Senior Researcher - Bioanalyst, RNA Therapeutics Lab

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center•New York, NY

1d•Onsite

About The Position

About Us: The people of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) are united by a singular mission: ending cancer for life. Our specialized care teams provide personalized, compassionate, expert care to patients of all ages. Informed by basic research done at our Sloan Kettering Institute, scientists across MSK collaborate to conduct innovative translational and clinical research that is driving a revolution in our understanding of cancer as a disease and improving the ability to prevent, diagnose, and treat it. MSK is dedicated to training the next generation of scientists and clinicians, who go on to pursue our mission at MSK and around the globe. Exciting opportunity at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center! The Olayan Center for Cancer Vaccines, a key pillar in MSK’s immuno-oncology transformation, is seeking a Senior Researcher - Bioanalyst to join our RNA Therapeutics Lab to support immune manufacture, characterization and innovation of mRNA-based personalized cancer vaccines. This role will focus on developing bioanalytical assays for in vivo and in vitro immunological evaluation and characterization of RNA and LNP’s for eventual tech transfer for GMP release. These assays will focus on the T-cell response to vaccines and tumors, but may include other immunological assessments, including APC characterization, cytokine response, etc. You will have a unique opportunity to help build the lab from the ground up, shape workflows, and pioneer new approaches. You won’t just be joining a lab – you’ll be helping to design it, define it, and set the stage for years of discovery! Role Overview: Specific skills include mouse injection, tissue isolation and processing, tumor implantation, T cell characterization, cell transfection, flow cytometry, ELISA, cellular and in vivo imaging

Requirements

M.S. in biology/immunology or other related field with a minimum of 4 years of experience; Ph.D preferred
Exceptional attention to detail and strong analytical skills.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced research environment, managing multiple projects while maintaining precision.
Critical thinking and problem-solving skills to troubleshoot experimental challenges.
Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to interact across all levels in a confident, concise, professional manner.
Enthusiasm and dedication to MSK's vision, mission and values.

Responsibilities

Development of bioanalytical assays of RNA and LNP’s for preclinical assessment in vivo and in vitro, focusing on T-cell responses, as well as GMP analytical release aligned with regulatory guidance and requirements
Assays will assess immunological potency and other measures of RNA/LNP performance, in both cellular and in vivo contexts, to make decisions on RNA and LNP platforms
Plan, lead and execute in cellulo and in vivo experiments as needed
Collaborate with formulation, research and GMP arms to pursue optimal mRNA designs, lipid formulation, and processes
Write laboratory standard operating procedures for assays and routine methodologies for tech transfer to GMP operations
Analyzing data and creating graphs using appropriate software (e.g., SoftMax Pro, Excel, Prism) and data visualization tools; writing reports of results and methods used and presenting data at regular lab meetings.
Perform routine maintenance, operation and inventory for a variety of laboratory instruments and reagents, which may include, but are not limited to: microplate readers, analytical reagents, and the flow cytometer
Following proper safety recommendations and handling procedures for different biological and chemical materials and ensuring others in the laboratory adhere to proper safety procedures.
Training other laboratory personnel as needed.
Performing all other duties as assigned.