Senior Scientist, Immunology, In vitro Pharmacology

Role Summary

Senior Scientist, Immunology, In vitro Pharmacology leads functional screening strategy and candidate selection for biologics projects in gastrointestinal, inflammatory diseases, and fibrosis areas. Designs mechanism-of-action–relevant functional assays, develops and validates new assays, and executes research plans with high scientific rigor. Provides technical and strategic leadership within the BIVP team, guiding projects and collaborating across disciplines, while dedicating 30–50% of time to hands-on bench work.

Responsibilities

• Lead the functional screening strategy and candidate selection for biologics projects in the gastrointestinal, inflammatory diseases, and fibrosis therapeutic areas.
• Independently design mechanism of action–relevant functional assays. Develop and validate new functional assays and execute research experimental plans with high scientific rigor.
• Oversee novel scientific projects and manage the workflow of others in a matrixed structure to drive project progress in a timely manner.
• Serve as the functional representative, work with team members from other disciplines, and act as a senior scientific consultant to provide technical and strategic leadership for research project implementation and coordination.
• Independently find solutions and develop strategies within area of expertise, using breadth of knowledge of other disciplines and acting as a scientific resource for BIVP.
• Record experimental design and results in a timely and accurate manner and prepare study reports for internal and regulatory use.
• Scientifically assess and recommend vendors and outsource nonclinical studies to appropriate contract research organizations.
• Collaborate with automation engineers to identify suitable ways to utilize laboratory automation for the execution of cell-based assays to enhance throughput and data quality.
• Contribute to multiple projects, interfacing with project teams to meet timelines for project progression.
• Represent the BIVP team to communicate and present research findings clearly and effectively at internal and external meetings.
• Dedicate approximately 30%–50% of time to hands-on bench work to execute and guide experiments underpinning candidate evaluation.

Qualifications

• PhD degree in Immunology, or related scientific discipline with 3+ years of experience, or MS with 9+ years of experience, or BS with 11+ years of experience.
• Industry experience in cell-based assay development and validation.
• Technical knowledge of high-throughput functional assays and automation experience is a plus.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment; self-driven, creative, with a strong team-oriented mentality, positive attitude and effective project management skills.

Skills

• In vitro/ex vivo cell-based functional assay design, development, and implementation for target-specific drug effects.
• Cell biology, immunology, and antibody characterization knowledge.
• Experience with cell-based functional assay platforms (on-cell binding, reporter assays, AlphaLISA, MSD, flow cytometry, cell adhesion/migration, organ-on-chip, imaging).
• Troubleshooting, assay optimization, and data quality control.
• Data analysis, interpretation, and data reporting.
• Experience or knowledge in inflammatory diseases and/or fibrosis is a plus.

Education

• PhD in Immunology or related field with relevant experience, or MS with substantial industry experience, or BS with extensive experience.