Associate Scientist

Role Summary

Based in Cambridge, MA, the Associate Scientist will lead discovery projects leveraging Vd1+ gamma delta T-cells as cancer therapy, design and interpret in vitro and ex vivo assays to understand pharmacology and mechanism of action, and collaborate across internal teams to advance candidates to the clinic. The role requires independent experiment design, data analysis, and effective communication of study plans and results to inform program decisions.

Responsibilities

• Lead from the lab to advance novel and differentiated products to the clinic by contributing to discovery projects focused on leveraging Vd1+ gamma delta T-cells as cancer treatment
• Independently design, execute, and interpret well-defined functional in vitro, and ex vivo assays to understand pharmacology and therapeutic mechanism-of-action of candidate molecules and play an active role in subsequent scientific discussions to drive decisions around Vd1 T-cells as a cancer therapy
• Propose experiments based on internal results, external partners, and published reports and demonstrate leadership through effective communication of study plans and results
• Use immune cell characterization and functional assessments, such as high-parameter flow cytometry, multiplex cytokine measurement, co-culture cytotoxicity assessment, and other molecular- and cell-based assays and methodologies
• Isolate, culture, and differentiate various immune cell populations from blood and tissue sources
• Analyze, interpret, and present data to partners, and play an active role in the subsequent scientific discussions leading to important decisions and program-ensuring next steps
• Participate in cross functional project team meetings to provide key scientific insight
• Multi-task effectively and prioritize workload
• Work collaboratively with internal cross-functional teams and acts as a Vd1 subject matter expert
• Collaborate with other departments to meet deadlines and generate data crucial for the programs in execution
• Contribute to the writing of relevant research reports to be included in regulatory filings
• Prepare and present comprehensive technical or project reports and formal presentations and posters to full range of internal/external audiences
• Maintain excellent laboratory notebook documentation and keep in compliance with Takeda policies
• Up to 20% remote work allowed

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Biology, Biosciences, or related field plus 18 months of related experience
• Prior experience must include isolate, culture and expand Vd1 gamma delta T cells from blood, healthy tissue and tumor sources
• Design and execute in vitro/ex vivo assays of Vd1 gamma delta T cell function, including cytotoxicity, survival, and proliferation
• Analyze experimental data and determine the relevance of results based on background knowledge of Vd1 gamma delta T cell biology
• Contribute to evaluation of novel immunotherapy products based on Vd1 gamma delta T cell biology
• The design and optimization of RNA-FISH PrimeFlow Cytometric Assays for the identification of Vd1 gamma delta T cells

Skills

• Immune cell characterization and functional assessments (e.g., high-parameter flow cytometry, multiplex cytokine measurement, co-culture cytotoxicity, and other molecular- and cell-based assays)
• Data analysis and interpretation with ability to present findings to internal and external audiences
• Independent experimental design and execution
• Cross-functional collaboration and subject matter expertise in Vd1 gamma delta T cell biology
• Scientific communication, technical writing, and presentation

Education

• Master’s degree in Biology, Biosciences, or related field

Additional Requirements

• Up to 20% remote work allowed