Research Associate / Assistant

Who We Are

Calibr at Scripps Research is a division of Scripps Research focused on innovative research in the areas of regenerative medicine, cancer biology, cardiovascular and metabolic disease, immunology, and infectious disease.  Calibr’s mission is to translate innovative ideas from bench to bedside in collaboration with academic and pharma partners.  This is enabled by Calibr’s unique position between academia and pharma, allowing for a bridge to catalyze new science that can be transformative in the lives of patients.  Calibr’s lead programs include immunotherapy, CCW702 currently in a Phase I trial for prostate cancer, a novel “switchable” CAR-T cell therapy in a Phase I trial for patients with hematological malignancies.  We are recruiting talented scientists who have a passion for making a difference in the lives of patients.

The Position

Calibr is seeking a talented Research Associate or Assistant in the area of Immuno-Oncology. This position will work as part of a small team of interdisciplinary scientists to translate novel cell and protein therapies for the treatment of cancer into first in human clinical trials. Specifically, projects will be focused on the development of a gene therapy referred to as chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T cell) and in the development of immunotherapies known as CD3 T cell recruiting bispecific antibody platforms.  Both platform technologies have the potential to have curative responses in the clinic for cancer patients.  While working within the scope of these projects, this position will also have the unique opportunity to be exposed to a wide range of other projects at Calibr covering infectious and neglected tropical diseases, metabolic disorders, autoimmunity, and others.  Calibr’s open lab space design and collaborative environment encourages the seamless flow of ideas within and between research groups.  Publication in high impact journals and conference/meeting attendance will be highly encouraged as part of this position.  This position will receive hands on training in translational research and is expected to bring the basic scientific proficiencies listed below at the start.  This position offers significant growth opportunities through promotion structures designed to retain exceptional talent within the Calibr team.

Required Experience

• A strong background in cell culture is essential. The candidate must have experience working with primary human immune cells and culturing multiple cell lines including, but not limited to, common tumor cell lines used in immuno-oncology research.

• Experience and knowledge of the immune system is a plus. The candidate must show a fundamental understanding of the immune system.  Experience in T cell biology, tumor immunology, as well as other immune components is preferred,

• Hands-on experience with in vitro assays commonly used in immuno-oncology is important.  Experience assessing the activity of immune cells in vitro using cytotoxicity, proliferation, activation, viability, and survival assays is preferred.

• Experience preparing reagents for in vivo assays as well as the collection (blood, liver, spleen, tumor), processing, and analysis of samples from in vivo experiments.

• Experience with multi-color flow cytometry is a plus but not required. The candidate should have experience with multi-color flow cytometry and flow data analysis.

• Experience with cell transfection and transduction systems is preferred. The candidate will be required to generate high-quality lentivirus for the transduction of both primary immune cells and established cell lines.

• Experience with molecular biology techniques is preferred. Experiments include but not limited to molecular cloning, DNA preparation, protein expression/purification, immunoprecipitation, Western blots, ELISAs, etc.

• Experience using graphing programs such as Prism, FlowJo, and Office software is beneficial but not required.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, chemical biology, biochemistry, or relevant scientific discipline or an equivalent combination of education, training, and/or experience from which comparable knowledge, skill, and abilities have been attained. Requires 1-3 years’ experience. Candidates possessing a Master’s degree, 0-2 years’ experience required.

• Excellent ability to perform hands-on experiments, attention to detail, research, design, and organize project designs and maintain detailed documentation.

• Highly motivated, creative, and devoted to project goals.

• Able to collaborate proficiently and communicate effectively with colleagues and management teams.

• Able to contribute in a meaningful way to scientific discourse.

Physical Requirements

This position works in a laboratory or vivarium environment. Further details of the physical requirements of established essential functions for this position will be addressed/discussed during the interview process.

EEO Statement

The Scripps Research Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic or status.