Scientist, Biomarker and Translational SciencesJob SummarySeismic is seeking a bench scientist to develop and optimize the assays that support our research-stage and clinical-stage immunology programs. You will develop pharmacokinetic (PK), anti-drug antibody (ADA), target engagement, and pharmacodynamic (PD) assays for Seismic's biologics in human, non-human primate (NHP), and mouse samples, using ligand binding and flow cytometry platforms.
Your assays will inform decisions from candidate selection through IND-enabling studies and into the clinic. You will work closely with scientists in research and with the clinical team to make sure each assay answers the right question, and with the Translational Sciences group to prepare assays for transfer to our CRO partners. This is a hands-on, laboratory-based role in a small team, where your work will move quickly from the bench to the clinic.
Key Responsibilities- Design, develop, and optimize ligand binding assays, such as ELISA and electrochemiluminescence (MSD) formats, or Mass Spec-based PK assays to measure drug concentrations or anti-drug antibodies in human, NHP, and mouse matrices.
- Develop and optimize flow cytometry assays for target engagement, receptor occupancy, and pharmacodynamic readouts, including immunophenotyping of relevant immune cell populations.
- Qualify assays to a fit-for-purpose standard, including sensitivity, specificity, precision, and drug tolerance where applicable, and identify and characterize the critical reagents each assay depends on.
- Analyze samples from discovery and IND-enabling studies and interpret and present results to project teams.
- Prepare assay transfer packages, including methods, critical reagents, and qualification data, and serve as the technical point of contact for CRO scientists during assay transfer and troubleshooting.
- Maintain thorough, contemporaneous records in an electronic laboratory notebook, and write methods, SOPs, and technical reports consistent with Seismic's quality standards.
- Evaluate new assay technologies and approaches that could improve sensitivity, throughput, or the biological questions Seismic can answer.
Required Qualifications- PhD in immunology, biochemistry, or a related discipline, with at least 3 years of experience in the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry or at a CRO.
- Strong hands-on experience developing and optimizing ligand binding assays for biologics, such as PK and ADA assays on ELISA or MSD platforms.
- Strong hands-on experience developing and optimizing multicolor flow cytometry assays, including panel design and data analysis.
- Experience working with samples from more than one species, such as human, NHP, or mouse.
- Good documentation skills, with careful attention to detail and data integrity.
- Ability to work well as part of a small team, manage several projects at once, and communicate results clearly to scientific and clinical colleagues.
Preferred Experience- Experience developing target engagement or receptor occupancy assays for biologics.
- Familiarity with regulatory expectations for bioanalytical method validation and immunogenicity testing, and experience transferring assays to a CRO.
- Background in immunology, allergy, autoimmune, or inflammatory disease research.
- Experience working in a lean environment.
Competencies- Scientific rigor and integrity, with sound judgment about whether an assay is fit for its intended purpose.
- Persistent, hands-on problem solving when assays do not perform as expected.
- Collaboration and clear communication within a small team and across Research and Clinical Development.
- Patient focus, connecting the quality of each assay to the decisions it informs and the potential impact of Seismic's medicines for patients.
OtherThis role is based in Watertown, Massachusetts, and is laboratory-based, with in-office expectations consistent with Seismic's company policies and business needs.
Limited travel for CRO visits and scientific meetings, as needed.
The annual base salary range for this position is $110,000.00 - $150,000.00. Salary is determined by several factors including, but not limited to, relevant experience, skills, qualifications, education and internal benchmarks.
