Sr. Research Associate (In Vitro / Flow Cytometry)

Position Overview

Nektar has an exciting opportunity for a Sr. Research Associate to join their team.

Seek a highly motivated Senior Research Associate with a focus in Immunology for our In vitro pharmacology research team, in our San Francisco office. The individual will participate in design and conduct of experiments in biological systems to characterize and validate novel targets, to test efficacy of potential therapeutics, and to develop relevant biomarker strategies to prioritize them for further development in a variety of disease areas, including autoimmune diseases and immuno-oncology. Knowledge of flow cytometry and mammalian cell culture is required. The candidate should also possess strong knowledge of and be proficient in relevant experimental biology techniques such as immunoassays (ELISA, MSD), qPCR, biochemical/cell-based assays, and must have experience handling primary human cells. The candidate will participate in technology development in the area of in vitro assays, cell biology, and ex vivo sample testing. The individual will be expected to document experimental findings according to approved Nektar policy, and to draft associated technical reports. The individual must maintain knowledge of state-of-the-art principles and theories, develop and analyze new product concepts by reviewing preclinical and clinical literature, and participate & contribute on discovery teams, as necessary. This position contributes to and supports the company's research and development efforts to create high value therapeutics to address unmet medical needs.

Essential/Primary Duties, Functions and Responsibilities

• Works on problems of moderate scope in which analysis of situation or data requires a review of identifiable factors.
• Exercises judgment within defined procedures and practices to determine appropriate action.
• Normally receives general instructions on routine work, detailed instructions on new assignments.
• Interfaces with various departments, customers and partners.
• Uses professional concepts and scientific knowledge to contribute to the development of company concepts and principles to achieve objectives in creative and effective ways.
• Defines problems, develops approaches and develops experiments with sound judgment and some supervision.
• Puts work practices in context with larger team.
• Writes reports and protocols.
• May act as a principal investigator in conducting own experiments.
• May participate in the development of patent applications.
• May provide guidance to junior scientific staff, providing training as needed, and ensures adherence to company policies and quality requirements.

Requirements

• A minimum of a Bachelors' degree in a scientific discipline is required.
• A minimum of 8 years work experience in a research and/or development environment, preferably in industry, is required. Equivalent education and/or experience may be accepted.
• Previous supervisory experience is a plus.
• Must have excellent analytical skills, with significant hands on laboratory experience.
• Must have a demonstrated working knowledge of scientific principles.
• Must be able to demonstrate good decision-making skills.
• Must possess excellent oral and written communication skills. Must be able to work well in and promote a team environment, and demonstrate leadership abilities.
• Must be able to provide technical assistance to others in a wide range of laboratory based activities/techniques.
• Must be able to independently write reports.
• Must be able to demonstrate sound judgment within broadly defined practices and policies. M
• Must have demonstrated problem solving abilities.
• Strong organizational skills are required.
• Good computer skills, with working knowledge of MS word, Excel, PowerPoint and Graphpad Prism, are required.

Performance of tasks essential to the job function may require the employee to work directly with, handle, or otherwise come into contact with chemicals or pharmaceutical agents. Employees may be required to enroll in a medical surveillance program based on the potential exposure to certain health hazards encountered as a result of their job function.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against applicants due to race, ethnicity, gender, veteran status, or on the basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class. Nektar Therapeutics will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in the manner proscribed by the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.