Research Scientist, Translational Medicine

Job Description

We are seeking an organized, thorough, and motivated Research Scientist to join the Translational Sciences group within Translational Medicine. The role will involve hands-on support of various translational research projects, including characterization of cell therapy products or clinical specimens and performing experiments to examine means of manipulating immune metabolism or overcoming immunosuppressive mechanisms, mechanistic studies to investigate biomarkers of interest, and utilization of cutting-edge platforms to identify novel biomarkers related to safety or efficacy of cell therapies.

The successful candidate will have a strong record of being able to move multiple projects forward through internal or external efforts and will demonstrate a thorough understanding of immunology and molecular oncology. In addition, the role will plan and lead laboratory studies for the team as well as actively engage in hands-on experimental work, analyze results and communicate findings and analysis in team meetings and to other key departments and stakeholders in the organization.

Responsibilities include (but not limited to):

• Independently design and execute internal or external analysis of biospecimens to inform on clinical outcomes or next-generation cell therapy improvements
• Propose and test strategies to evaluate and enhance CAR-T functionality and fitness and develop relevant model systems as needed
• Develop fit-for-purpose assays to characterize or manipulate T cell immuno- and energy metabolic phenotypes to inform on T cell functionality (metabolism, potency, persistence, fitness)
• Team up with stakeholders in translational medicine, process development and research in support of development of cell therapy products for solid tumors and blood cancers
• Coordinate tasks across multiple projects, demonstrating prioritization and planning
• Effectively execute experiments in line with project timelines and goals and critically analyze and interpret results and propose next steps
• Present data and communicate findings in both departmental and cross-functional meetings; contribute to scientific discussion and demonstrate in-depth technical knowledge

Basic Qualifications:

• Doctorate - OR -
• Master’s Degree and 6+ years of scientific experience - OR -
• Bachelor’s Degree and 8+ years of scientific experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• PhD with strong background in T cell biology, systems immunology, immune cell metabolism, cancer biology and/or cancer immunotherapy research
• Cell therapy experience
• Advanced cell culture techniques with preference for human T cell or other immune cell types
• In-depth understanding of immune metabolism and means to evaluate, such as the Seahorse platform or metabolomics
• Significant skills in immune cell characterization and functional assessment (multicolor flow immunophenotyping, multiplex cytokine measurements, cytotoxicity, immunoassays, cell proliferation, T cell metabolism, functional validation, complex co-cultures, immune cell activation/expansion)
• Experience with technologies for genome editing or genetic manipulation to enable functional validation studies in primary immune cells or cell lines
• Demonstrated independence in experimental design, data analysis, interpretation, and presentation
• Excellent critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Self-motivated with a drive to learn and make a meaningful impact
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills are essential in this collaborative work environment
• Demonstrated expertise through a history of scientific publications in leading scientific journals as a first or corresponding author
• Proficiency in the use of software to support data analysis such as FlowJo, FACSDiva, GraphPad Prism, as well as Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook)