Scientist I, Cell-Based Assays

Role Summary

We are seeking a Scientist to join our cystic fibrosis team to lead the assessments of in vitro and in vivo delivery to lung epithelial cells. This role will utilize primary 2D and 3D mammalian cell cultures and mouse tissues to evaluate AAV- and LNP-mediated delivery to target cells. This work will guide the selection of lead candidate components for both AAV and LNP drug candidates. The ideal candidate will be on site 5 days a week in Cambridge, MA.

Responsibilities

• Utilize 2D and 3D epithelial cell cultures to assess delivery and potency of AAV- and LNP-based discovery candidates.
• Differentiating and maintaining multiple primary epithelial cell cultures.
• Preparing/dissociating cells and tissues into single cell suspensions to perform cell-based analyses using flow cytometry and molecular biology techniques.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with internal teams on study design, execution, data collection, data analysis, and interpretation.
• Present data in written reports and oral presentations.

Qualifications

• Required: PhD in cell biology, immunology, genetics, developmental biology, or related field with 0-2+ years of relevant experience (or BS+8, MS+6).
• Required: Experience with complex non-immune primary mammalian cell cultures, including cell differentiation and use of transwells.
• Required: Experience dissociating tissues for downstream cell-based assays.
• Required: Familiarity/experience with molecular biology techniques (e.g., qPCR, DNA sequencing, western blot).
• Required: Strong organizational and critical thinking skills, attention to detail, and ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Required: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to thrive in a cross-functional setting.
• Preferred: Subject matter expertise in lung biology, drug development for lung diseases, and considerations for in vivo delivery of test articles to the lung.
• Preferred: Hands-on experience with in vivo lung delivery (intratracheal and nebulization).
• Preferred: Hands-on experience with flow cytometry panel design, sample preparation, instrument operation, and data analysis.
• Preferred: Experience with cell sorting.
• Preferred: Development of cell-based immunogenicity assessments such as intracellular cytokine staining and ELISPOT.