Scientist I, T Cell Stemness

Using living cells to treat – and sometimes even cure – cancer is one of the most dramatic advances in modern medicine. Patients with hematologic malignancies have been successfully treated with cell therapies. However, these profound results have not yet been achieved in patients with solid tumors, representing approximately 90% of all cancers. At Lyell, our goal is to change that. We are a clinical-stage T-cell reprogramming company advancing a diverse pipeline of cell therapies for solid tumors based on our innovative technologies. We were founded by cell therapy pioneers whose decades of research elevated the broader understanding of T-cell biology and its interaction with cancer. In our quest to defeat solid tumors, we have built a fully integrated company capable of discovering new technologies, translating science into therapies, manufacturing cell therapy products, and clinically evaluating them in patients. Our culture is based on Science, Respect, Collaboration, and Courage and reflects who we are, the environment we create, and our mission's urgency.

 

In this role, the Scientist I executes all scientific research and development strategies with the input of their supervisor. Responsible for carrying out a variety of experiments within multiple areas of focus.  Works independently with their team on a variety of complex assays and projects.   It is preferable to explore new ideas for product development from scientific literature.   They will be comfortable analyzing situations or data that require an in-depth evaluation of variable factors.  Exercise independent judgment in selecting methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria for obtaining results.  Responsible for learning new techniques that help get data to support current projects.  Networks with colleagues outside of their area of expertise.  

Key Responsibilities:

• Designs complex experiments under guidance while executing independently with scientific rationale
• Can design, execute, and critically analyze experiments independently and interpret complex data, drawing appropriate conclusions
• Generation, maintenance, and review of electronic lab notebook reports and SOPs
• Responsible for the completion of research, experiments, and assignments that can have an impact on functional goals
• Communicate and discuss results with other scientists
• Delivers presentations and contributes to abstracts, posters, or publications, both internally and externally

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Ph.D. in cancer biology, immunology, cell biology, molecular biology, or a related field
• M.S. with extensive professional experience will be considered
• Mammalian cell culture, preferably experience culturing primary human immune cells, T cells
• Cell-based in vitro assays 
• Experience with multi-parameter flow cytometry 
• Molecular biology (PCR, western blot, DNA/RNA isolation, quantification)
• Assessing T cell functionality in vitro and in vivo

Preferred Experience:

• Experience with molecular biology protocols (i.e., PCR, Western, RT-PCR, basic cloning); more complex experience and design a plus
• Extensive experience using and analyzing a broad range of immunology and oncology assays; cell therapy experience ideal, more complex experience a plus
• Extensive experience with flow cytometry assays and analysis; more complex analysis and cell sorting experience a plus
• Extensive experience in sterile tissue culture technique and working with human cells
• Additional specific experience related to the area of focus may be required.
• Additional experience with Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) culture and TIL-specific expertise is a plus.
• Additional experience with process science and exploring new biomarkers is a plus.

Preferred Additional Skills:

• Strong communication and data presentation skills required
• Proficiency in data analysis using Prism, Excel, or equivalents required
• Proficiency in using office software such as Word, PowerPoint, or equivalents to generate reports and presentations required
• Experience using FlowJo to analyze and interpret flow cytometry data is strongly preferred.
• Ability to thrive within and contribute to a collaborative, supportive, fast-paced team environment
• Ability to stand or sit for extended periods may be necessary

We’ve learned from experience that some of the best people don’t always match our requirements perfectly - if you’re interested and think you could fit, please don’t hesitate to apply.