Research Associate, Applied Immunology - EMD Serono

Position Description

About the Company

EMD Serono, Inc., an affiliate of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, is a leader in the US biopharmaceutical arena, integrating cutting-edge science with unparalleled patient support systems to improve people’s lives. The company has strong market positions in neurodegenerative diseases, MS and endocrinology. EMD Serono is also a leader in fertility treatments. With a clear focus on the patient and a leadership presence in the biopharmaceutical industry, EMD Serono’s US footprint continues to grow, with more than 1000 employees around the country and fully integrated commercial, clinical and research operations in the company’s home state of Massachusetts.

Description

Provide laboratory expertise in oncology to support discovery and preclinical projects in the Applied Immunology Research group within TA Oncology. This position focuses on a number of laboratory techniques including (but not limited to) T cell based assays (proliferation, ELISPOT, CTL), ELISA, Flow Cytometry techniques, cancer stem cell isolation/proliferation and in vitro/in vivo mouse work.

KEY TASKS & RESPONSIBILITIES

• The primary responsibilities of this position will be to provide laboratory support, data generation, data analysis, and evaluation/documentation for oncology research for small molecular and/or biological therapeutics in Discovery and pre-clinical development.
• Other tasks involve tailoring assays (if not developing new assays) that projects require in order to push the project forward.
• The candidate will be expected to contribute to studies for multiple projects and present their research in group settings.

• Performing phenotypic assays in T cells, tumor cells and cancer stem cells for mechanism of action studies, supporting Discovery and Pre-clinical development of lead molecules.
• Designing and implementing immunological assays that can measure immune responses in mouse models and in vitro human PBMC models.
• Using cell-based assays to assess the effects of drug substance alone and in combination with other drug substances.
• Implementation of studies for the identification of biomarkers.
• Data analysis and evaluation.

EDUCATION & LANGUAGES

• Bachelors required, Masters an asset
• Must be fluent in both written and spoken English

• Minimum of 2 years experience in a research and/or development environment.
• Immunophenotyping by flow cytometry (FACS).
• T cell isolation, proliferation, cytokine/chemokines and apoptosis assays.
• in vivo mouse cancer models with ability to inject, collect organs and fluids.
• Proficient in mammalian cell culturing and maintenance of cell lines with aseptic techniques.
• Experience with cancer stem cell isolation/culturing desirable.
• Culture and maintenance of mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells desirable.
• High level of computer literacy required, including familiarity with Excel and data analysis software.
• Ability to work independently with input from senior scientists.

• Self-motivated, highly organized, with strong attention to detail.
• Excellent lab, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability work in constantly changing environment and balance working with on multiple projects.
• Ability to change and/or develop entirely new assays as projects demand to continue moving forward.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills are a must.
• Ability to work as part of a team.
• Ability to work at lab bench.

Awards & Recognition

June 2009, The Boston Business Journal recognizes EMD Serono as one of the Best Places to Work!

May 2009, The Scientist magazine names EMD Serono one of the best place to work in the life sciences industries!

October 2008, EMD Serono Named as a Top Employer by Science Magazine!

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How to Apply