Sr. Research Associate, Vivarium

Title:                   Senior Research Associate, In-Vivo Pharmacology

Department:      Discovery Biology

SUMMARY:

RAPT Therapeutics is a clinical stage immunology-based biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering, developing, and commercializing oral small molecule therapies for patients with significant unmet needs in oncology and inflammatory diseases.

Utilizing its proprietary discovery and development engine, the Company is developing highly selective small molecules designed to modulate the critical immune drivers underlying these diseases. RAPT has discovered and advanced two unique drug candidates, FLX475 and RPT193, each targeting C-C motif chemokine receptor 4 (CCR4), for the treatment of cancer and inflammation, respectively. The Company is also pursuing a range of targets, including hematopoietic progenitor kinase 1 (HPK1) that are in the discovery stage of development.

We are seeking a highly motivated and creative research associate with expertise in tumor immunology and/or inflammation. The selected candidate will be expected to perform at a high level working with a tight-knit team to support RAPT research efforts to identify and develop cutting edge immune-based therapies for the treatment of cancer and inflammatory diseases.  This position directly reports to the Senior Vivarium Manager.

 ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Perform rodent dosing and blood collection to support pharmacokinetic (PK) studies
  • Proficient at retro-orbital, cardiocentesis, submandibular and submental bleeds
• Proficient with all manner of traditional routes of drug administration - IV, IP, PO, IN, subcutaneous and intra-tumoral
• Perform all functions required to conduct a tumor efficacy study (syngeneic and xenograft) to test anti-tumor agents in laboratory mice
  • Prepping mice for studies
    • Shaving, animal identification (e.g., tail marking, ear notching)
    • Proficient with tumor cell injections (e.g., subcutaneous, intradermal, IV) as well as orthotopic and surgical tumor models (tumor fragments)
  • Management of study timelines from start to finish
  • Measurement of tumor size and body weight in laboratory mice, with capture of body condition and notation. - knowledge of StudyLog data management system helpful, but not required
  • Data management and analysis and timely publication to project groups.
  • Present data and new findings in departmental/project meetings to colleagues at project meetings
• Work independently and under minimal supervision, develop and validate new animal disease models for use at RAPT
• Proficient at harvest of various mouse tissues/organs including lymph nodes
• Inflammation disease model experience helpful
  • Skin and lung inflammation models
• Trained to handle BSL-2 agents and immunocompromised mice­­
• Work cross-functionally with multiple teams within the organization to achieve goals
  • Must have strong communication with Principical Investigators, lead biologists, and vivarium staff
• Monitor health of laboratory mice as specified by supervisors and staff veterinarians
  • Adhere to animal welfare rules and regulations as instructed by management
• Maintain and complete documentation of all study procedures and data in an electronic laboratory notebook (ELN) and/or other animal tracking software
• Share weekend and holiday hours with peers on a rotational basis

MARGINAL FUNCTIONS:

• Supply ordering and animal procurement
• Vivarium maintenance including restocking supplies
• Share husbandry duties and facility maintenance

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology or related discipline with training in handling of rodents
  • AALAS certification highly desired (LAT, LATg)
• 3-5 years minimum of hands-on experience with laboratory rodents and experience with pharmacokinetic studies, mouse tumor and/or inflammation models is required

• Strong motivation, independence, and ability to multitask and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, dynamic environment

• Organized and disciplined about record keeping, with proficiency in Microsoft Office and Prism
• Experience with StudyLog, or other animal data software a plus
• Able to perform occasional physical labor involving lifting weight up to 50 pounds
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong organizational skills, motivated to excel, attentive to detail
• Efficient working alone with minimal supervision or collaboratively in a group environment