Principal Scientist Cell Culture Media Development

The position: 

The head of media development will lead the projects involving development and commercialization of cell culture media at Prolific. As part of a broad technical organization tasked with commercializing Prolific Machine’s unique technology, they will lead the formulation of a food-safe and cost-effective cell culture media in close collaboration with bioprocess development. They would collaborate with stakeholders from upstream and downstream development teams, as well as manage and grow the Media Development team. This position will report into the Head of BPD.

Leading the media development team:

• Own the technical media development strategy and ensure it is aligned with strategic business objectives and across teams. 
• Manage and mentor scientists in designing and executing experiments in media development and process optimization to establish robust and scalable cell culture processes for various adherent and suspension cell types. 
• Serve as an organizational subject matter expert in media components and associated cellular and metabolic pathways.
• Ensure technologies are implace to improve media efficiency and process productivity and to expand capabilities and productivity of the media team.
• Weighing technical performance with the assessing the availability of a stable and cost-effective supply chain for cell culture media components and relevant equipment vendors, etc.

Collaborate and communicate with:

• Regulatory experts and consultants to support regulatory filings and achieve regulatory approval. 
• Head of business/operations to evaluate the media cost and align on business and technical objectives 
• Cell line development, bioprocess engineering and product development teams for the cross-functional coordination to make key decisions on tech transfers and technical support.
• Third-parties, suppliers and partners for ingredients, equipment
  
  

Some things about you

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with clarity in communication around the tradeoffs in scope, quality, time and (human) resources.
• You come with creative, cost-effective solutions to accelerate timelines. You know when to be flexible and when to be assertive and communicate what you know is right.
• You are an effective integrator - you are a quick learner and effective facilitator and can integrate knowledge, data, and experience from others to make efficient progress. 
• You are a thoughtful, fun coworker who cares deeply about the company's mission and culture.
• You thrive in a dynamic environment and can take on the plurality of challenges that are inherent to startups.
• You foster a team environment and you actively seek critical feedback from your colleagues.

What you need to be successful

• Advanced degree (Ph.D. preferred) in cell/molecular biology, bioengineering, or related life sciences field with 15+ years of experience (combination of academic and industry settings) in research and development in a biopharmaceutical or similar industry.
• Extensive experience in industrial mammalian cell culture media development with strong technical understanding of cell culture media, key components and associated metabolic pathways relating to media and process development 
• Strong understanding/experience in designing and executing high throughput experiments using design of experiment (DOE) and automation (Liquids Handlers), and subsequent data analysis through SIMCA, JMP, or Python.
• Experience/expertise with cGMP operations as well as 5+ years relevant management experience leading staff and teams responsible for media/process development and/or technology transfer.

• The ability to develop and present a compelling & comprehensive vision that is grounded in data, and the motivation and excitement to lead a project with mission driven scientists. 

Highly desired scientific skills: 

• Robust background in nutritional biochemistry and metabolic engineering.
• Experience in the culture of various cell types ranging from skeletal muscle cells, fibroblasts, adipocytes to ESCs/iPSCs. 

What we offer: 

Start Date & Location: Emeryville, CA starting in the next couple of months (once we fundraise).

Compensation Range: $170,000-$220,000 (bi-weekly payments) + significant stock options (subject to vesting), performance-based bonus, and free lunch and drinks every day!

Benefits: Outstanding Health, Vision & Dental Insurance (including full spouse coverage), coverage of visa and relocation costs, at least one all-expense-paid team holiday per year, fully flexible work hours and unlimited vacation days.