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Associate Scientist / Scientist I; Analytical Sciences

Culver City

About our Company
Appia Bio is a preclinical stage biotech company founded in 2020 with the mission to bring innovative off-the-shelf cell therapies to cancer patients. Our novel platform can generate a broad array of allogeneic NKT and T cell types and can be engineered to address challenges in tumor microenvironments. Our goal is to discover and develop allogeneic cell therapies across a broad array of cancer indications with a scalability that increases access for patients.
 
Our research programs are rooted in leveraging T cell biology to generate NKT and T cell subtypes from hematopoietic stem cells. The scientific foundation of Appia Bio is underpinned by collaborative research led by Lili Yang (UCLA), David Baltimore (Caltech), and Pin Wang (USC), and further advised by a stellar scientific advisory board. The management team brings decades of experience in R&D, Technical Operations and business in the biotech industry.

 

POSITION:                                          Associate Scientist / Scientist I

LOCATION:                                        Los Angeles, CA

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP:    Reports to Principal Scientist, Analytical Development

 

COMPANY OVERVIEW

Appia Bio is a preclinical stage biotech company founded in 2020 with the mission to bring innovative off-the-shelf cell therapies to cancer patients. Our ACUA platform has been developed to generate CAR-engineered NKT and gd T cells from cord blood derived hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells at scale. The unique attributes of Appia’s cell therapies confer a number of biological advantages to overcome many of the impediments for the successful treatment of diseases with high unmet medical need. Our goal is to discover and develop allogeneic cell therapies for the treatment of a broad array of cancer and autoimmune indications with a scalability that increases access for patients.

Innovation, collaboration, and dedication are at the heart of Appia’s culture. The scientific foundation of Appia Bio is underpinned by groundbreaking research led by Lili Yang (UCLA), David Baltimore (Caltech), and Pin Wang (USC). The management team brings decades of experience in R&D and business in the biotech industry.

POSITION SUMMARY

Appia’s Analytical Sciences team is seeking a passionate and innovative Associate Scientist / Scientist I. The candidate will be responsible for developing cell-based analytical methods aligned with vector and allogeneic cellular therapy product quality attributes to enable process development, product characterization, stability and release testing of Appia Bio’s novel engineered cell therapy products. In addition, they will author and review method development reports, standard operating procedures, gap and risks assessments, and assist in the technical review of documents supporting regulatory filings. The final title will be based on a combination of education and experience.

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Employ quality by design (QbD) and design of experiment (DOE) approaches to quickly identify robust operating regions within phase-appropriate pre-defined acceptance criteria aimed to meet ICH guidelines
  • Execute and document analytical method development activities and assay execution for the following techniques (depending on candidate’s expertise) towards enabling process development and product understanding
    • cell culture/passaging
    • immunophenotyping using multi-parametric flow cytometry
    • plate-based immunoassays
    • droplet digital PCR
  • Work with Process Development in executing and documenting analytical methods as part of experimental study plans supporting the process development of Appia’s novel cell therapy platforms
  • Author, review, and edit accurate technical documents related to method development & qualification, equipment usage, and training
  • Assist in technology transfer of analytical methods to contract manufacturing and development organizations and/or external business partners
  • Participate in group and department meetings by presenting scientific data and communicating expertise in areas of responsibility
  • Maintain, calibrate, and operate analytical equipment and instrumentation that is used routinely in the execution of assays
  • Ensure that departmental area is maintained per 5S guidelines
  • Other duties as assigned

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

MS. in Immunology, Cell Biology, or related discipline or in a similar discipline with 6-8+ years of industry experience or an advanced degree (Ph.D.) with 0+ years of experience.

  • Demonstrate expertise with developing and/or executing any or all of the following analytical methods
    • plate-based immunoassays (e.g. ELISA, MSD, Luminex, AlpaLISA)
    • multi-parametric flow cytometry
    • mammalian cell-based potency assays (e.g co-culture, cytotoxicity, proliferation)
    • droplet digital PCR using the QX200 (Bio-Rad)
  • Experience with Good Documentation Practices and analytical method development for execution in a GMP environment
  • Excellent skills in Microsoft Office and data analysis software (e.g. Prism, JMP, FlowJo, CytExpert, SoftMax Pro)
  • Ability to think critically and demonstrate troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
  • Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills
  • Experience and aptitude in working in a multidisciplinary, fast-paced laboratory environment with moderate supervision

Preferred Qualifications

  • Demonstrate knowledge of process development of cellular therapy products and analytical method development for GMP
  • Experience in development and qualification of immunoassays, multi-parameter flow cytometry, and potency methods for release in a QC/regulated environment
  • Knowledge of QbD approaches to analytical method development including gap and risk assessments, DOE and statistical analysis

Appia Bio requires COVID-19 vaccination for all employees. As required by applicable law, we will consider reasonable accommodations.

 

 

Final compensation for the successful candidate is determined by various factors, including educational credentials and relevant job or industry experience. The advertised pay range is indicative and generally applicable to candidates meeting the job description's criteria. In line with our commitment to fairness and competitive compensation, we will consider your unique skill set and overall profile. Additionally, we offer a comprehensive benefits program designed to meet your individual needs.

Culver City Pay Range

$99,189 - $130,295 USD

Benefits
Competitive Compensation Packages | Cost Sharing for Health Insurance Premiums | Flexible Work Environment | Untracked PTO | 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan Match | Life Insurance & Disability| Awesome Culture | Challenging & Fulfilling Work | Equity Options | and more
 
Appia Bio requires COVID-19 vaccination for all employees. As required by applicable law, we will consider requests for reasonable accommodations.
 
The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. In addition, Appia Bio only extends offers of employment to candidates that have been through a formal selection process. 
 
Appia Bio is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements.

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