Position Summary:Senior Scientist, Bioanalytical Sciences (Innate Immunity, Ligand Binding Assays & Flow Cytometry)
We are seeking a highly motivated and accomplished Sr. Scientist I with deep expertise in innate immunogenicity, and bioanalytical assay development, including ligand binding assays (LBA) and multi-color flow cytometry. This full-time, laboratory-based position calls for hands-on mastery of bioanalytical platforms and a strong working knowledge of LNP-formulated and nucleic acid therapeutics, including biodistribution studies. In this role, you will lead the development, qualification, and implementation of various immunogenicity and LBAs that support both our platform and therapeutic programs, with a particular focus on characterizing innate immune responses to novel nucleic acid modalities. You will also mentor, coach, and manage junior scientists, setting scientific directions, guiding experimental design, and fostering technical growth within the team. You will thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment and contribute as part of a highly collaborative, cross-functional team.
Key Responsibilities:- Design, develop and execute cell-based immunoassays, flow cytometry based assays and LBAs to assess immunogenicity to LNP delivered nucleic acid cargoes in vitro and in vivo
- Apply knowledge of innate immunology and establish in vitro screening assays for various nucleic acid modalities and establish criteria for release of cargo for pre-clinical research
- Collaborate closely with CMC, molecular biology and cell biology teams to screen nucleic acid cargoes (immunogenicity assessment etc.) and ensure timely delivery of high-quality data and summarize results
- Ensure development, qualification, and validation of bioanalytical assays in compliance with applicable guidelines
- Design, optimize, and execute biodistribution studies (flow cytometry and histological techniques) for LNP/nucleic acid therapies
- Design, establish and execute assays for assessing various in vivo immunogenicity predictors for LNP/nucleic acid therapies including but not limited to biomarkers, cytokines, complement activation and anti-drug antibodies (ADA) in rodents and NHPs
- Design, develop, optimize, and execute bioanalytical assays to support nonclinical studies, including PK, PD, biomarker, and immunogenicity endpoints
- Execute test procedures such as sample extraction and measurement by Flow Cytometry, ELISA, MSD, Luminex, bDNA, ddPCR and perform data interpretation
- Analyze and summarize scientific data and maintain timely documentation and completion of electronic lab notebooks in compliance with industry guidelines
- Present at project team meetings and to relevant stakeholders
- Mentor, coach, and manage junior scientists
Qualifications: - Ph.D. in immunology, biochemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, cell biology or related field with 5 plus years of industry experience
- Demonstrated expertise in innate immune signaling and nucleic acid sensing pathways for DNA and mRNA
- Proficiency in multicolor flow cytometry, ddPCR, ligand binding assays, leukopak processing and isolation of PBMCs
- Experience with LNPs, and nucleic acid modalities preferred
- Experience developing bioanalytical methods to measure drugs and biomarkers for LNP delivery of nucleic acid cargoes
- Experience managing junior scientists
- Strong communication, presentation and interpersonal skills
- Attention to detail, strategic thinking, problem solving, and decision-making skills
The salary range for this role is $126,000 - $181,500. Compensation for the role will depend on a number of factors, including a candidate's qualifications, skills, competencies, and experience. Serif Biomedicines currently offers healthcare coverage, annual incentive program, retirement benefits and a broad range of other benefits. Compensation and benefits information is based on Serif Biomedicines's good faith estimate as of the date of publication and may be modified in the future.
