Research Associate

This position offers the opportunity to immediately impact a growing portfolio of related targeted therapy programs in a fast-paced, innovative scientific environment that leverages both small molecule and protein biologic modalities. This hands-on position requires strong experimental skills in cancer biology, molecular biology, preferably with experience in immunology/immuno-oncology and assay development. The right candidate will passionately leverage their scientific experience, curiosity and creativity to help drive assay development, define mechanistic insight and generate high quality data packages enabling data-driven decision making. The ideal candidate for this role is a self-motivated critical thinker that possess strong written and verbal communication skills and is comfortable working within a highly collaborative team environment.

Job requirements:

• B.S. in Biological Sciences (ex. Molecular Biology, Cell Biology) with at least 3 years of laboratory research experience or
• M.S. Degree in Biological Sciences with at least 1 year of research experience
• Prior experience in drug discovery from biotech or industry a plus
• Background knowledge in cancer/metastasis biology, cancer immunology, immuno-oncology, cell signaling, ER stress and drug discovery preferred
• Problem-solving skills and ability to multi-task
• The successful candidate should be highly self-motivated, and possess strong interpersonal skills to foster cross-functional interactions and a collaborative research environment

Key responsibilities:

• Independent experimental design and execution of cellular, biochemical and ex vivo assays to support studies on tumor/metastasis characterization and drug discovery research
• Establish functional assays using various techniques including 3D and organoids cellular systems, flow cytometry, qPCR, ELISA, western blotting, viability assays etc.
• Contribute to cross-functional portfolio development and progression
• Collaborate and provide input cross-functionally on best laboratory practices, assay development and execution
• Participate in collaborative research efforts in support of our pipeline
• Maintain rigorous data reporting via e-notebooks ensuring maintenance of industry-quality records
• Maintain laboratory equipment, consumables, materials and inventories
• Performing general laboratory managing tasks
• Ensures timely and accurate completion of research projects

• Exercises a high degree of creativity, foresight, and mature judgment in planning, organizing, and guiding extensive scientific research programs

Capabilities & Competencies Needed:

• Experience working with cell lines and primary human tumor cells
• Experience isolating and working with immune cells (mouse and human)
• Experience with flow cytometry, gene expression analysis, immune cell assays, western blotting, 3D cell culture, ex-vivo tissue analysis
• Data analysis, troubleshooting, experiment optimization and data organization for lab meetings presentations
• Competency with database, spreadsheet and presentation applications (eLN, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)
• Strong oral and written communication skills, as well as excellent data documentation, record keeping, and organizational skills are essential