Research Sr. Scientist, Gamma Delta T-Cell Engagers

Company: Takeda
Location: Boston
Posted on: November 20, 2023

Job Description:

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Job Description

About the role:

The Cell Engager team of the Oncology Drug Discovery Unit is seeking an experienced and highly motivated immunologist, with a strong background in immune-oncology and innate cell immunology. The successful candidate will play an important role in optimizing VD1 cell engagers, to improve the biological function (potency and persistence) of gamma delta cell engager products (i.e., immune cell activation, survival, proliferation, and function, and cancer/immune biology in tumor microenvironment). The scientist will lead discovery projects and collaborate with colleagues both within the department, and with cross-function teams to drive the development of Cell Therapy discovery platforms. The position is a lab-based role, requiring strong leadership from the bench and a hand-on attitude. The candidate should be able to independently design, develop and execute research assignments, contributing to multiple projects in early staged matrix project team.

How you will contribute:

ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Contribute to discovery projects by independently designing and developing well-defined mechanistic experiments and projects within oncology cell engager research.
• Lead from the lab to advance novel and differentiated Cell engager and cell therapy combination in collaboration with cell therapy groups within the oncology department products toward clinical milestones, by working collaboratively with internal cross-functional teams and external partners.
• Design, execute, and interpret functional in vivo, in vitro, and ex vivo assays to understand the mechanism-of-action and play an active role in subsequent scientific discussions to drive decisions.
• Propose novel project ideas based on internal results, external partners, and published reports and demonstrate leadership through effective communication of study plans/value, and research results.
• Identify and integrate technologies that improve or expand the ability to assess the MoA of novel immunomodulatory agents.
• Actively participate with team to help isolate VD1 cells from blood and skin.
• Collaborate with CTI to incorporate new VD1 isolation strategies for use in cell engager programs in vitro and in vivo.
• Contributes to the design and evaluation of novel engagers in in vitro and ex vivo model systems.
• Contribute to the writing of relevant research reports to be included in regulatory filings.
• Prepares and presents comprehensive technical or project reports and formal presentations / posters to full range of internal/external audiences.
• Maintain laboratory notebooks and keep in compliance with Takeda policies.
  
  DIMENSIONS AND ASPECTS
  
  • Demonstrates theoretical knowledge of cell engager platforms.
  • Keeps current with emerging trends in immune cell engagers for application in cancer therapy.
  • Able to clarify requests and provide suggestions and put data into context, with a key focus on assay design and quality of data.
  • Demonstrates in-depth technical knowledge within various assay development platforms.
  • Demonstrates program management skills.
  • Independently investigates new immunological techniques, that can be applied to team projects.
  • Serves as the in vivo immunobiology lead on projects providing key scientific feedback to advance programs in a matrixed environment.
  • Independently manages workload and comfortable with key stakeholder management.
  • Scientifically independent
  • Provides information to group to influence direction, departmental goals and/or business.
  • Conducts scientific presentations to internal audiences.
  • Collaborates with others across sites and acts as scientific resource for in vitro pharmacology.
  • Participates in and supervises external interactions and collaborations with external companies, academic research groups and CROs.
  • Expected to participate in new target identification / validation process.
  • Strives towards expanding scientific knowledge in immunology.
  • Receives high level instructions on work; determines methods on new assignments; demonstrated greater independence; may manage interns or junior staff.
    
    Minimum Requirements/Qualifications:
    
    • PhD degree in a scientific discipline with 3+ years' experience, or MS with 9+ years' experience, or BS with 11+ years' experience
    • Strong understanding Innate immunology or Gamma Delta biology is preferred.
    • Profound skills in in vitro and in vivo immune cell characterization and function assessment, such as, multi-color flow immunophenotyping, multiplex cytokine measurement, cytotoxicity assay, and other molecular based assays and cell-based functionality assays.
    • Strong understanding of in vivo preclinical model systems applicable in caner immunotherapy
    • Proficient in the isolation, culture, and functional characterization of primary human immune cells.
    • Proficient with ex vivo models for screening IO therapies is strongly preferred.
    • Experience with biologics is a must (Antibodies, ADCs, bispecific and Cell therapies etc.)
    • Experience leading projects sub teams and working with cross functional matrixed teams.
    • A demonstrated track record of independent critical thinking and scientific achievement
    • Excellent team player with a can-do attitude with an ability to thrive in a dynamic "biotech- like" environment and work in cross-functional project teams.
    • Self-motivated, collaborative with excellent time management and organizational skills
      
      What Takeda can offer you:
      
      • Comprehensive Healthcare: Medical, Dental, and Vision
      • Financial Planning & Stability: 401(k) with company match and Annual Retirement Contribution Plan
      • Health & Wellness programs including onsite flu shots and health screenings
      • Generous time off for vacation and the option to purchase additional vacation days
      • Community Outreach Programs and company match of charitable contributions
      • Family Planning Support
      • Flexible Work Paths
      • Tuition reimbursement
        
        More about us:
        
        At Takeda, we are transforming patient care through the development of novel specialty pharmaceuticals and best in class patient support programs. Takeda is a patient-focused company that will inspire and empower you to grow through life-changing work.
        
        Certified as a Global Top Employer, Takeda offers stimulating careers, encourages innovation, and strives for excellence in everything we do. We foster an inclusive, collaborative workplace, in which our teams are united by an unwavering commitment to deliver Better Health and a Brighter Future to people around the world.
        
        Base Salary Range: $130,200.00 to $186,000.00, based on candidate professional experience level. Employees may also be eligible for Short-term and Long-Term Incentive benefits as well. Employees are eligible to participate in Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, 401(k), Charitable Contribution Match, Holidays, Personal Days & Vacation, Tuition Reimbursement Program and Paid Volunteer Time Off.
        
        The final salary offered for this position may take into account a number of factors including, but not limited to, location, skills, education, and experience.
        
        Empowering Our People to Shine
        
        Discover more at takedajobs.com
        
        No Phone Calls or Recruiters Please.
        
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        EEO Statement
        
        Takeda is proud in its commitment to creating a diverse workforce and providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, parental status, national origin, age, disability, citizenship status, genetic information or characteristics, marital status, status as a Vietnam era veteran, special disabled veteran, or other protected veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws, and any other characteristic protected by law.
        
        Locations
        
        Boston, MA
        
        Worker Type
        
        Employee
        
        Worker Sub-Type
        
        Regular
        
        Time Type
        
        Full time

Keywords: Takeda, Boston , Research Sr. Scientist, Gamma Delta T-Cell Engagers, Other , Boston, Massachusetts