Research Scientist, Cell Biology

Job Description

Job Summary:

• Discovery Research is seeking a highly motivated Research Scientist to lead characterization studies that address product efficacy and safety.
• The successful candidate will report to a Director and will be expected to independently design and perform experiments, organize and analyze results, and communicate and present findings in team meetings.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Execution of cell-based functional and biochemical assays to select candidate molecules for clinical development or support combination strategies to enhance T cell product potency and safety
• Experimental design aimed to address basic tumor immunology aspects related to the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment
• Genetic/biochemical manipulation of T cells and evaluation of impact on T cell function
• Analyze, organize and communicate results at different research and cross-functional meetings
• Plan and effectively execute experiments based on strategy, project timelines and goals
• Analyze and present scientific results to the project team in addition to cross-functional and cross-site audiences
• Document experimental results to enable subsequent clinical studies and patent applications
• May serve as a core team member or leader on a project team
• Work effectively with other functions (including Process Development, Translational Medicine, Clinical Development) to ensure alignment cross-functionally
• Coordinate tasks across multiple projects, demonstrating prioritization and planning
• May mentor junior team members and supervise the work of a research team including, but not limited to, organizing and prioritizing laboratory work and review of generated experimental results

Education:

• Advanced scientific degree (i.e. MD, PharmD, PhD).
• Master’s Degree and 6+ years of scientific experience.
• Ph.D. degree in biology-related field (immunology, cellular and/or tumor biology or a closely related field).
• A strong background in cancer immunotherapy and human immunology, experience working with engineered T cells strongly preferred.
• Experience designing and developing primary immune cell assays using key immune cell populations.
• Experience with MSD/ELISA and/or Luminex.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Hands-on expertise in T-cell functional characterization assays including in vitro cxytotoxicity, proliferation, cytokine/chemokine measurements, cell signaling, activation, differentiation and exhaustion.
• Proficient in cell culture aseptic technique.
• Proficient in multi-parameter flow cytometry (panel design, sample acquisition, data processing) and data analysis (FACSDiva, FlowJo, GraphPad Prism, Excel).
• Demonstrated independence in experimental design, data analysis, interpretation, and presentation.
• Maintain a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Drive to learn and make a meaningful impact.
• Comfortable in a fast-paced company environment with minimal direction and able to adjust workload based upon changing priorities.
• Strong collaboration, excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Experience using both written and verbal communication, including presentations, to communicate results to a diverse cross-functional audience.
• Strong organizational and record keeping skills.
• Self-motivated, strong sense of responsibility, and willing to accept temporary responsibilities outside of initial.