Scientist, T Cell Biology

Job Description
Precigen is seeking a highly motivated and creative Scientist (level determined by candidate experience) with experience in T cell biology, chimeric antigen receptor generation (CARs) and CAR T cell analysis to join Precigen's ImmunoOncology Department in Germantown, Maryland. ImmunoOncology is a rapidly growing and exciting area of cancer therapy, with the promise to revolutionize the way patients are treated. The successful candidate will have an in-depth understanding of T cell biology and immunotherapy.

Upon hire to this position Precigen will require documentation of a COVID-19 vaccination or exemption for medical or religious reasons.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Apply expertise in T cell immunology and molecular biology to lead and influence projects within the development of Precigen's product portfolio.
• Plan the evaluation strategy and conduct the in vitro studies with human T cells for functional testing
• Plan, perform and assess novel adoptive T cell therapies anti-tumor activity in relevant in vivo murine models.
• Clear communication in both oral and written form.
• Manage timelines and deliverables.
• Develop reports for various projects.
• Supervise research associates.
• Utilization of appropriate technology, i.e. Outlook, PowerPoint, and other programs to create and distribute reports and key information.
• Coordination of parallel tasks across multiple projects, demonstrating prioritization.
• Interpret and effectively execute upon a variety of instructions provided in written, oral, diagram or schedule formats.
• Self-motivated and independently minded.
• Positive interpersonal skills with the ability to interact with individuals from a variety of levels and function.
• Self-organizer, meticulous hands-on habits, keen attention to detail.
• Strong quantitative and analytical skills.
• Responsive, can-do attitude.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• TBD

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Ph.D. in immunology, cellular and/or tumor biology or a closely related field.
• Strong background in cancer immunotherapy or the biology of the tumor microenvironment, human immunology and experience working with engineered T-cells strongly preferred.
• Five (5) or more year's post-doctoral experience, industry experience a plus.
• Direct hands on experience with generating and analyzing chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells function
• Must have experience in flow cytometry and fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS), immune cell phenotyping of immune cell subsets; experience with human immune cells is preferred
• Experience designing and developing primary immune cell assays using key immune cell populations.
• Hands-on expertise in T-cell functional characterization assays including in vitro cytotoxicity, proliferation, and cytokine/chemokine measurements.
• Expertise in in vitro T-cell isolation and expansion methods.
• Proficient in cell culture aseptic technique.
• Experience in viral and non-viral methods of gene transfer.
• Experience with PK/PD, in vitro T cell assays, including ELISPOT, ELISA, Luminex and flow cytometry read-out.
• Proficient in multi-parameter flow cytometry (panel design, sample acquisition, data processing.)
• Experience in molecular and cellular biology techniques, including but not limited to: PCR, qPCR, cloning and western blot.
• Proficiency in the analysis and understanding of immune cells and molecules.

DESIRED KEY COMPETENCIES:

• Ability to understand and execute on the company's mission and values.
• Maintain a high degree of ethical standard and trustworthiness.
• Capable of fostering change in an organization.
• Deals with conflict in a direct, positive manner.
• Ability to think and adapt to a rapidly changing environment and demands.
• Able to reach rational conclusions through complex processing of information.
• Fosters innovation through creative solutions.
• Effective organization and implementation of group projects.
• Maintain a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Energized by accomplishments and excellence in the workplace.
• Capable of high performance in independent work as well as in team setting.
• Comfortable in a fast-paced small company environment with minimal direction and able to adjust workload based upon changing priorities.

EOE MFDV