Scientist I, Tissue and Cell Profiling

What if… you could join an organization that creates, resources, and builds life sciences companies that invent breakthrough technologies to transform human health and sustainability?

Company Summary:
Quotient Therapeutics, Inc. is a privately held, early-stage company developing a novel genomics platform and therapeutics for diseases with a large unmet need.

Quotient Therapeutics, Inc. was founded by Flagship Pioneering, an innovative enterprise that conceives, creates, resources, and grows first-in-category life sciences companies. Flagship Pioneering has created over 100 groundbreaking companies over the past twenty years, all of which are pioneering novel and proprietary biological, industrial, and engineering approaches to solve major needs in human health and sustainability. These companies include Moderna (MRNA) Generate Biomedicines, Sana Biotechnology (SANA), Tessera Therapeutics, Evelo Biosciences (EVLO), Indigo Agriculture, Seres Therapeutics (MCRB), and Syros Pharmaceuticals (SYRS). To date, Flagship has deployed over $2.5 billion in capital toward the founding and growth of its pioneering companies alongside more than $19 billion of follow-on investments from other institutions. In 2021, Flagship Pioneering was ranked 12th globally on Fortune’s “Change the World” list, an annual ranking of companies that have made a positive social and environmental impact through activities that are part of their core business strategies.

Position Summary:

We are seeking a biologist to support development of Quotient’s cell identification and isolation platform. The role involves understanding the biology of various chronic and acute diseases, in particular the tissue structures and cell types involved, and developing protocols for the identification and isolation of different populations of cells from human tissue. The ideal candidate brings enthusiasm, intellectual curiosity, scientific rigor, and a deep-rooted desire to innovate. This role is based in the vicinity of Cambridge UK and will be primarily in-person. All applicants will require permission to work in the UK.

Responsibilities:

• Be an active member of the assay development team, conducting bench-based experiments.
• Design or adapt imaging methods such as histological staining and immunofluorescence to identify tissue structures and cells of interest across a diverse range of human tissues.
• Optimise procedures for isolation of regions of interest from tissue slices, by techniques such as laser capture microdissection.
• Develop protocols for cell isolation using FACS and related techniques, including antibody selection and optimization.
• Contribute to project delivery by performing tissue fixation, embedding and sectioning as required.
• Engage external consultants to understand relevant tissue structures and suitable identification methods.
• Work with contract research organisations (CROs) to outsource work as appropriate.
• Explore the scientific literature to support development of novel tools/methods to meet Quotient’s overarching goals.
• Provide supervision and training for more junior lab members and/or technicians.
• Maintain detailed records of results and communicate key findings to stakeholders across the company, both in written and presentation formats.
• Collaborate closely with other team members across the organization.

Key Qualifications:

• Either:
  • A Master’s degree plus 4 years of research experience in tissue/cell biology or a related field or 
  • A PhD in tissue/cell biology or a related field.
• Scientific expertise in tissue fixation, sectioning and staining.
• Experience working with a range of tissue types, and a willingness to work with human tissues.
• Experience with optimization of immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry staining protocols, including antibody selection.
• Experience with cell sorting, particularly FACS.
• Broad understanding of tissue and cell biology.
• Ability to work both quickly and diligently, completing high-quality work on schedule.
• Excellent verbal and written communication.
• Ability to work successfully in a matrix environment, where tasks may be assigned by people other than your direct line manager.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks simultaneously, and balance competing priorities effectively.
• A high degree of energy, accuracy and attention to detail, and a passion for contributing to work leading to the creation of transformative medicines for patients with serious diseases.
• A good understanding of fundamental molecular biology techniques, including DNA and RNA extraction, and qPCR.
• Experience in some of the following areas would be ideal, but is not essential: (a) Working with human tissues, (b) Laser capture microdissection, (c) Other microscopy-based biomarker identification technologies such as FISH, (d) NGS library preparation.

Location: Cambridge, UK

Join Our Innovative Biotech Venture:

At Quotient Therapeutics, we're not just a team; we're pioneers on a mission to revolutionise the biotech landscape. Nestled in the vibrant outskirts of Cambridge, our company is all about innovative thinking and collaborative spirit.

What We Offer:

• A Crucible of Innovation: Dive into a world where your ideas matter. Our work environment is dynamic, encouraging creativity and out-of-the-box thinking. Here, every voice contributes to our groundbreaking solutions.
• Professional Growth in a Supportive Environment: While we're small, our aspirations are big. You'll have the unique opportunity to grow with us, learning new skills and tackling diverse challenges every day. Your growth is our growth.
• Competitive Compensation: We understand the value of our team. That's why we offer competitive salaries that match your expertise and contribution to our shared goals.
• Above Standard Facilities: Our labs and workspaces are more than just functional. Enjoy working in above-standard facilities that stand out in the start-up world, fostering both comfort and innovation.
• Located at the Heart of Biotech Innovation: Our location isn't just a place; it's a strategic advantage. Situated near Cambridge, you'll be at the crossroads of biotech innovation and a thriving, intellectually stimulating community.
• Making a Difference: Here, your work transcends the ordinary. We're about making a tangible, positive impact on the world through our biotech advancements.
• Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Aware: We're committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. While our formal ED&I statement is still in the works, we're actively aware and integrating these principles into our daily operations.
• While we are still growing and enhancing our benefits package, we believe that the opportunity to be a part of a transformative team in a rapidly evolving industry is a rewarding experience in itself. If you're ready to make a significant impact and grow with us, we'd love to hear from you.

Flagship Pioneering and our ecosystem companies are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status.

Recruitment & Staffing Agencies:  Flagship Pioneering and its affiliated Flagship Lab companies (collectively, “FSP”) do not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than candidates.  The submission of unsolicited resumes by recruitment or staffing agencies to FSP or its employees is strictly prohibited unless contacted directly by Flagship Pioneering’s internal Talent Acquisition team.   Any resume submitted by an agency in the absence of a signed agreement will automatically become the property of FSP, and FSP will not owe any referral or other fees with respect thereto.