What are the responsibilities and job description for the Biologist position at Planet Pharma?
Job description:
We are currently seeking a highly motivated and passionate scientist to join our team in Immunology Discovery department based in Cambridge MA. The candidate will focus on generating biology data packages to help advance target identification and validation within GI immunology. The position offers a unique opportunity for a talented scientist to work in a dynamic, innovative, and multi-disciplinary environment to develop their career at the interface of basic research and early drug discovery. The scientist will focus on developing and optimizing cellular/molecular assays to generate reliable and reproducible data in a timely manner. The scientist is expected to read and adapt scientific literature and internal protocols to accomplish assignments and demonstrate broad and versatile technical expertise within immunology. The position requires ability to work independently, have excellent technical, written and oral communication skills and work very well in a collaborative team environment.
Key responsibilities
• Develop and execute cell-based functional assays using cell lines and mammalian tissue primary cells, for key readouts including cell activation, differentiation and effector molecule secretion
• Perform advanced molecular and cellular biology techniques (including but not limited to FACS, ELISA, MSD, HTRF)
• Isolate and culture immune cells (T cells, myeloid cells) from human and mouse tissues
• Work independently on the design, execution and interpretation of experimental results to validate hypotheses related to the project need
• Implement and innovate new experimental protocols/techniques as needed
• Analyze, interpret, document and report data consistently, concisely and rigorously, both to individual stakeholders and in group settings
• Demonstrate scientific excellence through dedication to multiple projects in a fast-paced multi-disciplinary environment
• Impact projects mostly through lab-based activities
Qualifications and requirements:
• The applicant must have a master’s degree in Biological Science or related field with 2-3 years of experience in biotech or pharma set up.
• Experience in in vitro cell culture (sterile techniques, handling challenging cell types) and cell-based assays development is required.
• Experience with human PBMC functional assays and/or immune cells (T cells and myeloid cells) is required.
• Experience in immunoassays including multi-color flow cytometry and ELISA (or MSD, HTRF) is required.
• Experience with mouse tissue processing for immune profiling (not direct mouse handling) is a plus but not required.
• Knowledge of DNA/RNA handling and other molecular biology techniques like PCR and qPCR is a plus but not required.
• Ability to learn new skills and apply them in a fast-paced research environment.
• Creativity, problem-solving, and attention to details.
• Excellent oral and written communication and collaboration skills.
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team.
• Proven flexibility to deal with changing timelines and shifting work priorities.
