Scientist/Senior Scientist, Assay Development

Job description

Personalized, cell-based therapy is emerging as a paradigm-shifting strategy in healthcare. To harness the potential of cutting-edge cellular engineering, stringent process controls must be put into place that monitor and measure critical parameters of the cell product at every step, from patient sample acquisition to drug product release. In essence, the process is the product.

Accellix offers a streamlined flow cytometry workflow solution that couples dried ambient-stable reagents, automated cell sample preparation and data acquisition within a single-use microfluidic cartridge, and customized auto analysis. The combination results in robust multiparametric analysis with 'mix and read' simplicity, enabling standardized process controls for our cell and gene therapy customers. See more information about the company here:

The Accellix Assay Development team is looking to recruit a Scientist/Senior Scientist to help develop custom flow cytometry assays in partnership with many leading pharmaceutical companies, as well as to expand our catalog of off-the-shelf assay kits. The candidate should bring to the table relevant experience, enthusiasm for having a tangible impact on cell therapy, and a collaborative and down-to-earth attitude.

Responsibilities

• Lead projects to develop and qualify flow cytometry assay panels, including antibody titrations, formulation optimization, protocol optimization, and verification of expected cell subset frequencies and counts
• Coordinate activities with junior members on the team, and work with cross-functional teams to integrate assays onto the Accellix platform, ensuring assay requirements are met
• Provide guidance to our software engineers for development of custom auto analysis software
• Present updates internally on projects and initiate brainstorming/troubleshooting discussions within the team
• Represent the assay development team for project-specific discussions with external customers
• Establish and adhere to development timelines, and identify risks to achieving milestones
• Follow good laboratory practices (GLP) and design control policies, and generally maintain thorough documentation of experimental procedures and results
• Participate in drafting and editing protocols for assay kit manufacturing and QC, and in tech transfer to the manufacturing team
• Promote a strong working relationship with others in the lab, facilitate open communication, proactively identify and address issues, and support other team members to meet deadlines and manage shifting priorities

Required Qualifications

• PhD with 2-4 years of assay development experience in a diagnostic or pharmaceutical setting pharmaceutical setting
• Experience with experiment design and execution of flow cytometry assays, including antibody titrations and optimizing and troubleshooting multicolor assays
• Experience with flow cytometry data analysis using FlowJo or similar analysis software
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, meet goals in a timely fashion, communicate delays and escalate challenges immediately
• Ability to design, execute, and analyze experiments with minimal oversight
• Prepared to be highly engaged, both within the team and within the company

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with generating and optimizing compensation matrices to address fluorescence spectral overlap in multiparametric flow data
• Familiarity with cell-based therapies and cellular engineering
• Experience with product development and/or instrument automation in an industry setting
• Experience with assay transfer to internal or external collaborators
• Experience with good documentation practices (GDP) and with drafting and reviewing documents such as SOPs and development reports

This position requires work in the lab. Must be able to travel to the office daily.