Research Assistant/Scientist Allogeneic CAR-T Cell Therapy

POSITION TITLE:  Research Assistant/Scientist Allogeneic CAR-T Cell Therapy                          

ABOUT US 
Calibr was founded on the principle that the creation of new medicines can be accelerated by pairing world-class biomedical research with state-of-the-art drug discovery and development capabilities. Calibr, a division of Scripps Research, is a first-of-its-kind, nonprofit translational research institute dedicated to creating the next generation of medicines. Scripps Research is ranked the most influential institution in the world for its impact on innovation. Our educational and training programs mold talented and committed students and postdocs into leading edge scientists. Leveraging the unique scientific environment of Scripps Research, impacting translational sciences, Calibr has created a portfolio of drug candidates, and is shaping a new paradigm for advancing nonprofit biomedical research to impact patients while re-investing in further innovative research. We expand basic knowledge in the biosciences and use these fundamental advancements to develop profound innovations that improve wellbeing. Calibr’s drug development portfolio spans a broad range of human diseases, including cancer, autoimmunity and inflammatory diseases, metabolic and cardiovascular diseases, infectious and neglected diseases, as well as age-related and degenerative diseases. If you have a passion for making a difference, this could be your opportunity to join our transformative team.

POSITION SUMMARY:
Calibr is seeking a talented Research Scientist in the area of Gene Editing. This position will work as part of a small team of interdisciplinary scientists to translate novel cell and protein therapies for the treatment of cancer into first in human clinical trials. Specifically, projects will be focused on the development of an allogeneic cell gene therapy referred to as chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T cell). This platform technology has the potential to have curative responses in the clinic for cancer patients.  While working within the scope of these projects, this position will also have the unique opportunity to be exposed to a wide range of other projects at Calibr covering immune oncology focused therapy development, infectious and neglected tropical diseases, metabolic disorders, autoimmunity, and others.  Calibr’s open lab space design and collaborative environment encourages the seamless flow of ideas within and between research groups.  This position will receive hands on training in translational research and is expected to bring the basic scientific proficiencies listed below at the start.  This position offers significant growth opportunity through promotion structures designed to retain exceptional talent within the Calibr team.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• The ideal candidate will be able to apply gene editing tools through multiple platforms and develop and improve strategies to generate highly efficient knock outs and knock ins of target genes on freshly isolated human immune cells.
• Genetic editing of primary human immune cells using state of the art technologies like CRISPR, TALEN, and other endonucleases while using multiple delivering approaches including protein and mRNA electroporation and multiple vector platforms.  
• The next responsibilities will be conducted in collaboration with other team members in the lab:
• Cell biology including working with primary human immune cells and culturing multiple cell lines including, but not limited to, common tumor cell lines used in immuno-oncology research.
• Design and execution of project plans involving allogeneic cell manufacturing, immune cell profiling, cell processing from xenograft models, cytotoxicity, proliferation, activation, cell viability, and survival assays with a strong focus on flow cytometry.
• Generation of reagents for projects including preparation of Lentivectors and AAVs for the transduction of both established cell lines and primary immune cells.
• Molecular biology experiments including DNA and protein preparation from cells, immunoprecipitation, Western blots, etc will be within the scope of work.
• Preparation of reports and presentation of results at regular team meetings.
• Details of established essential functions for this position will be addressed/discussed during the interview process."

REQUIREMENTS:

• A strong background in Gene Editing is essential with deep understating of mechanisms of action of endonucleases, endogenous DNA recombination, and efficient KO/KI strategies.    
• Experience with cell electroporation, transfection and transduction systems is essential.
• Hands-on experience with in vitro assays commonly used in immuno-oncology is preferred.
• Experience with multi-color flow cytometry and flow data analysis is preferred.
• Experience and knowledge of the immune system is preferred. Experience in T cell biology, tumor immunology, as well as other immune components is preferred.
• A strong background in cell culture is preferred.
• Hands on experience in cellular immunotherapies is preferred.
• Experience preparing reagents for in vivo assays and In vivo experience preferred but not required.
• Experience with molecular biology techniques is preferred.
• Experience using Prism, FlowJo, and Office software is important.
• Qualifications:
• BS, BA, MA, MS, with 3-10 years’ experience in industry, or PhD in biology, chemical biology, biochemistry, or related area required.
• Impeccable attention to detail, and excellent ability to perform hands on experiments, research, design, and organize project designs and maintain detailed documentation.
• Highly motivated, creative, and devoted to project goals.
• Able to collaborate proficiently and communicate effectively with colleagues and management teams.
• Able to contribute in a meaningful way to scientific discourse.

The above statements describe the level of work performed and expected in general terms.  The statements are not intended to list all the responsibilities, duties and/or skills required of employees so classified, and the content herein is subject to change due to the business needs of Scripps Research, with or without notice.   Furthermore, nothing in this job description shall be interpreted to be in conflict with or to eliminate or modify in any way the employment-at-will status of Scripps Research staff. 

EEO Statement:
Scripps is an equal opportunity employer.  Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

COVID-19 update: 

The safety and well-being of our candidates, our people and their families continues to be a top priority. Until restrictions change, interviews will be conducted virtually.