Scientist/Associate Scientist, Process Development (Cell Therapy)

Scientist/Associate Scientist, Process Development (Cell Therapy)

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 new 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 and hands on Scientist with expertise in cell culture and Process Development to contribute to developing and characterizing manufacturing processes for Cell Therapy products  targeting cancer.  In this role, you’ll work collaboratively to develop phase-appropriate manufacturing processes that meet the quality target profile.  As part of our Technical Development and Manufacturing group you’ll 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.

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.

You Will…

• Conceive, plan, execute, interpret, and document Process Development experiments with engineered T-cell and other immune cell product candidates to define process, optimize and scale-up for clinical manufacturing.
• Leverage scientific knowledge and provide intellectual contributions to advance projects and propose new experimental avenues.
• Present technical information, study designs, and data internally and/or externally to project teams, management, and scientific teams.
• Contribute to and coordinate portions of department or project goals, under general scientific direction, while independently balancing multiple projects.
• Interpret results, troubleshoot technical hurdles, and propose solutions to the team.
• Author and review technical reports detailing experimental work and summarizing results.
• Stay up-to-date on literature and relevant guidances.
• Perform in-process assays to measure cell number and characterize product using flow cytometry and other techniques.
• Represent Obsidian with external partners and at professional organizations.
• Maintain excellent records of experiments in electronic lab notebooks in a timely manner.
• Collaborate closely with Analytical Development and other Obsidian teams.
• Maintain a safe work environment in accordance with policies/procedures/regulations.

You Bring…

Core Qualifications

• BS or MS degree in chemical engineering, biochemical engineering, biology or relevant field, with 5-9 years of experience in biotech/pharma setting; or Ph.D. with 1+ years
• Experience with Cell TherapyProcess Development in industry, preferably some exposure to late-phase processes, closed system operations, and design of experiment (DoE) approaches
• Strong experience with cell culture techniques, preferably T-cell (or other immune cells).
• Experience interpreting Cell Therapy-related data, including flow cytometry, growth rates
• Experience with developing study designs for complex issues.
• History of providing technical guidance to peers.
• Excellent written and oral/presentation communication skills.
• Scientific rigor and attention-to-detail in the execution, analysis, and troubleshooting of experiments.
• Strong record-keeping and organizational skills, including an ability to manage multiple responsibilities in parallel. 
• Scientific curiosity and a track record of self-directed learning. 
• A highly collaborative working style. You build trusting relationships, invite and share ideas and feedback, 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. 
• 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 with Cell Therapy processing equipment such as LOVO, Sepax, CliniMACS.
• Experience with analytical methods for cell characterization such as flow cytometry, quantitative PCR.
• Prior experience working with CDMOs - technology transfer in context of Process Development to support GMP manufacturing.
• Experience with T-cell (or other immune cell) selection, viral transduction, or cryopreservation.
• Experience with culture of mammalian cells in small -scale and large-scale bioreactor systems and associated control strategies and automation.
• Basic knowledge of immunology and experience working with immune system cells.

Job level will be based on overall experience and capabilities. 

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.