RESEARCH ASSISTANT II-Immuno-Oncology

ABOUT US: Calibr-Skaggs Institute for Innovative Medicines is a division of Scripps Research focused on innovative research in the areas of regenerative medicine, cancer biology, cardiovascular and metabolic disease, immunology and infectious disease. Our mission is to translate innovative ideas from bench to beside in collaboration with academic and pharma partners. This is enabled by our unique position between academia and pharma, allowing for a bridge to catalyze new science that can be transformative in the lives of patients. Calibr-Skaggs' lead programs include a novel "switchable" CAR-T cell therapy platform (currently in Phase I trials for hematological and solid tumors, as well as for autoimmune diseases) and our multivalent antibody platforms in Oncology and Autoimmune disease. We are recruiting talented scientists who have a passion for making a difference in the lives of patients

POSITION TITLE: Research Assistant II

POSITION SUMMARY:

Calibr-Skaggs is seeking a talented Research Associate or Assistant in the area of Immuno-Oncology. 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 a gene therapy referred to as chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T cell) and in the development of immunotherapies known as CD3 T cell recruiting bispecific antibody platforms. Both platform technologies have 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-Skaggs covering infectious and neglected tropical diseases, metabolic disorders, autoimmunity, and others. Calibr-Skaggs' 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-Skaggs family.

RESPOSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

• Work under minimal supervision. Independently conducts a wide variety of standard laboratory techniques/procedures while using judgement when necessary to adapt standard methods and techniques. Receive instructions on specific assignment objectives, complex features, and possible solutions.
• Provide interpretation and analyses of results. Troubleshoot and modify procedures.
• May assist in designing experiments to complete a segment of overall research plan. May provide routine equipment maintenance. May provide guidance/training to department.

QUALIFICATION REQUIRED:

• Requires a bachelor's degree in biology, chemical biology, biochemistry or relevant scientific discipline or an equivalent combination of education, training and/or experience from which comparable knowledge, skill and abilities have been attained. a relevant scientific discipline or an equivalent combination of education, training and/or experience from which comparable knowledge, skill and abilities have been attained.
• Requires 3-5 years' experience. Candidates possessing a master's degree, 2+ years' experience required.
• Excellent ability to perform hands on experiments, attention to detail, research, design, and organize project designs and maintain detailed documentation.
• Highly motivated, creative, and devoted to project goals.
• Must be able to collaborate proficiently and communicate effectively with colleagues and management teams.
• Must be able to contribute in a meaningful way to scientific discourse.

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• A strong background in cell culture is essential. The candidate must have experience working with primary human immune cells and culturing cell lines including, but not limited to, common tumor cell lines used in immuno-oncology research.
• Hands-on experience with in vitro assays commonly used in immuno-oncology is critical. The candidate must have experience assessing the activity of immune cells using in vitro assays such as cytotoxicity, proliferation, and activation assays.
• Experience with multi-color flow cytometry is required. The candidate should have experience with multi-color flow cytometry and flow data analysis.
• Experience and knowledge of the immune system is a plus. The candidate must show a fundamental understanding of the immune system. Experience in T cell biology, tumor immunology, as well as other immune components is preferred.
• Experience preparing reagents for in vivo assays is desired, as well as experience in processing (blood, liver, spleen, tumor), and analysis of samples from in vivo experiments.
• Experience with molecular biology techniques is preferred. Experiments include but are not limited to molecular cloning, DNA preparation, protein expression/purification, immunoprecipitation, Western blots, ELISAs, etc.
• Experience with cell transfection and transduction systems is a plus. The candidate will be required to generate high-quality lentivirus for the transduction of both primary immune cells and established cell lines.
• Experience using programs such as GraphPad Prism, FlowJo, and Office software is beneficial but not required.

PHYSICAL REQUIRMENTS:

• This position works in a laboratory or vivarium environment.
• Details of established essential functions for this position will be addressed/discussed during the interview process.

COMPENSATION: The expected hiring range for this position is $68,640 to $79,500 per year, commensurate with experience. Consideration will be given to experience that exceeds the listed requirements.

COMPREHENSIVE BENEFITS INCLUDE:

• Eligibility for retirement plans with employer contribution.
• Full suite of Health and Welfare plans including three medical plan options (including an HSA available option), dental, vision, life insurance, disability, EAP and more.
• Access to Flexible Spending Accounts (Medical/Dependent Care).
• Competitive vacation and sick leave policies.
• Free, on-site Counseling Center which provides confidential counseling services to benefits-eligible employees and their family members.
• Free, on-site parking.

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:

The Scripps Research Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We promote diversity of thought, culture and background in the fields of science. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic or status.