Scientist (Cloning Specialist) at Inovio in San Diego, California

Job Description:

About INOVIO

INOVIO is a biotechnology company focused on rapidly bringing to market precisely designed DNA medicines to treat and protect people from infectious diseases, cancer, and diseases associated with HPV. INOVIO is the first and only company to have clinically demonstrated that a DNA medicine can be delivered directly into cells in the body via a proprietary smart device to produce an efficacious, robust and tolerable immune response. Partners and collaborators include Advaccine, ApolloBio Corporation, AstraZeneca, The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA)/Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense (JPEO-CBRND)/Department of Defense (DOD), HIV Vaccines Trial Network, International Vaccine Institute (IVI), Medical CBRN Defense Consortium (MCDC), National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Ology Bioservices, the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Plumbline Life Sciences, Regeneron, Richter-Helm BioLogics, Roche/Genentech, Thermo Fisher Scientific, University of Pennsylvania, VGXI, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, and The Wistar Institute. For more information, visit www.inovio.com.

Job summary

The Scientist interfaces with Research & Development, Antigen Design, and the Plasmid Production teams. The Scientist is responsible for generating new gene and plasmid constructs using molecular biology techniques including subcloning, ligation, primer design, PCR, gel electrophoresis, DNA sequence analysis, as well as mutagenesis by PCR. The person plays a crucial role in expediting turnaround time for new plasmid production. Hands on experience with molecular cloning methods including restriction-based, fragment assembly and seamless cloning techniques (Golden Gate, Gibson, TOPO, or similar) is essential. In addition, the position is responsible for evaluating and improving existing plasmids and carrying out literature review in related fields and facilitating the seamless transition of preclinical drug candidates into product development activities. Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, as well as organizational skills, are imperative. This position provides an opportunity to make a direct positive impact in the development of novel DNA-based therapeutics.

Essential job functions and duties

• Plan and execute synthetic gene subcloning tasks into proprietary Inovio vectors.


• Independently execute multiple laboratory techniques such as DNA/RNA isolation and manipulation, PCR, molecular cloning (NEB cloning, RE-based, BioBrick, SLIC, GeneArt Seamless Cloning, Gibson Assembly), microbial transformation and fermentation, site-directed mutagenesis, gel electrophoresis (DNA/RNA/SDS-PAGE).


• Manage multiple projects to facilitate pre-clinical to clinical development of vaccine candidates


• Play a role in expanding INOVIO's in-house molecular cloning resources with new equipment and technology evaluations.


• Provide accurate timelines for cloning tasks to plasmid production team and downstream scientists.


• Collaborate with Antigen Design and Plasmid production team members to optimize gene design methods for cloning tasks.


• Collect, analyze and present data at both internal meetings with other scientists and collaborators, as well as at external scientist meetings.


• Write internal development reports, grant applications, scientific publications, intellectual property documents and reports for regulatory filings from time to time to support the company's product development pipeline.


• Act as in-house expert in matters related to molecular biology, protein engineering, and antibody screening technologies.


• Independently work on design, creation and implementation of new cloning strategies using different cloning methods, PCR techniques and primer design.


• Proactively use literature to investigate and recommend new instruments and/or methods, screening strategies, or project targets.


• Implement new methods, screening, and protocols as needed.


• Introduce mutation in the existing DNA constructs by PCR, cloning.


• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum requirements

• Ph.D. degree in molecular biology, biotechnology, molecular genetics, or a related field.


• Minimum 2 years of research experience required with Ph.D, 4 years of experience with Master's degree, or 6 years of experience with Bachelor's degree.Previous industry experience is helpful.


• Expertise with molecular cloning methods including restriction-based, fragment assembly and seamless cloning techniques (Golden Gate, Gibson, TOPO, and similar) is essential.


• Hands-on experience using gene editing tools is a plus.


• Practical knowledge of nucleic/amino acid analysis, primer design, synthetic operon design/assembly, plasmid design/construction, and the use of bioinformatics software (Geneious, Vector NTI, SnapGene) for in silico planning of cloning strategies, construct assembly, and analysis of sequencing data.


• Prior protein purification, antibody experience is desirable


• Working knowledge of cGLPs, aseptic technique, statistical analysis, and browser-based LIMS.


• Experience operating and troubleshooting a variety of laboratory instruments, including thermocyclers, HPLC systems, clinical chemistry analyzers, and automated liquid handling equipment.


• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel/PowerPoint/Word, and data analysis programs such as Prism.


• Technical writing skills are required and professional oral communication experience is helpful.


• Familiarity with batch records and GLP compliance is a plus.


• Ability to work independently and within a multidisciplinary team as part of a matrix organization.


• Ability to consistently meet deadlines.


• Solid background in molecular biology and genetics with strong interpersonal, organizational, and time management skills.


• Ability to solve problems; can-do attitude and willingness to learn new knowledge and skills.

Disclaimer

INOVIO Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is committed to a policy of equal employment opportunity. In keeping with our policy, INOVIO will recruit, hire, train and promote into all job titles the most qualified individuals, without regard to race, color, creed, gender, gender identity and expression, religion, marital status, registered domestic partner status, age, national origin or ancestry, military or veteran status, physical or mental disability, medical condition including genetic characteristics, sexual orientation, or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws.

A current US work authorization is required. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed. INOVIO offers an attractive benefits package and is an equal opportunity employer.

Important notice to employment businesses/agencies

INOVIO does not accept referrals from employment agencies unless written authorization from the INOVIO Human Resources department has been provided. In the absence of written authorization, any actions undertaken by employment agencies shall be deemed to have been performed without our consent and therefore INOVIO will not be liable for any fees arising from employment agency referrals in respect to current or future position vacancies at INOVIO.