Scientist I, Platform Discovery & Tech Development

ZipRecruiter; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job description

Scientist I, Platform Discovery and Tech Dev

Repertoire Immune Medicines is a biotechnology company working to unlock and direct the remarkable power of the human immune system to treat cancer and autoimmune disease. The company was founded on the belief that understanding the repertoire of T cell receptor (TCR)-antigen immune synapses that maintain health and drive disease represents one of the greatest opportunities for innovation in medical science. Repertoire scientists created and developed the DECODE^TM platform, which allows in-depth characterization of TCR-antigen pairs, and the ability to deploy this information in the form of novel targeted immune medicines to fundamentally reprogram the immune system to kill tumors or induce immune homeostasis.

From its sites in Cambridge, Massachusetts and Zurich, Switzerland, Repertoire’s team is advancing a pipeline of DECODE-enabled immune medicines. For cancer, we are developing a pipeline of TCR bispecific molecules for treatment of multiple cancer types. In addition, we are developing a pipeline of mRNA tolerizing vaccines for treatment of autoimmune diseases.

Repertoire was founded by Flagship Pioneering and is supported by a strong investor base. In addition, the company recently entered a strategic partnership with Bristol Myers Squibb to develop tolerizing vaccines for up to three autoimmune diseases.

Role Overview

We are seeking a Scientist to join our Platform Discovery Team. Some of the primary responsibilities of the Scientist will include applying the DECODE platform to discover novel TCR-pMHC interactions through the use of primary T cell samples and single-cell sequencing methodologies. This role will be required to process primary human biospecimens in order to isolate and prepare T cells for downstream analysis to investigate T cell reactivities using flow cytometry techniques and cell signaling assays. We are looking for an enthusiastic team player who will thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic, and highly collaborative environment. The Scientist will work as part of a cross-functional team of immunologists, molecular biologists, and protein scientists to independently execute on experiments and contribute to discoveries for autoimmune and oncology programs.

Key Responsibilities

• Process primary human biospecimens (e.g., whole blood, leukopaks, tumor tissues) to isolate and prepare lymphocytes for downstream analysis.
• Perform antigen-specific T cell expansions using autologous antigen-presenting cells (pulsed with peptides) or genetically modified antigen-presenting cell lines.
• Perform lentiviral particle production, transfection and transduction to engineer cell lines for functional assays and experimental applications.
• Assess T cell reactivity and specificity using a variety of techniques, including tetramer staining, flow cytometry/FACS, ELISpot, T cell stimulation assay, single-cell encapsulation (10x Genomics), or similar method.
• Design experiments, analyze experimental results, interpret data, and present findings at department and team meetings.
• Order and keep inventory of critical reagents to ensure material availability to meet project timelines.

Qualifications/Experience

• PhD in Immunology, Cell Biology, or related field, or M.S. with 4+ years of relevant industry experience, or B.S. with 6+ years of relevant industry experience.
• Extensive experience with basic immunology lab skills, such as primary cell culture and T cell culture, cell isolation (magnetic enrichment and sorting), multi-flow cytometry, and single cell encapsulation.
• Strong knowledge of immunology, and/or cancer biology.
• Familiar with bioinformatics, and familiar with T cell phenotyping markers.
• Proven ability to prioritize tasks, manage time effectively, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Critical thinking skills and the ability to work independently with minimal guidance.
• Impeccable documentation practices and attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex data clearly and concisely.

Repertoire is committed towards social responsibility and developing an inclusive culture. Much as the power of the immune system lies in the of T and B cells, our work requires the creativity and ingenuity of a diverse workforce. We believe in actively pursuing equity in all facets of the work experience at Repertoire. We will continue to educate ourselves about the inequities and barriers present in our society and take action as a company where we can make a difference.

Repertoire is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Recruitment & Staffing Agencies: Repertoire Immune Medicines (“Repertoire”) does not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than candidates. The submission of unsolicited resumes by recruitment or staffing agencies to Repertoire or its employees is strictly prohibited unless contacted directly by Repertoire’s internal Human Resources team. Any resume submitted by an agency in the absence of a signed agreement will automatically become the property of Repertoire, and Repertoire will not owe any referral or other fees with respect thereto.