Description
We are seeking a highly motivated and accomplished Sr. Scientist I with deep expertise in innate immunogenicity, and bioanalytical assay development, including ligand binding assays (LBA) and multi-color flow cytometry.
In this role, you will lead the development, qualification, and implementation of various immunogenicity and LBAs that support both our platform and therapeutic programs, with a particular focus on characterizing innate immune responses to novel nucleic acid modalities.
Key Responsibilities:
- Design, develop and execute cell-based immunoassays, flow cytometry based assays and LBAs to assess immunogenicity to LNP delivered nucleic acid cargoes in vitro and in vivo
- Apply knowledge of innate immunology and establish in vitro screening assays for various nucleic acid modalities and establish criteria for release of cargo for pre-clinical research
- Collaborate closely with CMC, molecular biology and cell biology teams to screen nucleic acid cargoes (immunogenicity assessment etc.) and ensure timely delivery of high-quality data and summarize results
- Ensure development, qualification, and validation of bioanalytical assays in compliance with applicable guidelines
- Design, optimize, and execute biodistribution studies (flow cytometry and histological techniques) for LNP/nucleic acid therapies
- Design, establish and execute assays for assessing various in vivo immunogenicity predictors for LNP/nucleic acid therapies including but not limited to biomarkers, cytokines, complement activation and anti-drug antibodies (ADA) in rodents and NHPs
- Design, develop, optimize, and execute bioanalytical assays to support nonclinical studies, including PK, PD, biomarker, and immunogenicity endpoints
- Execute test procedures such as sample extraction and measurement by Flow Cytometry, ELISA, MSD, Luminex, bDNA, ddPCR and perform data interpretation
- Analyze and summarize scientific data and maintain timely documentation and completion of electronic lab notebooks in compliance with industry guidelines
- Present at project team meetings and to relevant stakeholders
- Mentor, coach, and manage junior scientists
Qualifications:
- Ph.D. in immunology, biochemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, cell biology or related field with 5 plus years of industry experience
- Demonstrated expertise in innate immune signaling and nucleic acid sensing pathways for DNA and mRNA
- Proficiency in multicolor flow cytometry, ddPCR, ligand binding assays, leukopak processing and isolation of PBMCs
- Experience with LNPs, and nucleic acid modalities preferred
- Experience developing bioanalytical methods to measure drugs and biomarkers for LNP delivery of nucleic acid cargoes
- Experience managing junior scientists
- Strong communication, presentation and interpersonal skills
- Attention to detail, strategic thinking, problem solving, and decision-making skills
The salary range for this role is $126,000 - $181,500. Serif Biomedicines currently offers healthcare coverage, annual incentive program, retirement benefits and a broad range of other benefits.