Scientist I, in vitro Oncology

Job Purpose

Scientist I will support pharmaceutical discovery and development through in vitro therapeutic binding, mechanistic, and phenotypic assays using cancer cell lines. The role involves cancer cell banking, culture maintenance, characterization, and analysis. The candidate will also assist with patient-derived materials and rodent xenograft model development. This position offers growth opportunities and exposure to sponsor-driven research.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform routine culturing, expansion, and cryopreservation of cancer cell lines using aseptic techniques.
• Banking, thawing and splitting cancer cell lines for various in vitro assays.
• Conduct mechanistic and phenotypic assays (e.g., flow cytometry, MSD, ELISA, RT-PCR).
• Support cell line quality control (e.g., mycoplasma and sterility testing).
• Maintain accurate records in ELNs and databases.
• Adhere to SOPs and safety protocols.

With supervision, the Scientist I may:

• Assist with execution of multiplexed assays and high-content imaging experiments.
• Support in vivo studies by assisting with necropsies, tissue harvests, and ex vivo assays.
• Perform basic radiolabeling and in vitro binding assays under close supervision.
• Work safely with radioactive and BSL-2 materials, following all relevant safety and waste disposal protocols.
• Perform sample handling, gamma counting, and documentation according to study requirements.

Study Support & Execution

• Assist in the execution of key study activities under the guidance of senior scientists or study leads.
• Organize daily tasks and manage workload to meet established study timelines.
• Support coordination of materials, samples, and data related to ongoing studies.
• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams to ensure smooth study execution.
• Demonstrate reliability, attention to detail, and a strong commitment to quality and teamwork.

Functional Competencies (Technical knowledge/Skills)

• Strong aseptic techniques for cancer cell culture
• Ability to understand and assist in multiplexed assays and high-content imaging.
• Perform in vitro (radioligand) binding assays under supervision.
• Handle radioactive and BSL-2 materials safely and in compliance with disposal protocols.
• Conduct ex vivo sample handling and gamma counting as per study requirements.
• Work long hours in the in vitro lab, independently on a set protocol/ SOP
• Maintain a clean workplace and a professional work environment

Experience, Education, and Certifications

• Bachelor's degree in biology, Animal Science, or related field with 5 years of relevant in vitro cell culture research experience or advanced degree with 3 years of relevant in vitro cell culture research experience.
• Background in radiopharmaceutical therapy will be considered a plus
• Demonstrated experience managing early-stage oncology drug discovery projects/ programs.
• Excellent multitasking, organizational, and time-management skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication abilities.
• Availability to work occasional weekends as required

This role is based in the Perceptive office/lab located in Needham, MA. The annual base salary range for this role is $63,588-$118,093. This range represents the anticipated initial annual salary and may vary depending on several factors including the candidate’s experience and skills and may be subject to market rate adjustment.