Senior Manager, Flow Cytometry

Using living cells to treat – and sometimes even cure – cancer is one of the most dramatic advances in modern medicine. Patients with hematologic malignancies have been successfully treated with cell therapies. However, these profound results have not yet been achieved in patients with solid tumors, representing approximately 90% of all cancers. And for patients with hematologic malignancies, there is a need for next-generation cell therapies that can deliver increased response rates and longer duration of response. We are a clinical-stage company advancing a pipeline of next-generation CAR T-cell therapies for patients with solid tumors or hematologic malignancies. Lyell’s product candidates are enhanced with novel technology designed to generate T cells that resist exhaustion and have qualities of durable stemness in order to drive durable tumor cytotoxicity and achieve consistent and long-lasting clinical response. We were founded by cell therapy pioneers whose decades of research elevated the broader understanding of T-cell biology and its interaction with cancer. In our quest to advance next-generation CAR T-cell therapies, we have built a fully integrated company capable of discovering new technologies, translating science into therapies, manufacturing cell therapy products, and clinically evaluating them in patients. Our culture is based on Science, Respect, Collaboration, and Courage and reflects who we are, the environment we create, and our mission's urgency.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The individual in this role will be responsible for leading and maintaining operations of a state-of-the-art flow cytometry facility. The candidate will serve as a subject matter expert to pre-clinical research and translational sciences teams and support high-dimensional analysis of cellular phenotypes, high-speed cell sorting, assay development, workflows, troubleshooting and data analysis to address a diverse set of hypotheses related to CAR-T biology. The incumbent will manage all operational aspects of flow cytometry lab such as instrument maintenance and reagent/materials ordering. In addition, this role will nurture relationships with key project leads and internal stakeholders to ensure effective communication, collaboration and achievement of enterprise-level research objectives.

KEY ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Partner closely with scientists in pre-clinical and translational teams to ensure the generation of high-quality, reliable, reproducible flow cytometry data through optimal panel design, assay development and analysis, while ensuring its positive impact on research objectives
• Ensure the maintenance of flow cytometry analyzers and sorters at peak operating condition by ensuring ongoing instrument maintenance, standardization, and quality assurance
• Manage/oversee research associates including mentoring, development, and training
• Ensure successful assay development, execution, and smooth operations of the flow core by maintaining antibody and other critical reagent inventory
• Responsible for writing and reviewing protocols and technical documents and ensuring quality standards are met in research laboratory setting
• Establish and standardize analysis strategies for flow cytometry-based assays and work with IT team for efficient data handling and storage
• Support cell sorting for downstream next-gen sequencing-based assays to enable deeper characterization of CAR-T cells in the context of complex in-vitro and in-vivo models
• Work closely and maintain productive relationships with process sciences team on complex flow cytometry assays for T cell characterization. Nurture productive and collegial relationships with all users
• Engage in continuing scientific and technical education so that the latest expertise knowledge is available to meet challenges in cutting-edge CAR-T research
• Train and assist new users with technical and operational procedures

PREFERRED EDUCATION:

• BSc in Immunology, Molecular and Cell Biology, Cancer Biology or related field with a minimum of 13 years’ experience; or a MSc in Immunology, Molecular and Cell Biology, Cancer Biology or related field with a minimum of 11 years’ experience; or a
• PhD in Immunology, Molecular and Cell Biology, Cancer Biology or related field with a minimum of 6 years’ experience
• Demonstrated understanding of, and ability to apply principles, concepts, practices and standards associated with analytical flow cytometry assay development/validation, panel design, and/or sample testing in a laboratory setting.
• Proven experience in using high-dimensional multi-color flow cytometry instruments (Cytek Aurora preferable) and expert in multi-color panel design and analysis
• Expert in FlowJo and proven experience in analysis strategies for flow cytometry-based assays (knowledge of R scripting language considered a plus
• Demonstrated experience and understanding of techniques directly applicable to immune-oncology and/or CAR T research
• Must have excellent oral and written communication and presentation skills
• Must have critical thinking, high degree of ownership, strong organizational, and problem-solving skills and ability to quickly adapt to changing project
• Self-motivated and driven to achieve milestones and exceed goals with minimal direction
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively among cross-functional teams
• Ability to work efficiently, prioritize workflow, meet deadlines and balance competing priorities
• Excellent analytical skills and scientific/technical expertise

Lyell offers its employees a range of compensation and benefits. To assist you with your decision to apply for this role, the following decision to apply for this role, the following information and links to our site highlight our competitive market position and support to our employees and their dependents.

The salary range for this position is $160,000 to $175,000, annually, with the opportunity to earn an annual bonus. The salary range is an estimate, and the actual salary may vary based on Lyell’s compensation practices and an applicant’s qualifications and experience. Employees are also eligible to participate in Lyell’s Equity Incentive Plan.

Our Employee Benefits program is extensive and includes subsidized medical, dental and vision plans from your first day of employment, FSA, Company provided Life and AD&D Insurance as well as STD and LTD Insurance, ESPP, a 401(k) Plan with Company match, mass transit commuter benefits, cell phone reimbursement and a range of supplemental benefits that you may choose to elect. Our paid time-off benefits currently include 18 days’ vacation, 9 day’s sick leave, 8 observed holidays as well as a floating holiday. We also have a summer and a winter office shutdown.

At Lyell, we believe that highest performing teams include people from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences who respectfully challenge each other. We are committed to building an open, diverse and inclusive culture for all employees. Lyell is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, citizenship status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, age, religion, creed, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, veteran status or any other characteristics protected under applicable federal, state and local laws.

We’ve learned from experience that some of the best people don’t always match our requirements perfectly - if you’re interested and think you could fit, please don’t hesitate to apply.