Senior Scientist, Complex In Vitro Models

Job Description

We’re seeking an innovative and experienced Senior Scientist to join the Quantitative Biosciences Translational Pharmacology team at our research site in West Point, PA.  In this lab-based role, the candidate will join a team responsible for the development, validation and application of complex in vitro models for improving therapeutic translatability across our drug discovery portfolio, with particular focus on the areas of infectious disease, vaccines and neuroscience. 

Successful candidates will focus on establishing and validating advanced biological models (primary/iPSC-derived complex co-cultures, 3D models, engineered cell and tissue models, etc.).  As such, ideal candidates will have demonstrated experience in complex in vitro model development, iPSC biology and/or tissue engineering.  In addition, the ideal candidate will have a strong background in one or more of the following broad therapeutic areas: immunology and/or vaccines.  Preferably, they will also have a foundational understanding of basic pharmacology concepts (potency, efficacy, etc.) and cell-based assay development experience.  We highly value teamwork, innovation, and critical thinking.  If you are a highly motivated team player with a strong desire to help transform and impact our drug discovery and development efforts via improved translational models for pharmacodynamic evaluation, we invite you to consider joining our team. 

The ideal candidate will meet the following requirements:

• Master with 5+ years or Ph.D. with 2+ years post-graduate experience in pharmacology, cell biology, biomedical engineering, immunology, or related discipline

• Experience establishing and evaluating advanced in vitro models (primary/iPSC-derived complex co-cultures, 3D models, tissue engineering, etc.), preferably within the area(s) of immunology, infectious disease and/or vaccines

• Demonstrated iPSC experience (maintenance, QC, differentiation)

• Hands-on experience in assays relevant for CIVM generation/validation including, but not exclusively: immunohistochemistry, multi-omics, high-content imaging, ELISA/Luminex, flow cytometry (spectral panel development), etc.

• Ability to independently design and execute experiments and analyze resulting data

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills

• Willingness, if not eagerness, to collaborate across disciplines and functional areas, as needed, to fulfill objectives

• A desire to establish a broad knowledge base, both with respect to therapeutic area as well as across various types of advanced in vitro models/platforms

• Experience with (or strong desire to learn) implementing automation (robotics, liquid handling, etc.) throughout assay development/execution

• Experience with electronic notebook and timely and accurate documentation of experimental procedure and resulting data therein

• Willingness to adhere to all requisite lab and site safety protocols

• Desire to promote, and positively contribute to, a work culture that is diverse and inclusive, fosters a growth mindset and values respective constructive feedback in order to progress business deliverables

Preferred Skills:

• Strong grasp of basic pharmacological concepts (potency, efficacy, etc.) 

• Cell-based assay development experience, including relevant statistical analyses

• Industrial pharmaceutical discovery experience

• Project management and/or functional area representation on program teams

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Effective September 5, 2023, employees in office-based positions in the U.S. will be working a Hybrid work consisting of three total days on-site per week, Monday - Thursday, although the specific days may vary by site or organization, with Friday designated as a remote-working day, unless business critical tasks require an on-site presence.This Hybrid work model does not apply to, and daily in-person attendance is required for, field-based positions; facility-based, manufacturing-based, or research-based positions where the work to be performed is located at a Company site; positions covered by a collective-bargaining agreement (unless the agreement provides for hybrid work); or any other position for which the Company has determined the job requirements cannot be reasonably met working remotely. Please note, this Hybrid work model guidance also does not apply to roles that have been designated as “remote”.

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