Research Associate, Process Development

About Us…

Obsidian Therapeutics is pioneering engineered cell and gene therapies to deliver transformative outcomes for patients. Obsidian’s programs apply our CytoDriveTM technology in Cell and Gene therapy products to control expression of proteins for enhanced therapeutic efficacy and safety. Obsidian’s lead program is currently in preclinical development for the treatment of patients with metastatic melanoma and other solid tumors.

We’re proud of our diverse talented team and committed to cultivating an environment of inclusion where each person feels a strong sense of belonging and is supported to continuously learn and contribute their best work. Our Research team is based in the heart of Cambridge, MA, and Technical Operations team is based in our brand-new facility in Bedford, MA. Obsidianites enjoy a highly collaborative culture, competitive salary and benefits, and potential for ownership through stock options.

Our Opportunity…

We’re looking for a highly motivated, flexible, and collaborative Research Associate with experience in, and a passion for—cell culture and process development. Based at our Bedford, MA location, you’ll contribute to developing and characterizing manufacturing processes for cell therapy products targeting cancer. You’ll be a vital part of a highly collaborative Technical Operations team, working to achieve Obsidian’s vision by translating innovative science into medical breakthroughs for patients, starting with our lead program, OBX-115—a novel engineered tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy.

This is a unique opportunity to expand the reach of TIL therapy and deliver transformative outcomes for patients suffering from solid tumor malignancies. As a contributor in a well-funded clinical company with blue-chip investors, field-leading advisors, best-in-class partners, and an experienced team, you’ll help us build a dynamic, innovative, passionate, and successful organization focused on delivering transformative therapies in areas of greatest clinical need.

You Will…

• Execute carefully planned process development and characterization experiments with engineered T-cells to define, optimize, and understand the processes for clinical manufacturing.

• Support lab functions - including shared roles in maintaining reagent supplies, restocking consumables, equipment maintenance, and lab organization.

• Perform in-process assays to measure cell number and characterize drug product using flow cytometry and other techniques.

• Maintain cell cultures and cell banks as needed to support experimental work.

• Present study results internally to project teams, management, and scientific teams.

• Develop independent judgement to solve problems within standard scope of work.

• Contribute to completion of technical tasks to meet individual and team goals, working under minimal supervision for routine tasks, and direct supervision for more complex tasks.

• Maintain excellent records of experiments in electronic lab notebooks in a timely manner.

• Collaborate effectively across Obsidian verticals.

• Master techniques and protocols to effectively, efficiently, and independently execute routine technical tasks.

• Develop an understanding of the experimental objectives and underlying science to effectively troubleshoot technical issues and report results.

• Maintain a safe work environment in accordance with policies, procedures, and regulations.

You Bring…

Core Qualifications

• BS or MS degree in chemical engineering, biochemical engineering, biology or relevant field, with 0-2 years of experience in biotech/pharma setting.

• Experience with cell culture techniques, preferably T-cell (or other immune cells).

• Excellent communication skills.

• Scientific rigor and attention-to-detail in the execution, analysis, and troubleshooting of experiments.

• Strong record-keeping and organizational skills, including an ability to manage multiple responsibilities in parallel. 

• Scientific curiosity and a track record of self-directed learning.

Bonus Qualifications

• Basic knowledge of immunology and experience working with immune system cells.

• Experience with culture of mammalian cells in small -scale and large-scale bioreactor systems (e.g. G-Rex, Xuri) and associated control strategies and automation.

• Experience with design of experiment (DOE) approaches and statistical analysis of data; familiarity with JMP is desirable.

• Experience with cell therapy process development in industry.

• Experience with analytical methods for cell characterization such as flow cytometry, quantitative PCR.

Obsidian is committed to equitable and transparent pay practices.

The anticipated base salary range for this role is below. The actual base salary offered will be determined based on a combination of factors, including applicable qualifications, level of education, the depth of experience, unique skills, geographic location, internal equity, and/or business needs. The actual base salary offered will be in accordance with federal, state, and/or local wage requirements for the role’s location.

Our competitive compensation package includes an annual incentive bonus as a percentage of actual base salary and long-term incentives in the form of employee stock options, both of which are commensurate with the role’s level. We also offer a generous benefits package which includes comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage; company contributions to health savings and retirement accounts; ample paid time off; access to wellness programs; and rich career growth opportunities.

Anticipated Base Salary Range
$72,000—$88,000 USD

Obsidian is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, cultivating a welcoming and diverse environment. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status or any other applicable legally protected characteristics.