Associate Scientist - Immunology/Platform Development

Metagenomi is a gene editing company committed to developing potentially curative therapeutics by leveraging a proprietary toolbox of next-generation gene editing systems to accurately edit DNA where current technologies cannot. Our metagenomics-powered discovery platform and analytical expertise reveal novel cellular machinery sourced from otherwise unknown organisms. We adapt and forge these naturally evolved systems into powerful gene editing systems that are ultra-small, extremely efficient, highly specific and have a decreased risk of immune response. These systems fuel our pipeline of novel medicines and can be leveraged by partners. Our goal is to revolutionize gene editing for the benefit of patients around the world. 

Whether it's the biological diversity of our gene editing systems or the people that help discover them, Metagenomi celebrates the diversity of life. This is achieved through a compassionate culture that acknowledges the dimensions of our diversity.  We know that when people feel a sense of inclusion and belonging in the workplace, they have a safe space to bring creativity and innovation to everything they do. We are intentional about building and maintaining a culture where people are valued and respected, there is equity in opportunities, and our respective opinions and differences matter.

We are hiring an Associate Scientist on the Cell Therapy Platform team. Reporting to the Senior Scientist, this position will contribute to the development of cell therapy products, including expansion, engineering, and phenotypic and functional characterization of primary immune cell populations.  This role will be based in Emeryville, California.

How you’ll contribute: 

• Contribute to the development of Metagenomi Cell Therapy expansion process, including design and optimization for MG toolbox components.
• Characterize primary immune cells by flow cytometry, including activation, memory, exhaustion phenotyping.
• Assay activity of immune cell subsets, including activation marker expression, cytokine production, target cell killing.
• Collaborate with Cell Therapy teams to develop and characterize platform expansion process.
• Collaborate with Cell Therapy Process Development to transfer process to closed system for manufacturing.

Must haves:   

• MS or BS degree in Immunology, Cell or Molecular Biology or a related discipline required. 
• 6+ years experience (with MS) or 8+ years experience (with BS) in biology laboratory research or development required. 
• Proficiency in human primary immune cell culture, including isolation, activation, expansion.
• Proficiency in at least one of the following:
• Multi-color flow cytometry 
• Cytokine quantification (protein level - ELISA, CBA, etc)
• Cytotoxicity quantification 
• Able to quickly learn and adapt to new software tools (ex: Google Suite, Slack, Benchling, etc.)
• Metagenomi Company Values:  
• Scientifically or technically curious, innovative, with a drive to make an impact 
• Collaborative, committed and solutions-oriented
• Integrity, agility, and quality, the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously

Preferred additional qualifications/experience:

• Industry experience in immunology, immuno-oncology, or autoimmunity research and/or development (cell therapy development experience highly preferred)
• Multi-color flow cytometry panel design (>6 color)
• Multi-plex cytokine measurement (Luminex, MSD, etc)
• CRISPR-based DNA editing in mammalian systems, particularly immune cells
• Familiarity with markers of human immune cell activation, exhaustion, and memory subset identification
• Familiarity with large-scale cell expansion equipment (CliniMACS+ or Prodigy, Cocoon, bioreactor, M1 filler, ViaFreeze, etc)
• Software proficiency: FlowJo, Graphpad Prism, Discovery Workbench, Softmax Pro, Benchling
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California Pay Transparency Disclosure:

This position is classified as an exempt salaried position under the Federal Labor Standards Act.  The anticipated base salary $115,000 - $125,000.  You will also be eligible to receive equity, bonuses, and a full range of medical, financial, and other benefits depending on the position offered. Please note that individual total compensation for this position will be determined at the Company’s sole discretion and may vary based on location, skill level, years and depth of relevant experience, and education. 

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What makes Metagenomi a unique place to work?

• We are passionate about developing technologies derived from microbial-rich ecosystems that have the power to enable th