Principal Scientist, Translational Immunology
Generation Bio, United States
Job Description
Generation Bio is a biotechnology company leading a new generation of gene therapy. With our proprietary re-dosable ceDNA technology, we are expanding the reach of gene therapy. At Generation Bio, our goal is to bring the life-saving benefits of gene therapy to more people, living with a broader range of diseases, in more places around the world. Our vision is to make the ravages of genetic disease as imaginary to the next generation as polio feels to children today.
We are a thriving, collaborative, creative community of diverse talents, beliefs, and experiences relentlessly dedicated to our mission. Founded and launched by Atlas Venture. Headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Committed to a future where more people can live full lives.
Delve further. Please visit www.generationbio.com or follow @generationbio.
SUMMARY:
Generation Bio seeks an energetic, versatile, and highly motivated Principal Scientist to join the Platform Research group. The position will lead translational immunology research, with a focus on developing novel therapeutic approaches with our gene therapy platform in areas of infectious diseases and oncology. This role will develop and execute the pre-clinical strategy supporting both the platform science and to advance our growing pipeline of programs. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in research and development of immune therapies (anti-viral and/or anti-tumor), with experience in the ex-vivo and in-vivo evaluation of immune responses, efficacy and characterization of target protein expression, biodistribution and function. The successful candidate will move seamlessly between managing in-vivo studies in our newly-opened ACF, with CROs and collaborators, and leading lab-based work to design/implement new assays in our state-of-the-art cell and molecular biology lab.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Develop an internal and external technical plan for translational immunology at Generation Bio, weaving emerging platform delivery capabilities with evaluation of therapeutic hypotheses
- Lead cross functional research teams to optimize platform elements for desired expression and immunologic profile, in multiple therapeutic areas
- Develop tools and lead in vivo studies to evaluate PK/PD of therapeutic candidates
- Design, optimize and execute assays to quantify target protein expression and antibody and cellular (e.g. T-cell, APC) mediated immune responses to therapeutic constructs from tissue samples/plasma/serum
- Implement and lead a lab component for bioanalytical and cell-based screening of construct expression and target biological activity; it is envisioned that this role will eventually build and manage a research team
- Develop, characterize and evaluate animal disease models
- Interface externally with collaborators, and in management of research performed by CRO(s)
- Summarize studies in written reports and oral presentations
- Review literature to identify relevant technologies and disease targets
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Ph.D. in Immunology, Virology, Oncology, Molecular/Cell Biology, Pharmacology or related field, with 5+ years of industry experience
- Experience in infectious diseases (virology and host-pathogen interactions) or a background in tumor immunology and related in-vivo models preferred
- Excellent lab technique and the ability to work independently to design experiments and analyze, interpret, and present data
- Proficient in protein and DNA/RNA detection and quantification (ELISA, western, RT-qPCR; MSD and Octet a plus), cell-based imaging (IHC, FACS) and activity assays (infection, neutralization, co-culture)
- Proactive thinking and ability to multi-task to support multiple projects across platform and disease biology pharmacology
- Ability to work in a highly collaborative, team-based environment a must
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Demonstrated leadership capabilities and industry experience in cross-functional integration and management required
POSITION: Full-Time, Exempt
EEOC Statement: Generation Bio believes in a diverse environment and is committed to equal employment opportunity for all its employees and qualified applicants. We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or any other employment practices for reasons of race, color, gender, religion, national origin, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. Generation Bio will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities, in accordance with applicable law.