Research Associate or Associate Scientist

Carisma Therapeutics is seeking a Research Associate (RA)/Associate Scientist (AS) to join the Carisma Therapeutics research and discovery team. The successful candidate will have broad technical responsibilities in support of the company’s research and discovery activities and an excellent overall understanding of the research goals of the company. The RA/AS will be an integral part of a small team, where each member is expected to take responsibility for their actions, work collaboratively and be an ambassador for the company in front of leadership, vendors, partners, and others. 

The culture at Carisma Therapeutics reflects the cutting-edge nature of the company’s work in developing novel immunotherapy treatments for human diseases. Employees come to work every day knowing their actions will have profound value. The team is a close-knit group and has cultivated an atmosphere that is fun and collegial but also goal-focused and fast-paced. There is great passion for advancing exciting and novel science while also building a successful company. 

The chosen candidate will be self-motivated, extremely organized, and very attentive to details. They will have a solid understanding of molecular biology techniques and experimental workflow, experience in experimental design, trouble-shooting, execution and data interpretation.  

Scope: 

The RA/AS will join a growing research team developing a novel immunotherapy for cancer. The team is focused on establishing a lipid nanoparticle (LNP)/mRNA based in vivo CAR-M platform and building a broad oncology pipeline. The technology is being developed by Carisma as part of a recently announced collaboration with Moderna. The position is based in Philadelphia, PA. The individual will work collaboratively with the entire research and development team. 

Responsibilities and Duties:

• Design and implement experimental strategies following appropriate laboratory procedures and techniques with minimum supervision 

• Work closely with Scientists and other staff to perform laboratory processes including general molecular biology techniques, cell culture, cell based functional assays, assay development, model development, and participating in in vivo mouse experiments  

• Appropriately analyze data, interpret results, and maintain accurate laboratory notebook records; prepare and deliver presentations at team meetings 

• Troubleshoot/optimize experiments and procedures 

• Keep current with advances in the company’s area of research interest 

• Flexibly support multiple research projects as the company grows 

Qualifications and Skills:

• Highest moral and ethical integrity 

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in immunology, biochemistry, biology, biomedical engineering, pharmacology, molecular biology or similar field with equivalent of 5 years of wet lab experience 

• Hands-on experience in cell culture (tumor and primary immune cells) is required.  

• Hands-on experience in flow cytometry data acquisition and analysis (FlowJo) is required.  

• Hands-on experience with cell based functional assays is strongly preferred (cytotoxicity assays, ELISA, MSD).  

• Proficiency with standard molecular biology techniques (cloning, production of lentivirus, characterization of viral vectors, PCR, qRT-PCR, western blot) is strongly preferred. 

• In vivo (mouse handling) experience is preferred but not required.  

• Ability to work both independently and as part of a small team. 

• Must have good communication, both oral and written, with the ability to perform detailed data 
  analysis and keep accurate records. 

• Should be highly motivated and capable of independent and critical thinking. 

• Excellent computer skills with experience using Microsoft Excel and Word. 

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills 

• Flexibility and adaptability, “can do” attitude 

• Experience with keeping an Electronic Lab Notebook (ELN)