Senior Research Associate, Process Development (Cell Therapy)

Senior Research Associate, 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 Senior Research Associate with strong experience and passion for 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…

• Plan and execute Process Development experiments with engineered T-cell and other immune cell product candidates to define process, optimize, and scale-up for clinical manufacturing.
• Perform in-process assays to measure cell number and characterize product using flow cytometry and other techniques.
• Interpret results, troubleshoot technical hurdles, and propose solutions to the team.
• Present study designs and results internally to project teams, management, and scientific teams.
• Use independent judgement to solve problems within standard scope of work.
• Contribute to completion of technical tasks to meet individual and team goals, working under minimal supervision for routine tasks, and direct supervision for more complex tasks.
• Maintain excellent records of experiments in electronic lab notebooks in a timely manner.
• Collaborate effectively across Obsidian organization.
• Maintain cell cultures and cell banks as needed to support experimental work.
• Support lab functions - including shared roles in maintaining reagent supplies, restocking consumables, equipment maintenance, and lab organization.
• Maintain a safe work environment in accordance with policies, procedures, and regulations.

 You Bring…

Core Qualifications

• BS or MS degree in chemical engineering, biochemical engineering, biology or relevant field, with 2-5 years of experience in biotech/pharma setting.
• Experience with Cell TherapyProcess Development in industry, preferably with some late-stage experience.
• Strong experience with cell culture techniques, preferably T-cell (or other immune cells).
• Experience with analytical methods for cell characterization such as flow cytometry, quantitative PCR.
• Excellent 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 design of experiment (DOE) approaches and statistical analysis of data.
• Experience with closed system processing
• 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.

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.