an office environment with minimal noise conditions.
• Must be able to work in Lab setting with exposure to Animals/biohazards / Chemicals (List specific Chemicals)
• Must not have animal allergies to applicable species in this facility
• Must be able to wear appropriate PPE
• Must be able to work in environment with variable noise levels
• Ability to stand /Sit/walk for long periods of time
• Ability to Lift 10 lbs routinely
• Ability to crouch, bend, twist, and reach
• Ability to push/pull 10 lbs routinely/ often / occasionally
• Clarity of Vision
• Ability to identify and distinguish colors
• Must be able to perform activities with repetitive motions
• Ability to climb Ladders / Stairs / Scaffolding
• Ability to work in variable temperatures high to freezing
• Inside/outside working conditions

Anticipated base pay range: $82,731 to $107,132

An Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability

This job description does not state or imply that the above are the only duties and responsibilities assigned to this position. Employees holding this position will be required to perform any other job-related duties as requested by Management.