Scientist I/II: In Vivo Pharmacology / Oncolytic Viral Therapy

Company Description

UP Oncolytics, Inc. is a biotechnology startup dedicated to advancing cancer therapeutics by harnessing the natural oncolytic and immunomodulatory capabilities of viruses. The company focuses on developing innovative oncolytic virus platforms to deliver safe and effective treatments. These therapies aim to address difficult-to-treat cancers and improve outcomes for patients and families. UP Oncolytics is an NIH-funded (SBIR Fast Track) spinout from Advocate Health, using an oncolytic virus platform to initially target Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM). 

UP Oncolytics’ research facility is headquartered at Rosalind Franklin University’s Helix 51 biomedical incubator (Green Bay Road, North Chicago, IL, 5 minutes from Abbott Park), a vibrant, state-of-the-art accelerator with many biotech companies, and at the adjacent Innovation and Research Park. For more information about UP Oncolytics, Inc., please visit us at www.uponc.com. Follow UP Oncolytics, Inc. on LinkedIn.

Role Description

To complete IND-enabling experiments that will move this novel treatment into the clinic.  You will work on oncolytic therapy projects by executing in vitro and in vivo experiments. You will effectively leverage our network of consultants, advisors, and CROs to achieve your goals successfully. In addition, you will gain experience in the scientific, business, and operational aspects of drug discovery and development by working directly with the leadership team ( composed of executives from Abbvie/Abbott, Pfizer, Bristol-Myers Squibb, GD Searle, and a leading neurosurgeon and virologist).

Core Responsibilities:

• Independently execute intracranial/subcutaneous injection, monitor, and interpret in vivo mouse PDX/ CDX cancer models.
• Routine tumor imaging using the IVIS system.
• Dosing via IP, IV, and SC routes.
• Collect and prepare tissue/blood from in vivo studies for downstream applications, including IHC, flow cytometry, and RNA-seq.
• Primary and commercial cell line culture and maintenance.
• Zika virus culture, plaque assay, and cell line virus infection.
• Validation of infection and cytotoxicity by Flow cytometry.
• Interpret results and draw conclusions from experiments, suggest designs, and pursue relevant experiments that further project goals.
• Perform data analysis, write protocols and scientific reports, and provide presentations to teams and management.

Qualification:

• BS with 7 or more years of experience or MS with 5 or more years of experience in biological or biomedical science with a focus on cancer.
• Strong technical expertise in in vivo experimentation, including health monitoring, tumor implantation (intracranial), tumor measurement by imaging, dosing via IP, IV, and SC routes, and blood/ brain/tissue/ organ collection.
• Experience with cancer mouse models, including PDX/CDX xenografts.
• Strong background in flow cytometry.
• Strong background in in vitro experiments.
• Track record of independently delivering scientific results.
• Familiarity with data analysis, presentation, and statistical software (GraphPad).
• Motivation and desire to be a pivotal member of a growing startup.

Culture at UP Oncolytics

You will thrive as our teammate if you:

• Are independent and creative with a proven track record of scientific leadership and success.
• Have strong interpersonal communication skills.
• Have a strong willingness to work hard to get the job done.
• Engage in honest, open, two-way communication to foster a collaborative environment.
• Are mission-driven, think strategically with the big picture in mind, and align with and commit to the team’s goals.
• Can rationally adapt and pivot based on the data to achieve team milestones.

Salary and Benefits

Competitive salary based on experience. 

At UP Oncolytics, equality, diversity, and inclusion are incredibly important to us. We welcome applications from all candidates irrespective of age, disability, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religion, belief, or marital or civil partnership status.