Senior Research Associate, Analytical Development Contractor (Core Testing/Characterization) at Obsidian Therapeutics

Senior Research Associate, Analytical Development Contractor (Core Testing/Characterization)

Bedford, MA

About Us…

Obsidian Therapeutics is expanding the reach of TIL therapy.  We are pioneering engineered tumor infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapies to deliver transformative outcomes for patients suffering from solid tumor malignancies. Obsidian’s programs apply our cytoDRiVE® platform technology to express regulated therapeutic proteins to enhance anti-tumor activity. We’re currently investigating our lead program OBX-115 and enrolling patients in an ongoing clinical trial in advanced or metastatic melanoma.

We’re proud of our diverse talented team and committed to cultivating an environment where each person feels a strong sense of belonging and is supported to continuously learn and contribute their best work. Our research team is based in the heart of Cambridge, MA, and our Technical Development, Manufacturing & Quality team is based in our facility in Bedford, MA. Obsidianites enjoy a highly collaborative culture, competitive salary and benefits, and potential for ownership through stock options.

On April 3, 2024, we announced closure of a significantly oversubscribed $160.5 million Series C financing with a top-tier syndicate of life science investors led by new investor, Wellington Management. Proceeds from the financing will advance Obsidian’s lead program in its ongoing trials. We’re focused on enrolling patients and reaching key clinical and regulatory milestones, as well as manufacturing scale-up ahead of pivotal trial readiness.

Our Opportunity…

We’re looking for a highly motivated scientist with experience in primary human cell culture, molecular analytics, and cell-based assays to work with our Analytical Development Core Testing team. You’ll focus on characterizing engineered cell therapy products and supporting Obsidian’s tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL), viral vector and critical materials analytical teams. You’ll support critical studies and experiments to advance Obsidian OBX-115 product understanding and work with various subject matter experts across different functional groups, affording a significant learning opportunity and career development. This position is the fourth hire toward establishing an assay management and product characterization group, affording you the opportunity to contribute to the establishment of this testing team, and control charting and sample tracking systems.

As part of our Technical Development, Manufacturing, and Quality group based in our Bedford, MA location, you'll be a vital part of a highly collaborative team working to achieve the Obsidian’s vision by translating innovative science into medical breakthroughs for patients, starting with our lead program cytoTIL15 a novel engineered tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy. This is a unique opportunity in a well-funded clinical stage company with blue chip investors, field-leading advisors, and a highly experienced leadership team. You’ll be part of a dynamic, collaborative, innovative, passionate, patient-focused, and successful organization focused on delivering transformative therapies in areas of greatest clinical need.

You Will…

• Collaborate with team leaders to characterize cell-based products and raw materials (i.e., viral vector and irradiated feeder cells) using molecular and cell based analytical methods.
• Execute test methods, troubleshoot assays, analyze and discuss data, and communicate findings/present results at internal meetings.
• Develop the technical and analytical skills needed to support product characterization, including but not limited to: TIL analysis using multi-parameter flow cytometry, monitoring product impurities using flow cytometry and molecular biology tools like ddPCR and ELISA.
• Author and review technical methods and reports.
• Maintain accurate and timely record keeping in ELN.
• Support lab functions including maintaining reagent supplies, restocking consumables, lab organization, sample inventory management, etc.
• Make intellectual and technical contributions to projects.
• Maintain a safe work environment in accordance with policies/procedures/regulations.

You Bring…

Core Qualifications

• BS with 3+ years of experience, or Masters in immunology/biomedical sciences or a related field with 1+ years of experience.
• Understanding of basic immunology and immunology-based experimental methods.
• Hands on experience with primary and mammalian cell culture.
• Hands on experience with molecular and immunoassay techniques including nucleic acid extraction, PCR (qPCR and/or ddPCR), ELISA, western blotting, electrophoresis.
• Scientific rigor in the execution, analysis, and troubleshooting of experiments.
• Experience monitoring assay performance using appropriate controls and assay trending.
• Strong organization and record-keeping skills, including an ability to manage multiple responsibilities in parallel. 
• A highly collaborative working style; you build trusting relationships, invite and share ideas and feedback, and productively challenge your own and others’ assumptions to generate new ideas and facilitate better outcomes.
• Flexibility; a willingness and ability to adapt to changes in priorities in a fast-paced, rapidly developing environment to advance our mission.
• Scientific curiosity, and a track record of self-directed learning.
• Self-motivation and a proven ability to work with general direction, exercise good judgement, and seek the information and support you need to meet objectives and timelines.

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience in Analytical Development or Analytical Testing.
• Experience in a QC environment.
• Hands on experience with flow cytometry.
• Experience in cell therapy, including culture of primary human immune cells.
• Experience with record-keeping in Electronic Notebook (ELN) format.
• Familiarity with data analysis tools like MS-Excel, GraphPad Prism, Flowjo.

* Please no agency solicitation at this time.

Obsidian is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, cultivating a welcoming and diverse environment. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status or any other applicable legally protected characteristics.