Research Associate II

Overview

The Research Associate II will support research programs developing methods to optimize the anti-tumor activity of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) for therapeutic applications. A successful candidate will have experience with aseptic cell culture techniques and cell-based immunological assays. Prior experience with processing blood and solid tissue samples, as well as isolation and ex vivo manipulation of T cells and other relevant immune cells is beneficial.  This role is a lab-based and will report to Iovance’s Tampa, FL facility.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Aseptic cell culture: Perform aseptic processing of human tissue samples, perform aseptic isolation and culture of patient-derived primary cells such as T cells and tumor cells, and maintain sterile culture of established cell lines. 
• Immunological assays: Perform research experiments involving a variety of protocols and techniques including flow cytometry and ELISAs. Reliably implement, troubleshoot, and read out state-of-the-art cellular biology techniques as needed.
• Data Management: Maintain contemporary documentation of experiments, including detailed observations, in an organized and timely manner. Analyze experimental data and present results at team meetings for discussion.  Maintain up to date sample and reagents inventories.
• Team Collaboration: Conducts experiments under overall direction of the Scientist II and/or more senior scientist; Ability to track and execute multiple projects at once.  Conduct and coordinate large experiments involving one or more additional scientists.
• Conduct: Must adhere to Iovance Biotherapeutics’ core values, policies, procedures, and business ethics.
  Comply with Safety SOPs, SDS sheets, and laboratory procedures per company policy and OSHA regulations.
• Perform miscellaneous duties as assigned.

Required Education, Skills, and Knowledge

• Bachelor’s degree in Cellular Biology, Molecular Biology, Immunology, Biomedical Engineering, or related discipline with 2 years of post-degree bench research experience, preferably in industry, required.
  
• Experience with aseptic tissue culture using primary and established cell lines, in vitro assays including ELISA and flow cytometry

• Ability to carry out lab experiments both independently and in coordination with other team members
• Highly motivated individual, quick learner, adaptable as new situations arise, and definite team player with a positive attitude.
• Excellent record-keeping and organization skills
  
• Effective communicator (verbal and written).
  

Preferred Education, Skills, and Knowledge

• Master’s Degree in Cellular Biology, Molecular Biology, Immunology, or related discipline with 0-2 years of bench research experience, preferably in industry
• Familiarity with ex vivo T cell culture, including isolation, expansion, and functional assays involving primary T cells from blood and tissue are a plus.
• Familiarity with ex vivo isolation and expansion of tumor cells or other immune cells is a plus. 

The physical demands described here represent those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made upon request to enable individuals to perform essential functions. Please contact Human Resources to request an accommodation.

Physical Demands and Activities Required

• Must be able to move to and from the office to the lab located on separate floors and move about the office and lab as needed.
• Must be able to remain in a stationary position standing or sitting for prolonged periods of time.
• Must be able to grasp with both hands, perform repetitious actions such as pinch with thumb and forefinger, turn with hand/ arm, and reach above shoulder height.
• Must be able to use several types of laboratory equipment and pipettes for extended periods.
• Must be able to work on a tablet or computer typing for 50% of a typical working day.
• Must be able to move and lift 20 pounds multiple times daily.
• Must be able to use near vision to view samples at close range.
• Wear proper personal protective equipment when in a laboratory setting, i.e., safety glasses, lab coats, and closed-toed shoes.

Mental: Clear and conceptual thinking ability; excellent judgment, troubleshooting, problem-solving, analysis, and discretion; ability to work in a dynamic team; ability to handle work-related stress; ability to handle multiple priorities simultaneously; and ability to meet deadlines.

Work Environment

This position will work in both an office and a laboratory setting. When in the lab, there may be a risk of exposure to hazardous or biological waste within the environment through receipt, transport, storage, preparation, dispensing, administration, cleaning, and/or disposal of contaminated areas and waste.

The statements contained in this document are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by a colleague assigned to this description. They do not constitute a comprehensive list of functions, duties, or local variances. Management retains the discretion to add or to change the duties of the position at any time.

Iovance is committed to cultivating and offering a diverse and inclusive work environment. As an equal-opportunity employer, our employees and applicants will be considered without regard to an individual’s race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, military and veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law. If you need assistance or accommodation to apply to one of our opportunities, please contact careers@iovance.com.

By voluntarily providing information and clicking “Submit Application”, you explicitly consent to the collection and use of your personal information for the purposes described above and in our Candidate Privacy Notice. 

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