Our client is a revolutionary early-stage biotechnology company, developing a novel cancer therapy utilizing a proprietary virally derived platform technology known as Anti-tumor Immune Redirectors (AIR). This technology redirects natural pre-existing immunity from past infections or childhood vaccines to fight cancer. This unique technology approach specifically targets solid tumor cells and causes them to appear as virally infected, resulting in a robust recall of memory immune responses against the cancer cells.

They are currently expanding and has recently relocated our laboratories to the new JLABs in Washington, D.C.   They are currently seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic Research Associate to join their in-house R&D team and support our development programs. The successful candidate will work within an R&D team developing both upstream expression and downstream purification as well as for analytics for biotherapeutics production.

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the development of new biologics drugs for cancer immunotherapy in a highly collegial start-up biotech company and gain experience in all aspects of immuno-oncology drug discovery.  While training will be provided, a high level of responsibility, flexibility, and acceptance of constructive guidance is required to carry out the diverse duties of this position.

Key Responsibilities but not limited to:

- To work with lead scientists on different projects and in-house projects for either protein production or further development of purification process and analytics.

- Assist lead scientists to design and execute experiments based on the proposed project scope.

- Analyze data, interpret results, and plan the next steps.

- Regularly update project progress in internal and external project meetings and prepare final reports.

- In a team, coordinate to routinely perform protein expression studies in bacteria, including molecular cloning, microbial fermentation, and protein separation and characterization; from time to time, the candidate will also assist with downstream purification work using AKTA and/or crossflow systems for biotherapeutics purification and handle a range of analytical equipment for biotherapeutics characterization.

- Perform general lab housekeeping, and buffer preparation. 

Required Qualifications

- Bachelors (with at least 2-3 years’ experience) or Master’s degree preferably in Biology, Microbiology, Immunology, Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, or related life sciences fields. 

- Knowledge and practical hands-on experience of cell culture (microbial or mammalian) are strongly desired

- Hands-on experience with DNA, RNA, and protein extraction, purification techniques, PCR, gel electrophoresis, western blotting techniques, immunohistochemistry, and flow cytometry will be helpful. 

- Ability to work independently and effectively while engaged in collaborative studies.

- Candidates who can make at least a 2-year commitment are preferred. 

- Training will be provided but the candidate is expected to be highly motivated with a desire to learn new concepts and the flexibility to adapt to Startup changing environments and project timelines.

Salary and Benefits

- Competitive compensation package and title commensurate with qualifications and experience in the Maryland/DC Biotech market.

- Parking fully covered at office

- 100% Employer Paid Health, Dental, and Vision Benefits

- 100% Employer Paid Basic Life & AD&D, Short-Term Disability Program

- 15 days paid time off and 5 days paid sick leave

- Significant growth opportunity as the company expands

- Empathetic, supportive, and collaborative colleagues and work environment