Research Associate/Senior Research Associate, Analytical Development (Operations/Core Testing Team)
Bedford, MA
About Us
Obsidian Therapeutics is expanding the reach of TIL therapy. We are pioneering engineered tumor infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapies to deliver transformative outcomes for patients suffering from solid tumor malignancies. Obsidian's programs apply our cytoDRiVE platform technology to express regulated therapeutic proteins to enhance anti-tumor activity. We're currently investigating our lead program OBX-115 and enrolling patients in an ongoing clinical trial in advanced or metastatic melanoma.
We're proud of our diverse talented team and committed to cultivating an environment where each person feels a strong sense of belonging and is supported to continuously learn and contribute their best work. Our research team is based in the heart of Cambridge, MA, and our Technical Development, Manufacturing & Quality team is based in our facility in Bedford, MA. Obsidianites enjoy a highly collaborative culture, competitive salary and benefits, and potential for ownership through stock options.
On April 3, 2024, we announced closure of a significantly oversubscribed $160.5 million Series C financing with a top-tier syndicate of life science investors led by new investor, Wellington Management. Proceeds from the financing will advance Obsidian's lead program in its ongoing trials. We're focused on enrolling patients and reaching key clinical and regulatory milestones, as well as manufacturing scale-up ahead of pivotal trial readiness.
Our Opportunity
We're looking for a highly motivated scientist to join our analytical development core testing team. You will focus on characterizing engineered cell therapy products and supporting Obsidian's tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL), viral vector and critical materials analytical teams. Based in our Bedford, MA location, you'll support critical studies and experiments to advance Obsidian OBX-115 product understanding. You'll work with subject matter experts across different functional groups, affording a significant learning opportunity and career development. This position is part of a new assay management and product characterization group and will afford the individual the opportunity to contribute to the vision for this testing team as well as to help establish control charting and sample tracking systems.
As a member of our Technical Development Manufacturing and Quality group you'll be a vital part of a highly collaborative team working to achieve the Obsidian's vision by translating innovative science into medical breakthroughs for patients, starting with our lead program cytoTIL15 a novel engineered tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy.
This is a unique opportunity to be a contributor in a well-funded clinical company with blue chip investors, field-leading advisors, best-in-class partners, and an experienced team. You'll help us build a dynamic, innovative, passionate, collaborative, and successful organization focused on delivering transformative therapies in areas of greatest clinical need.
You will
- Collaborate with team leaders to characterize cell-based products and raw materials (i.e. viral vector and irradiated Feeders).
- Execute carefully planned experiments, troubleshoot assays, discuss data, and communicate findings/present results at internal meetings.
- Gain the technical and analytical skills needed to support product characterization, including but not limited to: TIL analysis using multi-parameter flow cytometry, monitoring product impurities using flow cytometry and molecular biology tools like ddPCR and ELISA.
- Author and review technical methods and reports.
- Maintain timely and robust record keeping in ELN.
- Support lab functions including but not limited to maintaining reagent supplies, restocking consumables, lab organization, etc.
- Make intellectual and technical contributions to projects.
- Maintain a safe work environment in accordance with policies/procedures/regulations.
You bring
Core Qualifications
- BS with 1-3+ years of experience, or Masters in immunology/biomedical sciences
- Understanding of basic molecular biology and immunology-based experimental methods.
- Hands on experience with molecular and immunoassay techniques including nucleic acid extraction, PCR (qPCR and/or ddPCR), ELISA, flow cytometry, aseptic technique and cell culture of primary cells or cell lines.
- Scientific rigor in the execution, analysis, and troubleshooting of experiments.
- Strong organization and record-keeping skills, including an ability to manage multiple responsibilities in parallel.
- A highly collaborative working style; you build trusting relationships, invite and share ideas and feedback, productively challenge your own and others' assumptions to generate new ideas and facilitate better outcomes.
- Flexibility; a willingness and ability to adapt to changes in priorities in a fast-paced, rapidly developing environment in order to advance our mission.
- Scientific curiosity, and a track record of self-directed learning.
- Self-motivation and a proven ability to work with general direction, exercise good judgement, and seek the information and support you need to meet objectives and timelines.
Bonus Qualifications
- Experience in a Development or Testing Core.
- Experience with control charting and data trending.
- Experience in cell therapy, including culture of primary human immune cells.
- Experience with record-keeping in Electronic Notebook (ELN) format.
- Familiarity with data analysis tools like MS-Excel, GraphPad Prism, Flowjo, JMP.
Job level (Research Associate/Senior Research Associate) will be determined based on overall skillset and experience according to Obsidian's job level criteria.
Obsidian is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, cultivating a welcoming and diverse environment. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status or any other applicable legally protected characteristics.