Scientist II/III, Analytical & Product Sciences (APS)

About us:

We’re a startup biotechnology company dedicated to engineering a universal treatment across solid tumors. We’re committed to the development of novel cell therapies, and we’re using viral vectors, universal targets, and novel cytokine biology to enhance CAR T activity. Our therapeutic approach has the potential to enable us to treat significant numbers of cancer patients. Our company was founded on pioneering work carried out in the laboratories of Dr. Carl June and Dr. Andy Minn (University of Pennsylvania), Dr. Kole Roybal (UCSF), and Dr. Christopher Garcia (Stanford University).

Our purpose is to help create a world where all cancer patients can be cured. We’re humbled by the opportunity to work together on some of the most pressing medical challenges of our time. At our company, you would become one of our early team members—not only playing a role in meeting our ambitious mission but also building our thriving culture. We are determined to deliver with urgency to discover new solutions and we always stay dedicated to scientific rigor; we have an ownership mindset because each and every one of us is integral to our success. Collaboration is core for us because we believe that by bringing people together with diverse perspectives, we make a stronger whole. And, we show we care about our work and each other by sharing feedback - ultimately in service of our vision to empower people to continue forward with their lives – cancer free.

The role:

The Scientist will be responsible for contributing to the development and execution of Capillary Electrophoresis (CE) experiments for viral vector and cell therapy samples. The Scientist will contribute to defining new, innovative approaches and improving existing capabilities while learning and applying skills in the areas of active problem solving, contributing to overall success. The Scientist will report into the Senior Scientist II of APS and collaborate closely with the Analytical and Product Science (APS) team under guidance of the Executive Director of APS.

Key responsibilities:

• Conduct method development activities utilizing diverse CE-techniques

• Execute sample testing

• Collaboratively contribute to product and method understanding; design meaningful experiments to generate reliable data; adjust methods to meet information needed for Tech Ops team.

• Help drive innovative thinking to improve method performance; workflow and process optimization, and commitment to clear and effective communication.

• Provide effective and collaborative analytical support to cross-functional teams.

• Communicate scientific data and information effectively through presentations, protocols, test methods and reports.

• Contribute to the writing and internal review of regulatory submissions.

Required experience & skills:

• Master’s Degree in Chemistry, Biology, Engineering, or related field and at least 3+ years of relevant experience or Bachelor’s Degree with at least 5+ years of relevant experience or a PhD in relevant area of focus

• Demonstrated experience developing CE-based quantitative assays; experience with sample testing and troubleshooting CE instrumentation

• Ability to troubleshoot CE executions

• Effective oral and written communication skills complemented by focus on attention to detail, clarity, accuracy, and conciseness

• Firm commitment to “on-the-bench” experimental and scientific work and ability to independently design, execute and troubleshoot experiments and analyze, interpret, and clearly communicate complex data.

• Desire to learn, gain and grow new skills, and apply new and existing knowledge adaptability, in a fast-paced and dynamic environment is highly preferred

Preferred experience & skills:

• Familiarity with foundational concepts of CMC development and establishing, executing, and iterating analytical development and overall technical development strategy is highly preferred

• Experience with any of the following is strongly preferred:

• Practical experience with is JESS and/or Maurice CE instruments

• Practical experience developing cIEF methods

• Practical experience developing CE method for viral and gene therapy samples

• Practical experience developing quantitative CE methods

• Experience with any of the following is helpful:

• Prior experience with Benchling ELN

• Prior experience with method development for quantitative SDS-PAGE and/or Western Blotting

• Prior experience with formulation development and assessment of sample stability

• Experience with liquid handling platforms and sample preparation automation

• Prior experience with light scattering techniques

Our values:

Our values guide everything we do. While capabilities and skills are vital, understanding how a potential new colleague would embody our values is central to our hiring decisions.

Determined to deliver:

By working with focus and passion, we can provide patients with the solutions they need. 

Own every outcome:

We can reach new heights when we stay centered on our shared success. 

Collaboration at the core:

When we band together, our work is better. 

Feedback is fundamental:

Constructive and authentic positive feedback may be difficult to master but it is vital to our success.

Working here:

• We offer a highly competitive compensation package with meaningful ownership through equity

• Excellent coverage for medical, vision, and dental

• 401(k) with generous contribution

• Life insurance

• Flexible PTO policy

• Additional substantial benefits

We are an equal opportunity employer.

We are committed to inclusion and diversity, and we do not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, color, marital status, veteran status, disability status, national origin, or any characteristic protected under applicable law.