Cell Culture Associate (Contingent)

PURPOSE:

Novo Nordisk, a global health care company, is committed to discovering and developing innovative medicines to help people living with diabetes lead longer, healthier lives. To support this, Novo Nordisk is conducting research on stem cell therapy. Stem cell research raises hopes for improved treatment of Type 1 Diabetes and for future treatments with cell transplantation therapy. This treatment could be offered to people with many different serious chronic diseases caused by the degeneration of specific cells, such as Type 1 Diabetes. Type 1 Diabetes is manifested by the selective destruction of the insulin-producing cells in the body, which leads to a life-long dependence on insulin injections to control blood sugar levels. It is usually diagnosed in children and young adults. Cell therapy may offer a better treatment by replacing the lost cells with new insulin-producing cells derived from stem cells, thus avoiding daily multiple insulin injections as well as numerous blood glucose tests. This treatment may also offer better blood glucose control, which is crucial to avoid late-stage complications such as blindness and kidney failure. In this project Novo Nordisk will generate new stem cell lines to be used in future cell therapies to treat Type 1 Diabetes. A contingent worker will be hired to assist in this overall effort.

RELATIONSHIPS:

The Associate (contingent) will work at the UCSF GMP facility located in the Mission Center Building in San Francisco. The current (contingent) position will initially be in a highly dynamic research lab, later in a cGMP facility, with the primary focus on studying the basic biology of human embryonic stem cells. The Associate (contingent) will report to the Senior Manager, Cell Line Development. Internal stakeholders include employees in R&D in Novo Nordisk A/S, employees of UCSF, and employees at the Novo Nordisk Research Center Seattle, Inc. (NNRCSI).

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

•Documenting the tasks conducted in the GMP facility.
•Derive human stem cell lines, develop knowledge on cell culture processes and new derivation methods for stem cell based cell therapy products in a team environment.
•Characterize and control the derivation method, up scaling process, and freezing procedures.
•Perform final derivation in a full GTP and GMP compliant cleanroom environment including full aseptic gowning.
•Derive human cell lines using an existing method as well as develop new derivation methods. Derivation will occur using quality by design methodologies in dedicated studies, with a dedicated team from both Novo Nordisk (NN) and University of California at San Francisco (UCSF).

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

•Approximately 0% overnight travel
•Ability to lift 15 lbs. without assistance
•Ability to work in a cleanroom environment in full aseptic gowning (no skin exposed)
•Ability to work flexible hours as necessitated by the process

KEY SUCCESS FACTORS: EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

•Bachelor’s degree in the life sciences field is required. Master’s degree preferred.
•5+ years’ experience within cell culture, and cultivation of mammalian cells. Experience with analytical procedures to assess the quality of cells (karyotyping, FACS, RNA, ICC) or cell metabolism (metabolite profiling) is preferred. Hands-on experience within cell line derivation development, in vitro fertilization associated technical procedures, mammalian cells, derivation, and or knowledge in GMP/GTP, aseptic handling is preferred.
•Must have a high focus on quality. A proven scientific record and/or experience from working cross culturally or in global teams are preferred.
•Demonstrated ability to identify, challenge, and implement potential improvements to work procedures.
•Highly motivated and comfortable working in a results-oriented dynamic research and development environment.
•Computer proficiency including MS Office, Photoshop, Endnote, photomicrography
•Ability to work independently and in teams consisting of members with different degrees of knowledge or ability
•Fine motor skills
•Good oral and written communication skills in English
•Good organizational skills

Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Additionally, this job description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions. It does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.

This job posting is for a contingent worker only. Kelly Services will retain the hired individual on their payroll.

EEO Statement - Novo Nordisk is an Equal Opportunity Employer - M/F/Veteran/Disability/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity.

Accommodation Statement - If you are interested in applying to Novo Nordisk and need special assistance or an accommodation to apply, please call us at 1-855-411-5290. This contact is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.

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