Scientist or Senior Scientist, Cell/Gene Therapy
Philadelphia, PA (CIC) /
Research – Discovery /
Full-time
/ On-site
Carisma is expanding into new cell and gene therapy programs and targets and is looking for experienced scientists to drive the leading edge of immunotherapy. Carisma is seeking a Scientist or Senior Scientist to join a growing research team developing a novel immunotherapy for cancer. The team is focused on establishing a lipid nanoparticle (LNP)/mRNA based in vivo CAR-M platform and building a broad oncology pipeline. The technology is being developed by Carisma as part of a recently announced collaboration with Moderna.
The candidate will be responsible for the design and execution of preclinical studies and will play a vital role in the translation of our novel mRNA-based gene therapies to the clinic. The candidate will be an integral part of a small team, where each member is expected to take responsibility for their actions, work collaboratively and be an ambassador for the company in front of leadership, vendors, partners, and others. The level of the position and compensation package will be competitive and commensurate with experience and the specific level of the candidate.
The culture at Carisma Therapeutics reflects the cutting-edge nature of the company’s work in developing novel immunotherapy treatments for human diseases. Employees come to work every day knowing their actions will have profound value. The team is a close-knit group and has cultivated an atmosphere that is fun and collegial but also goal-focused and fast-paced. There is great passion for advancing exciting and novel science while also building a successful company.
The position is based in Philadelphia, PA.
Responsibilities:
- Pre-clinically develop and evaluate novel LNP/mRNA based CAR-M candidates against novel targets.
- Evaluate the pharmacology and mechanism of action of candidate gene therapies in vitro using cell based assays.
- Identify lead in vivo CAR-M candidates and evaluate the function, characteristics, and specificity of novel binders against oncology targets.
- Execute a variety of in vitro technical skills including cell isolation, cell culture, transfection, and cell based functional assays.
- Lead the pre-clinical in vitro research for 1-2 programs against nominated oncology targets. Work closely with in vivo team leads.
- Design and evaluate novel constructs and work closely with internal/external collaborators to evaluate novel scFv’s against oncology targets of interest.
- Appropriately analyze data, interpret results, and maintain accurate laboratory notebook records.
- Prepare and deliver data presentations to management.
- Trouble shoot/optimize experiments and procedures
- Keep current with advances in the company’s area of research interest
- Flexibly support multiple research projects as the company grows
Requirements:
- PhD in life sciences or related discipline, with a minimum of 3 years’ relevant experience, or MS with 8 years of experience in the field. Cell therapy (i.e. CAR-T) experience is preferred.
- Molecular biology expertise is required. This includes designing novel CAR constructs, cloning, viral vector production/transduction, mRNA transfection, and troubleshooting molecular biology challenges.
- Experience with flow cytometry, cell culture, cell based functional assays (cytotoxicity, proliferation, cytokine release, etc), transfection/transduction, and primary immune cell isolation/culture are required.
- Previous experience supervising technicians preferred.
- Proven experience in aseptic technique and culturing human/murine cell lines and primary cells.
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a small team.
- Must have good communication, both oral and written, with the ability to perform detailed data analysis and keep accurate records.
- Should be highly motivated and capable of independent and critical thinking.
- Excellent computer skills with experience using Microsoft Excel and Word.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Flexibility and adaptability, “can do” attitude
- Highest moral and ethical integrity
Carisma Therapeutics is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.
Carisma Therapeutics is proud to be a 2021 Best Places to Work Honoree.
