Associate Scientist - Viral Vector Analytical Development (Contractor)
Obsidian Therapeutics
About Us…
Obsidian Therapeutics is pioneering engineered cell and gene therapies to deliver transformative outcomes for patients. Obsidian’s programs apply our cytoDRiVE® technology in Cell and Gene therapy products to control expression of proteins for enhanced therapeutic efficacy and safety. Obsidian’s lead program is currently in clinical development for the treatment of patients with metastatic melanoma and non-small cell lung cancer.
We’re proud of our diverse talented team and committed to cultivating an environment of inclusion 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 Technical Operations team is based in our purpose built facility in Bedford, MA. Obsidianites enjoy a highly collaborative culture, competitive salary and benefits, and potential for ownership through stock options.
Our Opportunity…
We’re looking for a highly motivated Associate Scientist with a background in viral vector analytical development to help drive the development of our cell therapy products. As member of our Technical Operations department you will be a vital part of a highly collaborative team working to achieve Obsidian’s vision by translating innovative science into medical breakthroughs for patients, starting with our lead program OBX-115, a novel engineered tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy.
This is a unique opportunity to be a contributor in a well-funded clinical company with blue chip investors, field-leading advisors, best-in-class partners, and an experienced team. You'll help us build a dynamic, innovative, passionate, collaborative, and successful organization focused on delivering transformative therapies in areas of greatest clinical need.
This is an onsite role located in our Bedford office.
You will…
- Learn and execute analytical methods to support characterization studies of Viral Vector starting materials and cell therapy products.
- Help design and execute experiments in collaboration with process development team to support critical material characterization.
- Author and review technical documents and data presentation including, but not limited to, study protocols, reports, and test methods.
- Maintain excellent records of experiments, including Electronic Notebook .
- Collaborate effectively across the Obsidian organization.
- Present internally to project teams, management, and scientific teams.
- Perform assigned work independently following established procedures with limited direction.
You bring…
Core Qualifications
- MS with 2+ or BS with 4+ years of relevant industry experience (degree in a relevant field such as biochemistry, cell biology, engineering, immunology).
- Excellent aseptic techniques and experience in product release and characterization methods with a focus on cell-based assays including cell-based titer assays, vector potency assays and molecular and immunoassays (PCR / qPCR, ddPCR, ELISA and MSD).
- Excellent organizational and documentation skills with the ability to communicate and prioritize effectively to deliver results within established timelines.
- Effective organization and record-keeping skills, including an ability to manage multiple responsibilities in parallel.
- Self-motivation and a proven ability to work autonomously with general direction to meet objectives and timelines.
- Excellent oral, written, and visual communication skills. You listen to understand and communicate effectively and persuasively with partners, colleagues, and leadership.
- Scientifically rigorous in designing and executing experiments, and record keeping.
- Collaborative and accountable – recognizes success requires teamwork and interdisciplinary thinking; shares feedback and ideas to facilitate better outcomes
- Self-motivated, with a proven ability to meet objectives and timelines, managing multiple responsibilities in parallel.
- Flexible - adapts to change in a fast paced, rapidly developing environment
- Curious and humble – seeks and welcomes input/expertise of others, continuous learner
- Tenacious and resilient – is not easily overwhelmed by challenges, delivers on commitments
Bonus Qualifications
- Experience with multi-parameter flow cytometry assays
- Demonstrated track record with analytical development supporting late-stage development of cell therapies or biologics.
- Experience with analytical assay technical transfer and/ or qualification.
- Experience working in a QC laboratory
Obsidian is committed to equitable and transparent pay practices.
The anticipated base salary range for this role is below. The actual base salary offered will be determined based on a combination of factors, including applicable qualifications, level of education, the depth of experience, unique skills, geographic location, internal equity, and/or business needs. The actual base salary offered will be in accordance with federal, state, and/or local wage requirements for the role’s location.
Our competitive compensation package includes an annual incentive bonus as a percentage of actual base salary and long-term incentives in the form of employee stock options, both of which are commensurate with the role’s level. We also offer a generous benefits package which includes comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage; company contributions to health savings and retirement accounts; ample paid time off; access to wellness programs; and rich career growth opportunities.
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.