Research Scientist/Senior Research Scientist, Biologics/Immunology

Position Title: Research Scientist/Senior Research Scientist, Biologics/Immuno-Oncology

Position Summary

Calibr is seeking a talented Research Scientist in the area of immuno-oncology. This position will work as part of a small team of interdisciplinary scientists to translate innovative cell and protein therapies for the treatment of cancer into first-in-human clinical trials. Specifically, projects will be focused on the development of next generation T cell-recruiting antibodies (bi/multi specific antibodies) and switchable chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T).  Both platform technologies have the potential to have curative responses 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 covering infectious and neglected tropical diseases, metabolic disorders, autoimmunity, and others. Calibr’s 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 gain knowledge on how scientific ideas are translated into drugs to help patients in need. The ideal candidate 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 family. This position will require training and managing entry level Research Associates, with increased responsibility over time.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Design and execution of project plans involving characterization of signaling pathways, phosphoflow, immune cell profiling, cell processing from xenograft models, cytotoxicity, proliferation, activation, and survival assays with a strong focus on flow cytometry and ELISA.
• Cell biology including working (isolation, characterization, and assay set up) with primary human and murine cells, immune and tumor cell lines used in immuno-oncology research, and primary patient-derived cells.
• Design, characterization and development of antibodies, including bi- and multi-specific antibodies.
• Molecular biology experiments including DNA and protein preparation from cells, immunoprecipitation, western blots, etc will be within the scope of work.
• Gene editing of primary human immune cells using state of the art technologies like CRISPR, TALEN, and other endonucleases while using multiple delivery approaches including protein and mRNA electroporation and multiple viral vector platforms.
• Preparation of reports and presentation of results at regular team meetings.

Qualifications and Experience

• A strong background in immunology is essential (Experience in T/B/NK/macrophage cell biology, autoimmune disease and tumor immunology).
•  Hands-on experience with in vitro assays (co-culture, signaling, activation assays) is essential.
• A strong background in cell culture and multi-color flow cytometry is essential.
• Knowledge and hands-on expertise in protein engineering, antibody design and characterization are important.
• Experience with molecular biology techniques is important.
• Experience with gene editing, cell transfection and transduction systems is preferred but not required.
• Experience preparing reagents for in vivo assays and In vivo study experience preferred but not required.
• Experience using Prism, FlowJo, Office, and JMP software is important.
• Details of established essential functions for this position will be addressed/discussed during the interview process.

 Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, chemical biology, biochemistry, or related field required. PhD is highly preferred.
• Minimum 2 years’ experience in the industry required.
• Impeccable attention to detail, and excellent ability to perform hands-on experiments, research, design, and organize project designs and maintain detailed documentation.
• Highly motivated, creative, and devoted to project goals.
• Able to collaborate proficiently and communicate effectively with colleagues and management teams.
• Able to contribute in a meaningful way to scientific discourse.

Physical Requirements:

This position works in a laboratory environment. Further details of the physical requirements of established essential functions for this position will be addressed/discussed during the interview process.