Senior Scientist, Preclinical Candidate Development

About Us:

We are a startup biotechnology company dedicated to the development of novel cell therapies to cure cancers. The company was founded on pioneering work carried out in the laboratories of Dr. Carl June and Dr. Andy Minn (University of Pennsylvania), Dr. Kole Roybal (UCSF), and Dr. Christopher Garcia (Stanford University). We are using viral vectors, universal targets, and novel cytokine biology to enhance CAR T activity in solid tumors. Our therapeutic approach has potential to be used across multiple tumor types, enabling us to treat significant numbers of cancer patients.   

At our company, you would become one of our early team members where you would help to engineer a universal treatment across solid tumors, be a vital part of building our culture, and help create a world where all cancer patients can be cured.  We are determined to deliver with urgency to discover new solutions and we always stay dedicated to scientific rigor; we have an ownership mindset because each and every one of us is integral to our success.  Collaboration is core for us because we believe that by bringing people together with diverse perspectives, we make a stronger whole.  And, we show we care about our work and each other by sharing feedback - ultimately in service of our vision to empower people to continue forward with their lives – cancer free.   

The Role:

Reporting into the Associate Director, Preclinical Candidate Development, the Senior Scientist will collaborate closely across research teams to identify and select novel candidate therapeutics through in vitro and in vivo evaluation. This role will be responsible for performing IND-enabling studies to advance candidates into the clinic, including in vitro specificity and functionality assays, in vivo efficacy and safety studies, and contribution to authoring IND study reports. This individual will be an essential member of the Candidate Development team and will also collaborate closely with all research teams, CMC, Translational Sciences, and Clinical Development on assay development in support of lead programs.  

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and perform in vitro CAR T assays to characterize candidates, combinations, and novel CAR T enhancements 
• Perform flow cytometry to understand T cell characteristics and phenotypes  
• Plan and execute in vivo CAR T mouse efficacy and safety studies utilizing various tumor models 
• Effectively communicate experimental findings in team and cross-functional meetings 
• Perform in vitro and in vivo IND-enabling studies to support successful IND filings  
• Collaborate across all departments, including Discovery Research, Translation, and CMC, to generate high impact data and advance key company objectives 
• Assist with authoring IND study reports  

Required Experience & Skills: 

• Ph.D. in Immunology or related field with at least 5 years of experience or Master’s Degree with equivalent level of relevant industry experience 
• At least 2 years of experience in the T cell therapy space 
• Competency in T cell in vitro assays to evaluate function, including but not limited to cytotoxicity, cytokine release, and exhaustion assays  
• Experience in multi-color flow cytometry 
• In vivo tumor model expertise, including study design and hands-on technical skills (SC and IV injection, caliper tumor measurement)  
• Collaborative nature, geared toward cross-functional teamwork 
• Excellent organizational, problem-solving and time management skills  
• Positive attitude, highly motivated, dedicated work ethic, and flexible orientation for operating in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment 
• Strong verbal and written communication skills 

Preferred Experience & Skills: 

• Lentiviral experience 
• IVIS imaging experience 
• Mouse cell/tissue harvesting and ex vivo analyses 
• Immunohistochemistry experience 
• Cytokine analysis techniques such as MSD 
• Experience with oncolytic viruses 
• Experience with authoring IND study reports 

What we Value:   

At our company, we hire for values first, followed by capabilities and skills. Our values guide everything we do… 

Determined to Deliver:   

By working with focus and passion, we can provide patients with the solutions they need.   

Own Every Outcome:   

We can reach new heights when we stay centered on our shared success.    

Collaboration at the Core:   

When we band together, our work is better.   

Feedback is Fundamental:   

Constructive and authentic positive feedback may be difficult to master but it is vital to our success.   

Working Here: 

• We offer a highly competitive compensation package with meaningful ownership through equity 
• Excellent coverage for medical, vision, dental 
• 401(k) with generous contribution 
• Life insurance 
• Flexible PTO policy 
• Additional substantial benefits 

We are an equal opportunity employer.  

We are committed to inclusion and diversity, and we do not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, color, marital status, veteran status, disability status, national origin, or any characteristic protected under applicable law.