Associate/Senior Associate Scientist, Cell Therapy Process Development (Contract)

Associate/Senior Associate Scientist, Cell Therapy Process Development (Contract)

Bedford, MA

About Us…

Obsidian Therapeutics is expanding the reach of TIL therapy.  We are pioneering engineered tumor infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapies to deliver transformative outcomes for patients suffering from solid tumor malignancies. Obsidian’s programs apply our cytoDRiVE® platform technology to express regulated therapeutic proteins to enhance anti-tumor activity. We’re currently investigating our lead program OBX-115 and enrolling patients in an ongoing clinical trial in advanced or metastatic melanoma.

We’re proud of our diverse talented team and committed to cultivating an environment where each person feels a strong sense of belonging and is supported to continuously learn and contribute their best work. Our research team is based in the heart of Cambridge, MA, and our Technical Development, Manufacturing & Quality team is based in our facility in Bedford, MA. Obsidianites enjoy a highly collaborative culture, competitive salary and benefits, and potential for ownership through stock options.

On April 3, 2024, we announced closure of a significantly oversubscribed $160.5 million Series C financing with a top-tier syndicate of life science investors led by new investor, Wellington Management. Proceeds from the financing will advance Obsidian’s lead program in its ongoing trials. We’re focused on enrolling patients and reaching key clinical and regulatory milestones, as well as manufacturing scale-up ahead of pivotal trial readiness.

Our Opportunity…

We’re looking for a highly motivated Associate Scientist/Senior Associate Scientist Contractor with experience in mammalian cell culture and process development to contribute to developing and characterizing manufacturing processes for multiple cell therapy products in our pipeline targeting cancer.  In this role, you’ll work collaboratively to develop phase-appropriate manufacturing processes that meet the quality target profile.  As part of our Technical Development and Manufacturing department you will be a vital part of a highly collaborative team working to achieve the Obsidian’s vision by translating innovative science into medical breakthroughs for patients, starting with our lead program cytoTIL15 engineered to make TILs more effective for more patients. 

This is a unique opportunity to be a contributor in a well-funded clinical company with blue chip investors, field-leading advisors, best-in-class partners, and an experienced team. You'll help us build a dynamic, innovative, passionate, collaborative, and successful organization focused on delivering transformative therapies in areas of greatest clinical need.

You Will…

• Plan and execute process development experiments with engineered T-cell and other immune cell product candidates to define process, optimize and scale-up for clinical manufacturing.
• Develop scale down models to evaluate process parameters utilizing Design of Experiment (DOE) methods.
• Perform in-process assays to measure cell number and characterize product using flow cytometry and other techniques. Interpret results, troubleshoot technical hurdles, and propose solutions to the team.
• Maintain excellent records of experiments in electronic lab notebooks in a timely manner.
• Collaborate closely with Analytical Development and other Obsidian teams.
• Present internally and/or externally to project teams, management, and scientific teams.
• Author and review technical reports detailing experimental work and summarizing results.
• Maintain a safe work environment in accordance with policies/procedures/regulations.
• Maintain cell cultures and cell banks as needed to support experimental work.
• Represent Obsidian with external partners and at professional organizations.

You Bring…

Core Qualifications

• BS degree in chemical engineering, biochemical engineering, biology or relevant field, with 7+years of experience in biotech/pharma setting; or MS and 5+ years.
• Experience with process development with cell therapy.
• Strong experience with mammalian cell culture techniques, preferably T-cell (or other immune cells).
• Experience with culture of mammalian cells in small-scale and large-scale bioreactor systems (G-Rex is a plus) and associated control strategies and automation.
• Experience with performing analytical methods for cell characterization such as flow cytometry, quantitative PCR.
• Experience conducting statistical analysis utilizing tools such as JMP.
• History of providing technical guidance to peers.
• Scientific rigor and attention-to-detail in the execution, analysis, and troubleshooting of experiments.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Strong record-keeping and organizational skills, including an ability to manage multiple responsibilities in parallel. 
• Scientific curiosity and a track record of self-directed learning. 
• A highly collaborative working style. You build trusting relationships, invite and share ideas and feedback, productively challenge your own and others’ assumptions to generate new ideas and facilitate better outcomes. 
• Proven ability to work with general direction to meet objectives and timelines, adapting to changes and priorities in order to fulfill our mission.
• Flexibility; a willingness and ability to adapt to changes in priorities in a fast-paced, rapidly developing environment to advance our mission. 
• Self-motivation and a proven ability to work with general direction, exercise good judgement, and seek the information and support you need to meet objectives and timelines. 

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience with late-stage process development and/or process characterization.
• Experience with design of experiment (DOE) approaches.
• Experience with T-cell (or other immune cell) selection, viral transduction
• Basic knowledge of immunology and experience working with immune system cells.
• Prior experience working with CDMOs - technology transfer in context of process development to support GMP manufacturing.

* Please no agency solicitation at this time.

Obsidian is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, cultivating a welcoming and diverse environment. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status or any other applicable legally protected characteristics.