Research Associate/Sr Research Associate, Pluripotent Stem Cell Biology at Thymmune Therapeutics – Cambridge, Massachusetts

About Us

Thymmune Therapeutics is a preclinical biotechnology company based in Cambridge, MA applying proprietary insights in thymic engineering to develop and commercialize immune cell therapy products addressing significant unmet clinical need across immunology. Building on work from leading labs, Thymmune has strong IP positioning and is backed by early investors and founders of successful high-profile biotechnology companies.
Role Description

Our innovation and value-driven organization is seeking to hire a highly motivated Research Associate to join a fast-paced and highly productive in vitro team. This position requires collaboration, dedication, and commitment, as well as the flexiblity to pivot based on the science. This role requires broad technical experience in cell culture and must have expertise in human pluripotent stem cell culture and differentiation and an industrial mindset underpinned by critical thinking, multitasking, and the ability to rapidly learn new techniques. The successful candidate will be responsible for executing a milestone-based scientific plan spanning experimentation, data analysis, presentation, and participation in strategic planning in industrializing and standardizing process development for our lead cell therapy candidate. Additional knowledge of cell engineering, molecular biology, and immunology is preferred.

Working independently, under the general supervision of senior personnel, the Research Associate will perform highly specialized experimental procedures involving in vitro protocols, advanced molecular genetics, and cellular biology techniques. The Research Associate will perform advanced data analysis using statistical techniques. They will also participate in the design and modification of research protocols. The successful candidate will compose, and potentially present, sections of research reports and manuscripts.

Our research focus is on tissue generation. To assist with this goal, the Research Associate will coordinate laboratory activities and undertake quality assurance programs. As a part of our research team, they will help to identify metrics that correlate with safety and efficacy of cells for immunotherapy. This role will focus on the production, characterization and optimization of the differentiation process towards generating our pluripotent stem cell-derived thymic epithelial cell therapy product.

Key Responsibilities

• Cell culture experimental skills, including human pluripotent stem cell culture and differentiation with working knowledge of molecular biology.
• Cover cell culture work on occasional weekends and holidays, as needed.
• Support studies genetically modifying cells and evaluate cell differentiation in vitro and functional response in vivo.
• Maintain tissue cultures and cell lines in a variety of experimental conditions; monitor cell cultures for viability and contamination.
• Isolate RNA from cell pellets and generate cDNA for molecular assays.
• Independently conduct molecular biology assays including flow cytometry, RT-qPCR, ddPCR, ELISA, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence staining.
• Participate in the design an modification/troubleshooting of research protocols.
• Calculate and analyze data using statistical techniques
• Maintain tissue culture and molecular biology supplies and reagents and help order new supplies and minor equipment.
• Coordinate laboratory compliance and procedures in the areas of safety, environmental, and infection control.
• Supervise the orientation and training of new laboratory staff and interns.

Our Values

At Thymmune, our culture is the foundation of our success. We are looking for a candidate who embodies our core principles:

• Human Connection: We respect and care for each other, our patients, and our communities. We believe teamwork empowers our joint success.
• Pioneering Spirit: We are trailblazers. We fearlessly push boundaries to overcome the limitations of existing therapies, fueled by passion and cutting-edge science.
• Always Learning: We believe collaboration drives innovation. Curiosity deepens our knowledge, and we benefit from our collective ideas and perspectives.
• Delivering on Our Promise: We are accountable to each other and the people we serve. We make a difference by delivering on our vision and elevating one another.

Required Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor/Masters (non-PhD) of Science required for RA-II role, ideally in fields such as iPSC-based regenerative medicine, molecular biology, genetic engineering or related discipline.
• Must have proficiency with human pluripotent stem cell tissue culture and differentiation.
• Must have good interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate well with others.
• Experience with RT-qPCR, ddPCR, and flow cytometry.
• High degree of computer literacy, analytical, and organizational skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Must be able to structure tasks and set priorities logically and effectively.
• Highly motivated and able to perform experiments independently.
• Ability to identify potential problems and troubleshoot solutions.
• Ability to analyze data statistically and present it.

Must have a broad knowledge of scientific principles and laboratory techniques.