Assoicate Scientist

Position Summary

Simcere is expanding its North American operations with a forward-looking drug discovery team in Cambridge, Massachusetts. We seek an innovative, driven, and self-directed Associate Scientist to bolster our preclinical research efforts. In this role, you will design and execute experiments to identify and validate novel immunology/oncology targets using in-vitro assays. Using mammalian expression systems, you will also generate and characterize proteins, including antibodies. As a key lab team member, your work will directly shape Simcere’s future pipeline, collaborating across departments to advance programs from early discovery to IND filing.

Key Responsibilities

1. Molecular Cloning & Cell Line Development

• Design and perform molecular cloning experiments (e.g., generating overexpressing cell lines via transduction and transfection).
• Generate stable and transient reporter cell lines to support drug candidate screening and optimization.

1. Protein Generation & Purification

• Experience in proteins expression and purification, including antibodies, using mammalian cell systems (e.g., HEK293 and CHO), will be highly valued.
• Optimize expression and purification protocols to ensure high-quality protein yields for downstream applications.

1. Target Identification & Assays

• Conduct cell-based assays to discover potential oncology/immunology targets, applying various molecular biology techniques.
• Develop and run genomic, protein, and cell-based assays for validation, mechanistic studies, and discovery elucidation.

1. Flow Cytometry & Bioanalysis

• Perform multi-color flow cytometry to characterize immune and cancer cells.
• Execute bioanalytical assays—including Luciferase assay, RT-qPCR, ELISA&MSD, and Western blot—to quantify target proteins and assess assay performance.

1. Functional Readouts

• Conduct cytotoxicity and proliferation assays to evaluate target functionality and impact on cell viability.

1. Experimental Design & Data Analysis

• Independently design experiments, analyze data, troubleshoot challenges, and present findings with minimal supervision.

1. Collaboration & Innovation

• Partner with cross-functional teams to advance drug development programs and support Simcere’s pipeline toward IND submission.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of relevant scientific advancements in the field.
• Serve as the primary point of contact with Contract Research Organizations (CROs), ensuring timely and high-quality deliverables that meet project objectives and organizational standards.

Qualifications

• Education & Experience
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Cellular Biology, Immunology, Oncology, or a related discipline.
• A minimum of two years of relevant experience (industry experience preferred).
• Technical Skills
• Molecular Cloning: Proficiency in cloning, transfection, transduction, and generation of stable/overexpressing cell lines.
• Protein Expression & Purification (highly valued): Hands-on experience with mammalian expression systems (HEK293, CHO) for protein (including antibody) generation and purification.
• Cell Culture & Assays: Proven expertise in cell culture (primary cells such as human T and myeloid cells, and established cell lines) and cell-based assays (flow cytometry, immunological assays).
• Molecular Biology Techniques: Familiarity with qPCR, CRISPR, RNAi, RNA sequencing, NGS, and Western blotting.
• Soft Skills
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting capabilities.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and record-keeping skills.
• A proactive, results-oriented mindset and a collaborative spirit.

What Simcere Offers

• Innovation-Driven Culture: A work environment that places science at the center of our mission.
• Collaborative Team: A vibrant, diverse group of scientists addressing key challenges in human health.
• Competitive Compensation & Benefits: Competitive salary, comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision), long- and short-term disability coverage, and a 401(k) match.