Our Opportunity…

We are looking for a highly motivated Process Development Research Associate/Sr. Research Associate (Contractor), with a background in process development and/or characterization. You will support our process characterization efforts with engineered T-cells, helping to drive the development of our first clinical stage autologous cell therapy program targeting solid tumors.

You will be a vital part of a highly collaborative team working to achieve Obsidian’s vision by collaboratively 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 a lab-based role; work is full-time on-site in our Bedford, MA location.

You will…

• Execute carefully planned process characterization experiments with engineered T-cells to support control strategy development.
• Support development studies as needed.
• Discuss data, troubleshoot technical hurdles, and communicate findings/present results at internal meetings.
• Carefully document data in an electronic lab notebook.
• Support data verification to ensure data integrity of characterization study data in eLNs and reports.
• Collaborate effectively with the PD and AD teams to ensure successful completion of studies and testing.
• Maintain a safe work environment in accordance with policies, procedures, and regulations.

You bring…

Core Qualifications

• BS degree in chemical engineering, biochemical engineering, biology or relevant field; prior Process Development experience in a biotech setting highly preferred.
• Experience with cell culture techniques, preferably T-cell (or other immune cells).
• Scientifically rigorous in executing experiments and record keeping.
• Excellent planning, coordination, and time management skills
• Excellent oral, written, and visual communication skills. You listen to understand and communicate effectively and persuasively with partners, colleagues, and leadership.
• Ability to build and maintain productive relationships with department management, peers, and other colleagues across the organization
• 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 design of experiment (DOE) approaches and statistical analysis of data; familiarity with JMP is desirable.
• Basic knowledge of immunology and experience working with immune system cells.
• Experience with culture of mammalian cells in small -scale and large-scale bioreactor systems (e.g. G-Rex, Xuri) and associated control strategies.
• Experience with analytical methods for cell characterization such as flow cytometry, quantitative PCR.