Biologist

Job Description

Job Summary:

• As a Sr. Scientist in Immunology, you will support the development of Client allogeneic cell therapies by developing immune cell-based assays, executing in vitro experiments, and assessing immune response to different gene edited cells.
• You will contribute to the early-stage validation of gene edits and will work closely with cross-functional teams to advance cell therapy programs to preclinical development.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and optimize cell-based assays using primary human immune cells, such as mixed lymphocyte reaction, T-cell, NK-cell cytotoxicity assays, phagocytosis assays, etc.
• Isolate and culture different immune cells from either PBMCs or fresh whole blood using immunomagnetic isolation techniques.
• Perform differentiation of monocyte to macrophages or dendritic cells, as needed.
• Assess immune checkpoint receptor expression using multi-parameter flow cytometry techniques.
• Use different gene editing techniques, including CRISPR to create knockouts or transgenic cell lines.
• Gene edit different cell types including iPSCs, primary cells, and immortalized cell lines.
• Use different methods, including cell sorting, single cell cloning to create gene edited clonal cell lines.
• Design and execute experiments and analyze resulting data to evaluate efficacy of gene edited cells in in vitro assays.
• Communicate experimental data effectively through written reports and oral presentations.
• Demonstrate flexibility and motivation to learn and apply new technologies for biological assays.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Immunology, Cell Biology, or a related field plus 5 years of relevant experience in biotechnology, pharmaceutical industry, or academic research in the field of immunology.
• Master’s degree in Immunology, Cell Biology, or a related field plus 2 years of relevant experience in biotechnology, pharmaceutical industry, or academic research in the field of immunology.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Prior experience with using live cell analysis platforms such as Incucyte and Xcelligence will be a plus.
• Proficient in developing in vitro assays, including work with human cell lines, PBMCs, and whole blood assays.
• Proven ability to utilize immune cell and cytokine analytical techniques, including multiplex ELISA, MSD and flow cytometry.
• Prior work with CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing techniques.
• Prior work with cell culture; Primary and mammalian cell lines
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment