Dr. Yuelei Shen is the founder, President and CEO of Beijing Biocytogen Co., LTD and Biocytogen LLC. Dr. Shen got his Ph.D degree from University of Massachusetts School of Medicine in 2003. He did his postdoc training in New York University School of Medicine from 2003-2008 with Dr. Dan R. Littman. In 2008, Dr. Shen founded Biocytogen LLC in Worcester, MA and in 2009, he moved back to Beijing, China and established Beijing Biocytogen Co., LTD. In 2015, Biocytogen Jiangsu Co.,Ltd was set up and in 2018, Biocytogen Boston Lab in Wakefield started operation. In past 10 years, especially from 2015, Biocytogen has successfully transformed its business from a custom gene-targeting model provider only into a unique, comprehensive and dynamic system covering innovative animal model generation, large scale production, pharmacology study and therapeutic antibody discovery service, to promote drug discovery more efficiently.

Dr. Shen is honored as member of “Thousand Talents Program” and “100 science andtechnology leading talents of Beijing”.

www.bbctg.com.cn; www.biocytogen.com   

Beijing Biocytogen Co., Ltd was founded in 2009. Head quartered in Beijing, Biocytogen has two branches/facilities based in Haimen, Jiangsu China and Wakefiled/Worcester MA, USA, also an administrative branches in Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu. During nearly 10 years of development,  Biocytogen has successfully transformed its business platform from a custom gene-targeting models provider only into a comprehensive and dynamic system, which includes high quality animal model breeding and supply, customgene-targeting model generation, as well as using innovative tumor models for preclinical pharmacological/pharmadynamics test, therapeutic antibody researchand development for precision cancer treatment.

Biocytogenhas developed a reliable and efficient gene editing technology platform.  Currently each year  Biocytogen can generate more than 1000 animal models for our clients.  It has been globally recognized as one of the leading suppliers of genetically modified animals.  

The animal center with 15,000 square meters in Haimen, Jiangsu has earned accreditation from AAALAC International. Equipped with a highly efficient operating and managing system, Haimen site is undertaking the research and development of highly immune deficient and humanized mouse models with numerous immune checkpoints.

Based on our in-house development of the two types of mouse models listed above,Biocytogen has established a tumor immunotherapy service platform for preclinical pharmacological and pharmadynamic studies. In addition, Biocytogenhas completed numerous in vivo trialson evaluating drugs against immune checkpoints such as anti-PD-1 and PD-L1 and assisted other pharmaceutical firms with their attaining of clinical trial approval and INDs. 

Taking advantage of its capability in animal model generation and production, Biocytogenan screen and rank antibody candidates based on their in vivo efficacy and builds a unique and very efficient therapeutic antibody discovery service platform to speed up the drug development process. 

In 2018, Biocytogen LLC opens a new laboratory in Wakefield, MA.  The lab with 14,000 square feet space will focus on pharmacology study service for our clients in US, especially large Boston area.

Biocytogen aims to be one of the leading providers in animal model generation, production and animal model based services in the world. In the last several years we are expanding rapidly.The number of employees is doubled every year from 2015. The total staff members are more than 600 and we are keeping recruiting talents join us.

1. Senior Scientist I/II, Gene Editing and Gene Targeting

Position Summary

We are seeking a talented molecular and cell biologist to lead on project design for our gene editing/targeting efforts. The candidate will support our genetically modified rodent and cell production team, and will correspond with our clients in industry and academia (USA), from project design to product delivery. The candidate should possess an innovative mindset, great attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively and with cross-disciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement CRISPR/Cas9-based gene editing and ES cell homologous recombination-based gene targeting strategies for genetically modified rodent and cell production
• Assess off-target risk of gene editing in mice, particularly structural variants including chromosomal rearrangements and mutations in engineered mice
• Design and troubleshoot experiments, both independently and in collaboration with colleagues and cross-functional groups, to reach desired goals
• Communicate project updates with internal and external partners; listening and paying keen attention to clients
• Participate in the design, development and implementation of new cutting edge gene editing technology development
• Develop cell-based assays for the optimization and validation of gene editing tools
• Effectively collaborate with a fully integrated team to facilitate the success of projects

Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D. degree with 3+ years of relevant experience in cell & molecular biology or molecular genetics
• Ability to work independently and successfully in a matrix environment, prioritize and manage multiple tasks simultaneously by balancing competing priorities effectively
• Knowledge of molecular and cellular biology techniques (qPCR, ddPCR, NGS library prep, Western blotting, RNAi, mammalian cell culture, etc.)
• Communication and Teamwork – The ability to work collaboratively with others; the genuine desire to be a part of a team and contribute to team and corporate goals. The ability to effectively express ideas in written and oral context with honesty and transparency
• Able to learn new concepts and new technologies quickly and design gene editing and gene targeting constructs for multi-disciplinary projects

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with sgRNA design for genetically modified rodent models or cell lines
• Knowledge of gene editing with CRISPR/Cas9, including targeting multiple genomic loci
• Ability to make decisions/recommendations for high level strategy and tactical implementation of research efforts
• A high degree of energy, accuracy and attention to detail, and a passion for creating rodent models for drug target identification and validation and drug discovery
• Experience working in fast-paced team environments with stringent project timeline
• Experience with mouse model phenotype analysis and characterization is a big plus

2. Senior Immunologist, Antibody in vivo efficacy/toxicity

Position Summary

We are seeking a talented molecular immunologist to lead on project design for in vivo efficacy studies which employ immune-oncology antibodies and humanized mouse models. The candidate will perform safety evaluations on these models and will support our clients in industry and academia within USA. The candidate will also lead on designing immune cell and cytokine profiling for antibody in vivo efficacy evaluation. An innovative mindset, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively and with cross-disciplinary teams are ideal characteristics that the candidate should possess.

Major Responsibilities

• Design antibody/immune modulator candidate in vivo efficacy/toxicity studies using genetically modified knockin mouse models
• Lead the project communication with clients on project initiation, preliminary design, data analysis and collection
• Design in vivo efficacy end point data collection and analysis using FACS and ELISA assays, especially lymphocyte and cytokine profiling in mouse serum and tumor tissues
• Define PK, PK/PD, biopharmaceutical modeling & simulation requirements for (nonclinical and clinical) drug development projects and appropriate strategies for global registration
• Analyze, interpret and present pharmacology, PK, PK/PD and M&S data generated from internal project teams and provide guidance on project design and execution
• Provide the complete project reports and summaries, which meet regulatory requirements, within agreed timeframes
• Proactively communicate with other function teams to ensure that pre-clinical and clinical pharmacology, PK/PD information is interpreted correctly
• Directly or indirectly take the lead on appropriate pharmacokinetic and biopharmaceutical studies

QUALIFICATIONS

• Ph.D. with immunology or immune oncology background
• Experience on lymphocyte isolation, culture, and sorting, profiling, and cytokine profiling analysis from mouse serum or tumor tissues
• Excellent communication and management skills
• Experience in drug discovery and development or a relevant experience, e.g. clinical pharmacokinetics or xenograft mouse models is a plus
• Proven knowledge of PK and PK/PD evaluation techniques, experience working in project teams and knowledge of regulatory requirements
• Experience with cell culture and in vitro assay development is essential
• Experience with experimental SOP in preclinical or clinical study is a plus
• Prior experience of therapeutic antibody drug development or genetically modified mouse models is a big plus
• Individual and team player with passion on drug discovery & development and innovation animal model development

3. PK/PD Scientists

Major Responsibilities

• Design and perform preclinical studies with ability to troubleshoot and to guide junior associates
• Carry out antibody/immune modulator candidate in vivo efficacy/toxicity studies using genetically modified mouse models
• Define PK, PK/PD, biopharmaceutical and modeling & simulation requirements for (nonclinical and clinical) drug development projects
• Support project design and perform preclinical studies
• Analyze, interpret and present PK, PK/PD and M&S data
• Prepare summary data for internal discussion and reports to higher level administrator(s)

QUALIFICATIONS

• Ph.D./MD/Pharm.D. with biological/pharmacology background
• Strong communication and management skills
• 2-3 years of experience with drug discovery and development in biotech, pharmaceutical companies or academic laboratories
• Proven knowledge of in vivo efficacy/toxicity, PK and PK/PD evaluation techniques
• Experience with cell culture and in vitro assay development is helpful
• Experience with cancer xenograft mouse models
• Prior experience with therapeutic antibody drug development or genetically modified mouse models is a plus
• Ability to work independently and on a team, with a passion for drug discovery and innovative animal model development

4. PK/PD Research Associates

Major Responsibilities

• Perform preclinical pharmacology studies with troubleshooting capability
• Understand in vivo efficacy/toxicity studies and PK/PD data
• Prepare experimental results summaries and reports to higher level administrator(s)
• Follow and understand SOP procedures and experimental protocols
• Experience working with mouse models

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelors or Masters degree with biological, pharmacology training or related fields
• Good communication and people skills
• 1-2 years of experience with drug discovery and development in biotech companies or academic research
• Experience with cell culture and in vitro assay development is a plus
• Mouse model experience is a big plus
• Good team player with a passion for scientific research