Senior Associate Scientist / Principal Associate Scientist, Biology - Contractor - DEM Biopharma
Cambridge, MA
About the Job
DEM Bio is pioneering the next generation of immunotherapeutics that unleash macrophages and immune phagocytes to eliminate tumors by targeting 'Don't eat me' (DEM) and 'Eat me' (EM) signals on cancer cells and macrophages. Using our proprietary platform, (Co-culture with Human Myeloid Phagocytes) CHoMP™, DEM Bio has discovered and validated new DEM and EM signals that could profoundly enhance cancer therapies through increased macrophage- mediated cancer cell elimination. The CHoMP™ platform utilizes CRISPR-based functional genomic screens in cancer cells and/or macrophages.
Founded by Longwood Fund and pioneering scientists Jonathan Weissman PhD, Kipp Weiskopf MD/PhD, and Michael Bassik PhD, DEM Bio raised a $70M Series led by founding investor Longwood Fund and Alta Partners, with additional participation from Insight Partners, Pfizer Ventures, Astellas Venture Management, Emerson Collective, UTokyo Innovation Platform and Alexandria Venture Investments.
The Position
DEM is looking for an experienced, motivated Senior Associate Scientist/Principal Assoc Scientist to join our growing team of passionate researchers focused on identifying potent tumor killing targets. We are seeking a talented and collaborative cell biologist/immunologist to perform assays to unravel the mechanism of action of our targets and support programs and platform cross-functionally. A successful candidate will work closely with team members in target biology and drug development programs. Our dynamic and innovative culture favors highly organized candidates, eager to learn and confident to work across boundaries.
Responsibilities
- Work internally with collaborators to advance our understanding of targets in clinical development and support program and drug candidate biology
- Work with team of scientists in the design, execution, and analysis of in vitro cell-based assays to assess efficacy and MOA
- Support immuno-assay development for target validation, MOA and functional screens for hit identification, and MOA and functional characterization of leads in vitro
- Contribute effectively to meetings, patents, scientific publications
- Work cross-functionally to close gaps where needed in a nimble early start-up environment
Qualifications
- MS in relevant scientific discipline with 2-5 years of laboratory experience in industry or academia or BS with >4 years of industry-relevant experience; hands-on immunology background strongly desired
- Experience in mammalian cell culture techniques: isolating primary cells and managing cell lines including primary immune cells such as T cells and monocytes. Previous experience with myeloid cells preferred
- Experience with functional immune cell assays such as activation, phagocytosis, coculture, and proliferation assays
- Experience with standard immuno-assays (ELISA and/or multiplex cytokine/chemokine detection via MSD, LUMINEX or Legendplex).
- Experience with multi-color flow cytometry, panel design, intracellular staining, and complex experiment interpretation highly desired
- Able to work efficiently both independently and in a team environment, demonstration of quality, proficiency, and attention to details
- Maintain clear and accurate records of experiments and analysis in electronic notebook
- Strong willingness to learn and apply new skills to a fast-paced, exciting scientific environment
- Excellent written and communication skills, ability to organize and present scientific data
Preferred Qualifications
- Cell and molecular biology skills for target validation and MOA such as western blotting, cell line engineering (CRISPR , lentiviral transduction), DNA/RNA extraction and analysis, immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence experience
- Prior experience working with mouse tumor models or ex vivo analysis
Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.
DEM Biopharma is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our goal is to have a diverse workforce. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, age, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status or disability or any other status protected under federal, state or local law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit and business need.
DEM Biopharma values the health and safety of all of our team members, as is committed to making our workplace as safe and welcoming as possible. Where permitted by applicable law], Successful applicants for this position [therefore] must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or have a valid medical or religious exemption from vaccination, as a condition of employment
