Scientist, Viral Vector Analytical Development

About Us…

Obsidian Therapeutics is pioneering engineered cell and gene therapies to deliver transformative outcomes for patients. Obsidian’s programs apply our cytoDRiVE® 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 clinical development for the treatment of patients with metastatic melanoma and non-small cell lung cancer.

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 purpose built facility in Bedford, MA. Obsidianites enjoy a highly collaborative culture, competitive salary and benefits, and potential for ownership through stock options.

Our Opportunity...

We are looking for a highly motivated Scientist, Viral Vector Analytical Development, with a strong background in viral vector analytical development and/or quality control. As a key contributor within our Viral Vector Analytical Development team, you’ll support analytical testing for process characterization and product characterization helping to drive the development of our first clinical stage autologous cell therapy program targeting solid tumors.

You’ll work collaboratively with the Sample Testing Core, Process Development, and Quality functions to develop analytical tools and test process characterization samples for viral vectors and associated cell therapy products to support our clinical pipeline. As a member of our Technical Operations department, you will be a vital part of a highly collaborative team working to achieve Obsidian’s vision by collaboratively 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 be 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, collaborative, and successful organization focused on delivering transformative therapies in areas of greatest clinical need.

This is a lab-based role; work is full-time on-site in our Bedford, MA location.

You Will...

• Develop, and serve as a Subject Matter Expert to qualify and validate analytical assays for viral vectors (retrovirus) to support their release and characterization for cell therapies in all phases of clinical development.

• Design, plan, and execute experiments, working both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team of scientists; partner closely with the process development and quality control teams.

• Work closely with junior scientists to successfully execute lab work to meet process characterization timeline milestones and goals, deliver data analysis with scientific rigor, and maintain proper documentation in lab notebooks.

• Author and review technical and scientific documents including study protocols and reports, validation documents, SOPs, Certificates of Testing and test methods.

• Act as subject matter expert in viral vector analytical development. Author relevant CMC sections in regulatory documents and

You Bring...

Core Qualifications

• MS with 6+, or BS with 8+ years of relevant industry experience including hands-on experience in retroviral and/ or lentiviral vector analytical development and/ or quality control with a progressive track record of growth and impact.

• Demonstrable experience with analytical development and method qualification supporting development of viral vectors for cell and/ or gene therapy.

• Subject matter expertise in product characterization methods relevant to viral vectors (including cell-based vector potency assays, flow cytometry, infectious titer, PCR / qPCR, ddPCR, ELISA, and MSD)

• Scientifically rigorous in designing and executing experiments, and record keeping.

• Excellent planning, coordination, and time management skills

• Excellent oral, written, and visual communication skills. You listen to understand and communicate effectively and persuasively with partners, colleagues, and leadership.

• Ability to build and maintain productive relationships with department management, peers, and other colleagues across the organization.

• Collaborative and accountable – recognizes success requires teamwork and interdisciplinary thinking; shares feedback and ideas to facilitate better outcomes

• Self-motivated, with a proven ability to meet objectives and timelines, managing multiple responsibilities in parallel.

• Flexible - adapts to change in a fast paced, rapidly developing environment

• Curious and humble – seeks and welcomes input/expertise of others, continuous learner

• Tenacious and resilient – is not easily overwhelmed by challenges, delivers on commitments

Bonus Qualifications...

• Analytical development and method qualification/ validation for characterization of engineered cell therapies, and late phase biologics, cell, or gene therapies

• Cell line/ primary cell transduction/ transfection, cytotoxicity assays, multi-color flow cytometry

• Familiarity with JMP software and Design of Experiment (DOE) approaches and application to analytical development.

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
$130,500—$159,500 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.