research scientist Stevenage, England
Job description
Achilles is a fast paced, trail blazing company. We are breaking new ground with our science creating products that have never been made. As no-one has done what we are doing before, there is no playbook to copy. This means we must innovate, adapt and collaborate across our organisation, working together to solve novel problems. This entrepreneurial spirit and approach runs through our company and those who thrive here are able to cope with anything that is thrown at them, enjoy ambiguity and thrive on making things happen even when there is not a detailed brief.
This is a permanent position based at our facility in Stevenage, Hertfordshire and would suit someone looking to gain or build upon previous cell therapy experience.
Role Summary
You will contribute to the characterisation of Achilles’ cNeT products and the breadth and magnitude of their response to clonal tumour neoantigens.
Your primary responsibility will be to execute the team’s established product phenotyping flow cytometry assays, however depending on previous skills and initiative, you will also have the opportunity to contribute to an array of other immunoassays that are run as part of the translational product characterisation activities.
You will additionally be expected to support the running of the laboratory and be responsible for ensuring the critical equipment used for product phenotyping is properly maintained and reagent stocks are up to date.
Primary Duties will include:
- Phenotype the cell therapy product using multidimensional flow cytometry (depending on skills and experience also TCR and RNA single cell sequencing).
- Support the characterisation and analysis of Achilles’ clinical trial products by performing/contributing to the execution of other immunoassays like ELISA, ELISpot, proliferation and killing assays.
- Complete all relevant documentation in accordance with GCLP guidelines.
- Ensure critical equipment and assay reagents are maintained and in stock.
Essential
- PhD in immunology, cell biology or related field or equivalent length and depth of experience preferably in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry
- Practical experience with multi-parameter flow cytometry
- Practical experience with cell-based immunoassays
- Excellent planning, organisational and time management skills
- Attention to detail
- Team Player: Ability to learn from senior and junior members of the team
- Good communication and interpersonal skills
- Self-motivated with strong initiative and drive
- Ability to work flexibly including evenings and weekends, as required
- Proficiency with MS Office
- Experience in TCR and RNA single cell sequencing (highly desirable)
- Experience in cancer immunotherapy
- Practical experience with human primary T cell culture
- Experience working in a GCLP or GxP environment
- Understanding of the inner workings of a high-performance flow cytometry instrument
- Experience in TCR and RNA single cell sequencing (highly desirable)
- Experience in cancer immunotherapy
- Practical experience with human primary T cell culture
- Experience working in a GCLP or GxP environment
- Understanding of the inner workings of a high-performance flow cytometry instrument
This is a permanent role, offering a competitive benefits package
At Achilles you will enjoy a flexible and dynamic working environment that fosters creativity, leadership, and teamwork. We work hard and deliver a lot
Our benefits package includes a competitive salary and performance related bonus, group pension plan matched up to 6%, life insurance, private medical insurance, and a tax approved all employee share incentive plan.
