Scientist (m/f/d) “Regulatory Affairs Cell Line Banking and Customer Support”

Scientist (m/f/d) “Regulatory Affairs Cell Line Banking and Customer Support”

at the Leibniz Institute DSMZ-German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures GmbH, Braunschweig, Germany, in the department Human and Animal Cell Lines.

The department Human and Animal Cell Lines is in charge of the open cell line collection at the DSMZ, performs cell line characterization, quality controls and distributes cell lines to researchers worldwide. The collection currently harbors more than 900 established cell lines, more than 700 being of human origin with a special focus on cell lines of hematologic malignancies. In addition to the routine activities in the collection, the department conducts research with and for the collection.

Cell cultures are important in vitro models of human diseases including cancer and are used in basic and preclinical research since many years. Access to quality-controlled models for the international research community is essential and provided by biological resource centers as the DSMZ. Constant acquisition of state-of-the-art cell models is mandatory for a resource center and requires communication with researchers establishing such models and depositors of cell material. Banking and provision of cell line models needs to be conducted as a regulated process and requires in-house expertise in several legal and regulatory frameworks. It is the department’s aim to support and guide depositors and customers in this process. In addition, all relevant data to the cell lines are collected and stored in an internal database that is connected to the external web catalogue of the DSMZ.

You will be involved in communication with depositors and customers in all areas of acquisition and distribution of cell lines, with a special focus on regulatory aspects and scientific questions. These include negotiation of conditions of deposition of material, importing biological samples to Germany, exporting such material to customers all over the world and dealing with questions regarding the correct use of the material. In addition, you will curate, coordinate and communicate data entry and data release of the internal database of the department requiring communication with other scientists in the department. The database is about to migrate to a new format, an important process in which you will be involved and, at best, take the lead on department’s side.

Your responsibilities:

• Handling regulatory and legal affairs in the context of cell line deposition and distribution
• Assistance in the acquisition of new cell lines to the open collection
• Curation of the online catalogue and internal databases
• Coordinate and supervise transition of internal database to new format
• Supporting customers and depositors with import and export of human and animal cell lines and in scientific questions

Your profile:

• PhD or Master’s degree in Biology or related discipline
• Minimum three years post-graduation experience in cell or cancer biology
• Hands-on use of human and animal cell cultures, familiar with relevant techniques
• Knowledge of database handling is an advantage
• Interest in managing regulatory and customer related tasks in a scientific environment
• Very good verbal and written communication skills in English and German is a must
• Open and Quick-minded team player

We offer:

• Becoming part of a Biological Resource Center supporting the international research community
• Integration in a cooperative, experienced and highly motivated team
• Interdisciplinary working environment with frequent sharing of expertise
• Possibility to develop and pursue your own ideas
• Opportunities for further education and training
• Strong support by Bioinformatics, IT and Database Department and our corporate counsel
• A certified employer offering flexibility to combine work and family life

The Leibniz Institute DSMZ (www.dsmz.de) is an internationally-renowned biological resource center, research infrastructure, and service provider for academia and industry with one of the most diverse microbial and cell culture collections worldwide. It is funded by the State of Lower Saxony and the German Federal government and is a member of the Leibniz Association. The DSMZ strives to increase the proportion of female scientists and encourages female candidates to apply. Disabled applicants with identical technical and personal qualifications will be preferentially selected. In the case of degrees obtained abroad, proof of equivalence with a German degree must be enclosed. For further information, please refer to the website of the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB).

The DSMZ is an equal opportunity employer, supports balanced work-life career development, and holds the certificate of the audit berufundfamilie®.

Expected Start: As soon as possible

Contract length: initially limited for 2 years with a view to becoming permanent

Work hours: 50%

Salary: according to E13 / E14 TV-L, depending on qualification and experience

Complete applications (including CV, letter of motivation, copies of certificates and two reference indications) should be sent by e-mail with application number 08/24 to bewerbung(at)dsmz.de. Any questions regarding the position can be addressed to Prof. Laura Steenpass (laura.steenpass(at)dsmz.de).

The deadline for this application is June 30, 2024 or until the position is filled.

https://www.dsmz.de/