Research Scientist

Role Summary

Research Scientist at Takeda Development Center Americas, focusing on oncology immunotherapy using Vd1 T-cells. You will design, execute, and interpret mechanistic experiments to advance Vd1 T-cell–based cancer therapies toward clinical milestones, collaborating with internal cross-functional teams and external partners. You lead from the lab, develop assays, and contribute to regulatory filings and scientific communications.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to discovery projects by independently designing and developing mechanistic experiments and projects within oncology immunotherapy research focusing on leveraging Vd1 T-cells as cancer treatment.
• Lead from the lab to advance novel and differentiated products toward clinical milestones, by working collaboratively with internal cross-functional teams and external partners.
• Design, execute, and interpret functional in vitro and ex vivo assays to understand the therapeutic mechanism-of-action and drive decisions around Vd1 T-cells as possible cancer therapy.
• Propose novel projects based on internal results, external partners, and published reports; demonstrate leadership through effective communication of study plans, value, and research results.
• Actively participate with the team to help isolate Vd1 cells from blood; tutor less experienced operators in complex procedures such as large-scale Vd1 isolation from blood.
• Use immune cell characterization and function assessments, such as multi-color flow immunophenotyping, multiplex cytokine measurement, cytotoxicity assay, and other molecular-based assays and cell-based functionality assays.
• Contribute to evaluation of novel engagers for Vd1 T-cells in in vitro and ex vivo model systems; contribute to development of new assays and strategies to determine Vd1 T-cells functionality and biology to improve tumor control in presence of Cell Engagers.
• Collaborate with other departments to meet deadlines and generate data crucial for programs in execution.
• Contribute to writing of relevant research reports for regulatory filings; prepare and present comprehensive technical or project reports and formal presentations and posters to internal and external audiences.
• Maintain laboratory notebooks and stay in compliance with Takeda policies; up to 20% remote work allowed.

Qualifications

• Required: PhD in Biology, Cancer Studies, or related field plus 3 years related experience.
• Required: Isolate, culture and expand Vd1 gamma delta T cells; design and execute in vitro/ex vivo assays of Vd1 cell function (cytotoxicity, survival, proliferation); analyze experimental data and interpret results based on Vd1 gamma delta cell biology; contribute to evaluation of novel immunotherapy products based on Vd1 gamma delta cell biology; experience with gene engineering of Vd1 cells.
• Preferred: Full-time

Skills

• Multi-color flow immunophenotyping
• Multiplex cytokine measurement
• Cytotoxicity assays
• Cell-based functionality assays
• Mechanistic understanding of Vd1 T-cell biology
• Data analysis and interpretation
• Scientific communication and presentation

Education

• PhD in Biology, Cancer Studies, or related field

Additional Requirements

• Up to 20% remote work allowed