Senior Scientist I / II, Flow Cytometry, Translational Immuno-Oncology Research (Dual Posting)

Job Description Summary

#LI-Onsite

About the role:
OTR is a global laboratory-based research group, which supports the development of novel therapeutics in the Oncology Disease Area from early stages of target identification through proof-of-concept clinical trials. Key activities of our group include understanding target epidemiology and biology, therapeutic mechanisms of action, response/resistance biomarkers, indication selection and rational combination opportunities across a diversity of mechanisms of action. This position is ideal for talented, highly motivated, and results-oriented individuals wishing to help scientists with data acquisition/analysis/management, provide classroom and hands-on training to users, bring in-house and establish new flow cytometry technology, and combine their interest in novel areas of cancer immunology with their strong desire to bridge exploratory research to early clinical trial design.

 

Job Description

Key Responsibilities:

• Support the design and execution of flow cytometry-based assays to characterize immune cell populations and identify exploratory biomarkers.

• Process and analyze clinical trial specimens using in-house flow-based assays.

• Document, analyze, and interpret experiments in a timely manner to advise project strategy and next steps.

• Present results in a variety of intra- and inter-departmental settings.

• Perform daily instrument QC, weekly and monthly maintenance, of all instruments.

• Train new users, assist users with experimental design, data acquisition and ad hoc trouble-shoot issues on cell analyzers, as well as data analysis.

• Perform cell sorting on the BDFACSAria Fusions and train users to self-operate the Sony MA900 cell sorter.

• Communicate with manufacturer’s technical support and FSEs to arrange instrument preventive maintenance and repair.

• Enforce facility user guidelines, develop and/or optimize user training, instrument operation and QC SOPs, as needed. Assist in data management in accordance with Novartis guidelines.

• Purchase and inventory lab consumables.

Essential Requirements:

• This position will be located at the Cambridge, MA site and will not have the ability to be located remotely. This position will not require travel.

• This is a dual posting. The final level & title of the offered role would be determined by the hiring team based on the skills, experience & capabilities required to perform the role at the level the role has been offered (Senior Scientist I / Senior Scientist II):

  • Senior Scientist I: Bachelor’s degree in biology, Molecular and Cellular Biology, Pharmacology, Immunology, Engineering, Physics or related field with 5-8 years of experience OR Master’s degree with 1+ year of experience in flow cytometry, cell biology, immunology, cancer immunology or related field

  • Senior Scientist II: Bachelor’s degree in biology, Molecular and Cellular Biology, Pharmacology, Immunology, Engineering, Physics or related field with 7-10 years of experience OR Master’s degree with 2+ year of experience in flow cytometry, cell biology, immunology, cancer immunology or related field

• Must be an expert with BD cell analyzers and cell sorters, including FACSFortessa and AriaFusion.  Experience with single-cell sorting, cell proliferation and cell cycle analysis.  Familiarity with other flow cytometry instrument platforms including but not limited to Agilent NovoCyte flow cytometer, Sony MA900 cell sorter, Cytek Aurora and BDFACSymphony A5 SE is a plus.

• Proficiency with FlowJo data analysis software.

• Practices efficient time management, focuses on deliverables, and is able to effectively prioritize when designing/undertaking experimental plan.

• Analyzes and communicates own results to department/project meetings.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills. Must be a team player, demonstrates patience, willingness to help others, ability to explain complex principles clearly and concisely to all experience levels.

• Ability to occasionally lift objects weighing over 40 pounds.

Desired Requirements:

• Experience with SpectroFlo, cell and gene therapy is a plus.

• Experience in T cell/myeloid/B cell biology, primary cell culture, immune cell assay techniques is a plus.

The Novartis Group of Companies are Equal Opportunity Employers and take pride in maintaining a diverse environment. We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, gender, national orig