Position Title: Research Scientist/Senior Research Scientist, Immuno-Oncology/Cell Therapy

About Us

Calibr is a division of Scripps Research focused on innovative, drug discovery research in diverse areas including cell therapy, immuno-oncology, and regenerative medicine, and cardiovascular, metabolic, and infectious diseases. Calibr’s mission is to translate innovate ideas from bench to bedside in collaboration with academic and industry partners. This is enabled by Calibr’s unique position as a translational bridge between academia and industry, effectively catalyzing new science that can be transformative in the lives of patients.

Calibr’s immuno-oncology pipeline includes, mAbs against novel I/O targets, bispecific and trispecific T cell engagers, antibody drug conjugates, and CAR-T cell therapies. Two of these programs initiated at Calibr are current in clinical studies: CCW702 is a bispecific antibody in Phase I trial for prostate cancer and a unique “switchable” CAR-T cell therapy is in a Phase I trial for patients with hematological malignancies. Our preclinical pipeline is comprised of biologics, cell therapies, and small molecules expected to reach the clinic in the next 12-24 months. Moreover, we have several exploratory programs at the discovery stage aimed at developing next generation T cell engager approaches and gene delivery platforms – underscoring our bench to bedside approach to creating transformative medicines. We are recruiting committed and talented scientists to join our team who have a passion for making a difference in the lives of patients.

Position Summary

Calibr is seeking a talented Research Scientist in the area of immuno-oncology. This position will work as part of a small team of interdisciplinary scientists to translate innovative cell and protein therapies for the treatment of cancer into first-in-human clinical trials. Specifically, projects will be focused on the development of next generation T cell-recruiting antibodies (bi/multi specific antibodies) and switchable chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T). Both platform technologies have the potential to have curative responses 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. This position will receive hands on training in translational research and gain knowledge on how scientific ideas are translated into drugs to help patients in need. The ideal candidate is expected to bring the basic scientific proficiencies listed below at the start. This position offers significant growth opportunity through promotion structures designed to retain exceptional talent within the Calibr family. This position will require training and managing entry level Research Associates, with increased responsibility over time.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Cell biology including working (isolation, characterization, and assay set up) with primary human and murine immune cells, tumor cell lines used in immuno-oncology research, and primary patient-derived cells.
• Design and execution of project plans involving immune cell profiling, cell processing from xenograft models, cytotoxicity, proliferation, activation, cell viability, and survival assays with a strong focus on flow cytometry.
• Gene editing of primary human immune cells using state of the art technologies like CRISPR, TALEN, and other endonucleases while using multiple delivery approaches including protein and mRNA electroporation and multiple viral vector platforms.
• Generation of reagents for projects including preparation of lentivirus for the transduction of both established cell lines and primary immune cells.
• Molecular biology experiments including DNA and protein preparation from cells, immunoprecipitation, western blots, etc will be within the scope of work.
• Preparation of reports and presentation of results at regular team meetings.

Qualifications and Experience

• A strong background in cell culture and multi-color flow cytometryis essential.
• Hands-on experience with in vitroassays (co-culture assays) commonly used in immuno-oncology is essential.
• Experience and knowledge of the immune systemis essential. (Experience in T/B/NK/macrophage cell biology, tumor immunology).
• Experience with gene editing, cell transfection and transduction systems is preferred.
• Hands on experience with cellular immunotherapies is preferred.
• Experience preparing reagents for in vivo assays and In vivo experience preferred but not required.
• Experience with protein engineering and antibody design is important.
• Experience with molecular biologytechniques is important.
• Experience using Prism, FlowJo, Office, and JMP software is important.
• Details of established essential functions for this position will be addressed/discussed during the interview process.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, chemical biology, biochemistry, or related field required. PhD is highly preferred.
• Minimum 2-5 years’ experience in the industry required.
• Impeccable attention to detail, and excellent ability to perform hands-on experiments, 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.

The above statements describe the level of work performed and expected in general terms. The statements are not intended to list all the responsibilities, duties and/or skills required of employees so classified, and the content herein is subject to change due to the business needs of Scripps Research, with or without notice. Furthermore, nothing in this job description shall be interpreted to be in conflict with or to eliminate or modify in any way the employment-at-will status of Scripps Research staff.

COMPENSATION

The expected hiring range for this multi-level posting is $69,000 to $129,600, commensurate with experience. Consideration will be given to experience that exceeds the listed requirements.

COMPREHENSIVE BENEFITS INCLUDE

• Eligibility for retirement plans with employer contribution.
• Full suite of Health and Welfare plans including three medical plan options (including an HSA available option), dental, vision, life insurance, disability, EAP and more.
• Access to Flexible Spending Accounts (Medical/Dependent Care).
• Competitive vacation and sick leave policies.
• Free, on-site Counseling Center which provides confidential counseling services to benefits-eligible employees and their family members.
• Free, on-site parking.

EEO Statement
The Scripps Research Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We promote diversity of thought, culture and background in the fields of science. 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. Underrepresented individuals are encouraged to apply.