AbCellera is breaking the barriers of conventional drug development to propel antibody-based medicines from target to clinic. We are a team of scientists, engineers, creatives, and business professionals who believe that advancing science enhances lives. We have developed technologies to unlock high-value drug targets, including antibody-drug conjugates and T-cell engagers for cancer, and complex transmembrane proteins for indications such as metabolic and endocrine conditions, pain, and autoimmunity.

We are seeking a highly motivated Upstream Scientist to join the Manufacturing, Science & Technology team. In this role, based in beautiful Vancouver, Canada, you will focus on implementing and operationalizing a 200L scale pilot manufacturing facility to generate materials or CMC development, including providing high quality representative material for regulatory submission enabling GLP toxicology studies. You will also play a key role in technology transfer and scale-up to enable successful antibody production from the bench to manufacturing scale.

How you might spend your days

• Operating single-use bioreactors and mixers to manufacture therapeutic antibodies, bispecifics, and other related biologics at scales of up to 200L 
• Working closely with process development, manufacturing, and other functions within Technical Operations to determine process parameters, scale-up and best practices for 200L scale manufacturing
• Authoring SOPs, technical reports, batch records, and technology transfer documents
• Providing a science-based approach for the evaluation and testing of new technologies to reduce cost of goods and streamline process development and manufacturing
• Contributing to facility readiness and start-up activities, as well as batch readiness and operational support
• Partnering closely with other stakeholders to enable technology transfers and scale-up to GMP manufacturing
• Championing high safety standards within the pilot plant
• Analyzing and interpreting data to support scientific decision making

We’d love to hear from you if you

• Have 5+ years of industrial experience in process development, manufacturing, and MSAT
• Have a bachelor’s degree in biotechnology, chemical/biochemical engineering, or another relevant life-science discipline
• Have hands-on experience in mammalian cell culture and the operation of bioreactors as well as experience using single-use technologies 
• Have expertise in cell culture metrics, including agitation, viable cell density, metabolite consumption rates, pH, dissolved oxygen, and media and feed composition and strategy
• Have experience in scale-up, technology transfer, batch documentation, data analysis and data management
• Have demonstrated experience in batch production 
• Are a capable cell culture and upstream processing scientist, with hands-on experience operating bioreactors and utilizing single-use technologies
• Have experience in mammalian cell culture, growth media preparation, scale-up and upstream operations to support robust processes for the expression of recombinant monoclonal and bispecific antibodies, at scales of up to 200L
• Thrive in a fast-paced environment with a high level of urgency and evolving priorities, and apply pragmatic, risk-based decision making to process development and manufacturing

What we offer

AbCellera’s hiring range for this role is CAD $75,200 - $94,000 annually, commensurate with your education and job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. In addition to base salary, we offer equity, an annual bonus dependent on team and company performance, and a 6% (non-match) RRSP contribution. 

You will have a CAD $1,500 annual Active Lifestyle Allowance, annual vacation, opportunity for flexible work arrangements, professional development opportunities, and comprehensive health benefits. Scientific and technical mentorship is a priority. And you’ll find we prioritize teams and social groups to build community and connections across AbCellera.

About AbCellera

AbCellera is a global company that discovers and develops antibody-based medicines that help people live longer, happier, and more productive lives. We are focused on bringing innovative medicines to patients, both by advancing our internal pipeline of programs and partnering with companies that have novel science or innovative technology.

And it all starts with our team. We’ve built a place where people feel they are part of something bigger than themselves. A place that exists to push the limits of science and technology, and aims to bring better therapies to patients.

We look for people with drive and energy. Idealists. People we love and people we trust. This may be unconventional, but it is the key to our success.