Scientist I, Research

at  Iovance Biotherapeutics Inc

OVERVIEW

The Scientist I is responsible for developing next-generation tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) approaches for therapeutic applications. Such methods include the use of knockout approaches, ex vivo manipulation of TILs (tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes) during the expansion process, and other techniques aimed at improving the metabolic function, trafficking, and persistence of TILs. To be successful in this role, you will need to have experience working in a research laboratory, using high-throughput screening techniques to assess the metabolic function of T cells with CRISPR/Cas9 technology, next-generation sequencing, and single-cell sequencing technologies. This role requires individuals to be very motivated and able to bring impactful work to the team and help move new TIL approaches into the clinic.

REQUIRED EDUCATION, SKILLS, AND KNOWLEDGE

• Requires Ph.D. in Immunology, Cell Biology, or a related field with 2+ years of relevant experience. Or Master in Immunology, Cell Biology, or a related field with 8-12 years of relevant experience.
• Deep experience in mitochondrial biology and metabolism
• Familiarity with CRISPR/Cas9 technology, high-throughput screening techniques, next-generation sequencing, and single-cell sequencing technologies.
• Prior experience with molecular biology and mammalian cell culture techniques.
• Success working in cross-disciplinary, highly communicative teams.
• Experience with flow cytometry and basic knowledge of T-cell immunology.
  The physical demands described here represent those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodation may be made upon request to enable individuals to perform essential functions. Please contact Human Resources to request accommodation.

• Designs, plans, and leads experimental coordination, including scheduling, preparing/sourcing materials/media/buffers, and other consumables/reagents.
• General molecular biology experiments such as ligations, restriction enzyme digests, PCR, etc.
• Generate TIL and maintain primary and tumor cell lines.
• Generate transient and stable primary cells and tumor cell lines using various techniques, including electroporation and viral transduction.
• Optimize gene integration and gene editing techniques.
• Assess the functionality of metabolically reprogrammed TIL and evaluate their therapeutic potential in vitro and in vivo. These include high throughput assessment of mitochondrial function and metabolic state and performing functional assays such as cytokine release and cytotoxicity assays.
• Support Research, take on independent projects, and support team projects.
• Communicates findings effectively through presentations, reports, and scientific publications.
• Must adhere to Iovance Biotherapeutics’ core values, policies, procedures, and business ethics.
• Comply with Safety SOPs (standard operating procedures), SDS sheets, and laboratory procedures per company policy and OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) regulations.