Associate Scientist/Scientist I, Preclinical

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Who we are:

We are a Watertown, Cambridge based biotech startup that's pioneering a versatile low cost dendritic cell hyperactivation (hDC) platform which induces exceptional memory T cell responses that provide robust and durable immunity to address a virtually unbounded range of cancers and infectious diseases in support of improved vaccines to treat and prevent diseases that adversely affect the world’s poorest populations! 

 

The Role

We are seeking a creative, motivated, and experienced scientist to join our rapidly growing team and play a critical role in the development of the company’s therapeutic approaches. You will help design and lead pre-clinical in vivo pharmacological studies to evaluate the company’s novel catalytic adjuvant platform as part of proof-of-concept studies and partnership-enabling studies. Your primary responsibilities will include designing and executing in vivo experiments both independently and in a collaborative team setting. You will be responsible for independently conducting ex vivo immunoassays and for analyzing, documenting and summarizing findings. You will have the opportunity to learn new skills and work with an interdisciplinary team of scientists while developing expertise in the field of immunotherapy.

 

The Responsibilities:

• Lead the execution of in vivo studies to generate proof-of-concept data in high-priority disease indications.
• Independently perform murine in vivo study workflows including injections (intramuscular, subcutaneous, intravenous, etc), organ harvesting, and tissue processing.
• Independently carry out immunoassays such as multi-color flow cytometry, ELISPOT and ELISA.
• Independently analyze, interpret and troubleshoot experiments.
• Prepare technical presentations for clear communication of scientific findings across interdisciplinary teams internally, and company leadership.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior team members.
• Record and maintain all relevant data in an electronic laboratory notebook.

Preferred Qualifications:

• PhD in Immunology or related discipline with 1+ years industry experience.
• M.S. in similar discipline with 9-12 years research experience (4+ years of industry experience).
• Recent hands-on experience with in vivo techniques (injections and lymphoid tissue harvest) is required.
• Flow cytometry experience is required.
• Experience with aseptic techniques and immunological assays required.
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and in a team setting.
• Strong organizational, planning, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication for technical and non-technical audiences.
• Adaptability to learn and apply new technical knowledge, manage multiple projects, or accommodate changing priorities as new data is generated.
• Mentorship of junior team members is a plus.

The Benefits: 
 

The company seeks to build a robust total rewards and benefits package that supports the physical, mental and financial wellness of every team member with: 

• Medical, Dental, Vision and company-supplemented Health Savings Account (HSA).
• 4 weeks’ vacation (with roll-over available), 5 sick days and 12 paid holidays.
• 401K with company match.
• Long- and short-term disability, Life insurance.
• Amazing colleagues in a dynamic start-up environment.
• A new biotech building with FREE parking near Watertown’s vibrant Arsenal Yards!

We are an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any classification protected by federal, state, or local law.