Research Associate/Scientist I, Cell Biology
Summary
Research Associate/Scientist I in Cell Biology designs and runs lab assays to validate cancer therapies, using viral vectors, CAR-T cells, and sequencing techniques in a Philadelphia-based biotech startup.
About us:
Our purpose at Dispatch is to help create a world where all cancer patients can be cured. We’re humbled by the opportunity to work together as a team on some of the most pressing medical challenges of our time.
To achieve our purpose, we are dedicated to engineering a universal treatment across solid tumors. We’re committed to the development of novel therapies, leveraging first-in-class technologies in viral vectors, universal targets, and novel cytokine biology. Our therapeutic approach has the potential to enable us to treat significant numbers of cancer patients and make a real and lasting impact on the world.
Our company was founded on pioneering work carried out in the laboratories of Dr. Carl June (University of Pennsylvania), Dr. Kole Roybal (University of California, San Francisco), Dr. Christopher Garcia (Stanford University) and Dr. Andy Minn (Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center).
At our company, you would become one of our early team members— not only playing a role in meeting our ambitious mission but also building our thriving culture. We are determined to deliver with urgency to discover new solutions and we always stay dedicated to scientific rigor; we have an ownership mindset because each and every one of us is integral to our success. Collaboration is core for us because we believe that by bringing people together with diverse perspectives, we make a stronger whole. And, we show we care about our work and each other by sharing feedback - ultimately in service of our vision to empower people to continue forward with their lives – cancer free.
The role:
The Research Associate/Scientist I will join our dynamic Cell Biology team and will report to the Team Lead/Senior Scientist. This individual will contribute to diverse preclinical discovery projects, through in vivo and in vitro assays, and will collaborate closely with several other research groups. This role will be focused on designing and executing assays to validate therapeutic leads for ongoing drug development, as well as supporting the Computational Biology team by preparing sequencing libraries.
Key responsibilities:
- Execute various in vitro immunoassays with CAR-T cells and/or oncolytic viruses
- Prepare genomic libraries
- Produce and titer lentivirus Assist with in vivo murine studies and downstream tissue processing and analysis by flow cytometry
- Maintain multiple tumor cell lines
- Document, analyze, and report experimental data in accordance with SOPs
- Effectively communicate experimental findings in team and cross-functional meetings
Required experience & skills:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Immunology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, or similar field
- At least one year of hands-on laboratory experience in related field
- Experience with molecular biology techniques including DNA/RNA extraction and sequencing library generation
- Proficiency in mammalian cell culture and diligent aseptic techniques
- Ability to independently execute and interpret experimental assays
- Excellent organizational, problem-solving, planning and time management skills
- Collaborative and positive attitude, ability to work in a team, and dedicated work ethic and the desire to work in a flexible and fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
Preferred experience & skills:
- Prior experience with lentivirus production
- Mouse cell/tissue harvesting and ex vivo analyses
- Proficiency in multiparameter flow cytometry and cell sorting
- Experience with T cell functional assays (e.g., cytotoxicity and cytokine assays)
- Experience with oncolytic viruses
Our values:
Our values guide everything we do. While capabilities and skills are vital, understanding how a potential new colleague would embody our values is central to our hiring decisions.
Determined to deliver:
By working with focus and passion, we can provide patients with the solutions they need.
Own every outcome:
We can reach new heights when we stay centered on our shared success.
Collaboration at the core:
When we band together, our work is better.
Feedback is fundamental:
Constructive and authentic positive feedback may be difficult to master but it is vital to our success.
Working here:
- We offer a highly competitive compensation package with meaningful ownership through equity
- Excellent coverage for medical, vision, and dental
- 401(k) with generous contribution
- Life insurance
- Flexible PTO policy
- Additional substantial benefits
We are an equal opportunity employer.
We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, national origin, or any characteristic protected under applicable law.