Scientist / Sr. Scientist, Immunology

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Job description

Company Overview

Janux Therapeutics is a biotechnology company based in San Diego that is leveraging an innovative and proprietary discovery platform to efficiently develop tumor-activated drugs that empower the immune system to eradicate cancer. Janux is developing unique immunotherapies that generate tumor-specific immune responses to attack and kill tumors without destroying a patient's healthy tissue. As an early-stage startup company, Janux is looking for energetic and talented candidates who desire to work in a fast-paced and dynamic team environment. We believe that the whole team contributes to the overall mission. We succeed as a team, and we grow as a team.

Job title: Scientist / Sr. Scientist, Immunology

Job Summary:

Janux, Inc. is seeking a highly motivated Scientist / Sr. Scientist with demonstrated skills in the field of cancer immunology and/or immune cell biology. The candidate will characterize and develop large molecules in close collaboration with senior management as an integral member of the drug discovery team. The individual will provide technical and scientific expertise in efforts to understand drug-induced innate and adaptive immune responses against cancer. The successful candidate will have extensive hands-on experience with standard immunological and cancer biology techniques (Flow cytometry, ELISA, T cell activation, tumor cell killing, etc.). The Scientist will be responsible for internal research efforts related to pre-clinical drug discovery and characterization.

This position is hands-on and requires the effective communication and documentation of results that enable the advancement of novel research molecules toward development candidates. The ideal applicants will be collaborative and team-oriented, possess excellent communication and organizational skills, and carry a strong commitment to excellence.

Education and Experience Requirement:

• PhD and 1-3+ years of postdoctoral training in immunology / immuno-oncology / tumor biology or related field is preferred or highly proficient MS with 8+ years of experience
• Proven track record of success in immuno-oncology, immunology, or related fields demonstrated by strong publication record (first author papers in high-impact journals) and training from top universities
• Current knowledge of oncology and immuno-oncology research, drug discovery and development, with emphasis on immune cell activation, checkpoint inhibition, and T cell exhaustion pathways, as well as markers and assays to evaluate anti-tumor efficacy
• Experience with bispecific antibody immuno-oncology therapies is preferred
• Proficiency in isolation, culture, activation and differentiation of primary human immune cells (mainly T cells, PBMCs and TILs)
• Proven experience with assays evaluating immune cell functional and exhaustion status, as well as cell-mediated tumor killing
• Understanding of T cell signaling pathways and experience with signaling assays and readouts is highly desired
• Experience with 3D organoid/tumoroid cultures and functional assays is a strong advantage
• Proficiency with multi-color flow cytometry (15+ parameters), including specialty assays (proliferation, cytokines, cytotoxicity, phosphor-flow, apoptosis, etc.) and proficiency using FlowJo and GraphPad Prism software
• Basic experience with molecular biology techniques (PCR, cloning, and Gibson assembly), ELISA, MSD, Western Blot, and other standard cell-based and non-cell based biochemical assays
• Experience setting up immuno-oncology specific in vitro model systems

Role Responsibilities:

• Design, conduct, analyze, interpret, and report laboratory experiments
• Execute standard experiments evaluating T cell activation, co-stimulation, cancer cell targeting and cytotoxicity
• Perform functional molecule screens to help advance programs from hits to leads to development candidates
• Execute standard operating procedures as well as develop new ones within the Janux programs
• Develop, validate and troubleshoot new immuno-oncology assays, and create detailed protocols and related documents
• Help manage internal laboratory activities under tight timelines
• Conduct multiple research activities in parallel
• Support identification and prioritization of high-impact research activities
• Keep up with published literature centered around cancer targets and immuno-oncology therapies directly relevant to Janux programs

Required Key Attributes:

• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Candidate must have effective troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
• Success in this role requires great attention to detail with the ability to multitask
• Candidate must be an effective team player, strong individual contributor, self-motivated, flexible, and able to handle multiple tasks and deliver high-quality results under tight timelines
• Highly organized and diligent about documentation is required and cannot be overstated

Benefits:

• 401K (3% employer matching)
• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Supplemental disability insurance plans
• Flexible schedule
• Life insurance
• Flexible vacation
• Incentive stock option plan
• Employee stock purchase plan

Schedule:

Monday to Friday On-Site (La Jolla, CA)

Work authorization:

United States (Required)

COVID-19 Vaccination required

Janux requires all new hires to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 prior to the first date of employment. As required by applicable law, Janux will consider requests for Reasonable Accommodations.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:

Janux Therapeutics, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to providing a work environment free of harassment and discrimination based upon a protected category, as well as an environment free from