Research Associate

We are seeking a highly motivated candidate to join BlueSphere Bio’s Protein Science team in a full-time lab-based capacity. The incumbent will use industry-standard instruments and techniques to express, purify, and analyze major histocompatibility complex (MHC) and TCR-related proteins and protein complexes. Additionally, she/he will work with a group of individuals to develop methods for isolation and affinity maturation of antigen-specific soluble TCRs and TCR mimics. This position requires a high level of independence and personal integrity, excellent communication skills, and an ability to work effectively in a goal-focused team environment. Job level and responsibilities will be based on qualifications and experience. Candidates interested in expanding their knowledge and gaining experience in protein-based T-Cell engager (TCE), and multi-specific biologics-based cancer therapies and drug discovery are highly encouraged to apply.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate sample and laboratory records. Document activities in an electronic notebook system.
• Conducting PCR, cloning, and colony screening assays.
• Conducting bacterial transformation, propagation, and purification of plasmid DNA
• Conducting lentivirus production, purification, and banking
• Conducting transient transfection of mammalian cells for protein expression and stable pool generation
• Conducting protein analysis by SDS-PAGE, Western blot, HPLC-SEC and HPLC-protein A
• Development and implementation of ELISA methods for quantitation and potency determination of novel MHC-binding molecules
• Sterile culture techniques and cell sorting and single-cell cloning to maintain and establish new cell lines for the expression and functional characterization of MHC and TCR molecules
• Development and implementation of methods for affinity capture and polishing of protein samples
• Organize and conduct assigned studies independently. Notably, the incumbent must be capable of troubleshooting various aspects of assay, protein expression and purification activities
• Assist in developing data packages and reports for internal corporate activities and regulatory submissions
• Present regularly at team meetings.

We are seeking a candidate for the following functional roles:

• Protein expression and purification
• Molecular cloning of protein expression vectors and lentiviral vectors (PCR, fragmentation, nucleic acid cleanup)
• Responsible for the generation of stable cell lines expressing desired protein products
• Responsible for expression, purification, and analysis of proteins
• Establish protocols and SOP for the above molecular biology techniques

Qualifications and Work Experience

• Bachelor’s (BS) degree in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Biological Sciences or equivalent experience required with >=2 years of working experience required.
• Mammalian Cell Culture: transient transfection, stable cell line production, cell banking, protein expression
• Molecular Cloning: vector design, restriction enzyme analysis of expression vectors, restriction independent cloning [Golden Gate and/or Gibson]
• Lentiviral technology: Understanding of LV packaging systems and LV expression vector components; experience in LV vector isolation and generation of recombinant lentivirus; lentiviral applications
• DNA/RNA isolation and nucleic acid technologies: PCR, RT-PCR, and Q-RTPCR; familiarity with NGS, Sanger sequencing; isolation of vector DNA (mini, midi, maxi, and mega preps), agarose gel electrophoresis and DNA/RNA fragment isolation from agarose gel
• Bacterial Culture: maintenance of bacterial cells, the transformation of the competent bacteria, isolation of vector DNA (mini, midi, maxi, and mega preps)
• Software: familiarity with DNA and protein sequence browsers such as SnapGene or Geneious, data analysis software (GraphPad Prism, Excel, etc.), Microsoft Office suite
• Organizational skills: experience in working in a multi-disciplinary team environment; resource management; ability to manage one’s time within individual, departmental, and corporate goals and timelines.

Preferred but not required:

• Familiarity with FPLC and HPLC instruments and techniques
• Familiarity with antibody display technologies such as phage-, yeast-, or mammalian-display