Senior Associate Scientist / Principal Associate Scientist - 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 and motivated hands-on Sr./Prin. Associate Scientist to join our growing team of passionate researchers focused on identifying and characterizing novel immune-oncology targets. Our collaborative and innovative culture favors highly organized candidates, eager to learn and confident to work cross-functionally. A successful candidate will be well versed in target validation and functional genomics, and has a background in immunology and/or cancer biology. The ideal candidate is able to drive discovery efforts by dissecting target biology and employing cutting edge immunological and molecular techniques. The candidate will work closely with other functional groups and support discovery and pre-clinical programs.
Responsibilities
- With the guidance of the program team, operate primarily independently on the design, execution, and interpretation of complex experiments.
- Utilize molecular and cell biological techniques to validate novel targets and advance new candidates to program stage, including the generation of KO cell lines, primary/cancer cell coculture assays, cell line engineering, etc.
- Aid in the evolution of the platform by contributing to the development of innovative CRISPR screening modalities.
- Work in a highly cross-functional manner with various teams of the research group.
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.
- Extensive hands-on experience in basic immunology techniques including flow cytometry, cytokine analysis, cytotoxicity, proliferation assays, and primary immune cell isolation and culture.
- Be able to support and/or run functional genomics experiments using techniques including lentiviral vectors, CRISPR/shRNA and transgene expression.
- Experience with other basic molecular biology approaches (western blots, qPCR, co-IP, etc) is a plus.
- Excellent written and communication skills, ability to organize and present scientific data.
- Demonstration of creative problem-solving ability and the enthusiasm to take on ambitious scientific challenges.
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
