Research Associate

Performs laboratory activities to support therapy development efforts of Novasenta, a UPMC Enterprises funded biotech startup focused on developing new cancer therapies targeting immunoregulatory mechanisms in the tumor microenvironment, reporting to Principal Scientist.

Responsibilities:

• Reports to Research Scientist to ensure meeting the goals of Novasenta and pursuing the most promising targets within the tumor microenvironment for the development of therapeutics
• Conducts routine and non-routine lab procedures and assays for molecular, cellular and metabolic characterization of relevant samples from mouse models of cancer and human clinical cancer tissue under the supervision of Research Scientist
• Supports the development of biological, immunological assay to investigate mechanisms of immune-mediated effects of novel identified targets
• Supports the development and validation of new technologies for molecular, cellular and metabolic characterization of samples
• Contributes to the profiling and validation of novel druggable immunotherapy targets
• Documents and maintains a detailed and precise record of work performed
• Actively participates in the scientific dialogue of the group and proactively collaborates with colleagues

Qualifications:

• MS in biology, immunology or closed related field with 2+ years of experience in industry or academic research lab setting or PhD with similar background and 0-2 years of relevant experience
• Prior biopharma industry or commercial research experience desired experience with several of the following relevant techniques:
  • Mammalian cell culture
  • Flow cytometry and cell sorting
  • Molecular biology techniques (e.g., PCR, development of genetic constructs, cloning, etc.)
  • NGS (WGS, WES or RNAseq, including preparation of genomic libraries)
  • CRISPR or other advanced genetic editing techniques
  • Processing and characterization of fresh human tumor samples
  • Cell-based metabolic assays
• Ability to propose new experimental designs, plan and conduct laboratory experiments, and evaluate and interpret data
• Fundamental understanding of the process of discovery and development of immunology-based therapeutic targets and possible novel therapeutic concepts
• Experience in immuno-oncology-related animal studies is a plus
• The role requires critical thinking e.g. by proposing and implementing novel experimental approaches and concepts contributing to the cancer immunology and immune therapy research goals.
• The ideal candidate is product and goal oriented, focused on a career in biotech. They are highly efficient and organized and have a demonstrated ability to adhere to and follow defined timelines, milestone, and objectives.
• Experience in working under GLP standards and ensuring safety compliance under BSL-2
• Experience with laboratory information system (LIMS) is a plus
• Good verbal and written communication skills and the ability to interpret, summarize, and present results in a clear, concise, accurate manner

What we offer you:

• Competitive pay and benefits package.
• A fast-paced startup culture combined with the stability of a well-established entity (UPMC).
• Work with some of the leaders in the immunotherapy and cancer field.
• Opportunity to be part of a growing, dynamic and diverse team of highly skilled professionals discovering novel cancer therapies and making an impact on patient care.