Research Associate II

PACT Pharma is an exciting, well-funded biotechnology company, advancing to clinical studies in 2019 with facilities and laboratories in South San Francisco, CA.  PACT is developing personalized adoptive T cell therapies for the eradication of solid tumors.  We are in the San Francisco bay area, in the heart of the world’s premier biotechnology research hub. PACT Pharma offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, including aggressive participation in the growth of the company in the form of stock option grants. 

PACT is developing tumor-mutation targeted T Cells tailored for each patient. Tumor mutation (neoE) targeting is programmed into the patient’s own T cells to seek out & kill the tumors. Using (non-viral) precision genome engineering, the neoE-targeted Tcell receptors (TCRs) replace the endogenous TCR of fresh CD8 and CD4 T cells collected from that same patient followed by minimal expansion in closed systems for re-infusion into the patient. These patient-specific neoTCR-P1 cells are formulated to immediately kill all neoantigen-expressing tumors, together with a deep reservoir of ‘ready-to-go’ neoTCR-P1 cells for long term persistence and capable of rapid expansion to prevent future cancer recurrence.

We are currently recruiting for Research Associate II, reporting to Associate Director of imPACT Processing Unit. This position will be based in South San Francisco.

Responsibilities: The individual in this role will be responsible for design and execution of critical path experiments for the discovery of neoepitope and corresponding TCR from patient blood Sample, to be used for the manufacture of adoptive cell therapeutics (ACT). These experiments will focus on flow cytometric analysis, single cell RT-PCR applied to primary human T cells, and NGS analysis of single T cells.  The ideal candidate should enjoy operating in an exceptionally dynamic and cooperative environment.

Qualifications:

• The ideal candidate should hold a bachelor’s degree with 4+ years’ experience, or hold a master’s degree with 2+ years’ experience
• Experience with at least two of: single cell technologies, FACS, RT-PCR, next-gen sequencing, fluid handling robots
• Experience with immuno-oncology or T cell biology will be a plus
• Highly goal-driven and the ability to handle delicate experiments
• Ability to work with a team and communicate clearly and concisely, both verbal and in the form of written reports.

PACT Pharma is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and strives to build a diverse and inclusive team. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.