Research Associate/Senior Research Associate - Analytical Development (Viral Vector) - Contractor

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 are investigating OBX-115 and enrolling patients in an ongoing multicenter clinical trial in advanced melanoma and non-small cell lung cancer (Agni-01).

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.

In April 2024, we announced closure of an oversubscribed $160.5 million Series C financing with a top-tier syndicate of life science investors to advance Obsidian’s lead program in its ongoing trials.

Our Opportunity…

We’re looking for a highly motivated scientist to join our analytical development Viral Vector team. You will focus on characterizing gamma retroviral vectors in support of clinical development of cell therapy products. 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 the potential for significant learning and career development. This position is part of the Viral Vector Analytical Development team which supports assay development and qualification in addition to vector characterization and testing for internally produced and externally produced lots.

As a member of our Technical Operations team 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 OBX-115, 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 viral vectors.
• Execute carefully planned experiments, troubleshoot assays, discuss data, and communicate findings/present results at internal meetings.
• Apply your technical and analytical skills needed to support viral vector product characterization, including but not limited to 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 or MS in immunology/biomedical sciences or related field, and 1 years of relevant work experience.
• Understanding of basic molecular biology and immunology-based experimental methods.
• Hands on experience and demonstrated competence with molecular and immunoassay techniques including nucleic acid extraction, PCR (qPCR and/or ddPCR), and ELISA.
• Experience with aseptic technique and cell culture of primary cells or cell lines.
• Familiarity with data analysis tools including MS-Excel and Flowjo.
• 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 Analytical Development or Analytical Testing team, preferably in cell therapy.
• Experience with control charting and data trending.
• Experience with flow cytometry.
• Familiarity with record-keeping in Electronic Notebook (ELN) format.
• Familiarity with GraphPad Prism, JMP.

Job level (Research Associate/Senior Research Associate) will be determined based on overall skillset and experience according to Obsidian’s job level criteria.

Please no agency solicitation at this time. Thank you for respecting this request.