Translational Sciences Research Associate (6-month contract role)

PharmaEssentia U.S.A.•Bedford, MA

7d•Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a highly motivated Research Associate on a 6-month contract basis to join the Translational Sciences Department at PIRC. The candidate will be part of a collaborative and fast-paced team driving translational research focused on identifying novel biomarkers and exploring the mechanism-of-action of candidate immuno-oncology and hematology drug candidates. The role offers the opportunity to work with samples from pharmacodynamic/pharmacokinetic and disease efficacy mouse models and primary cells and tissues from healthy volunteers and cancer patients. These in vitro and in vivo translational pharmacology activities will contribute to late discovery data packages and enable key program milestones. A strong candidate will have a background in cancer biology, immuno-oncology, immunology, cell biology and/or molecular biology, with prior hands-on experience in RNA isolation and measurement, cDNA synthesis, quantitative PCR, cell-based assays, tissue culture, and/or ELISA, Luminex or MSD protein detection methods. The ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams, follow complex protocols, and deliver high-quality experimental data is essential. This is an excellent opportunity to gain experience in oncology/hematology late discovery/translational methods while supporting impactful, real-world research. This is a 6 month contract with potential to transition to a full-time permanent role based on performance and project success. Upon conversion, the employee will be eligible for our full benefits package

Requirements

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Cancer Biology, Immuno-oncology, Immunology, Cell Biology, Biomedical Sciences, or a related life science field with 2-3 years of industrial experience.
Available to work full-time, on-site for 6 months without needed work authorization/sponsorship from the company.

Nice To Haves

Previous relevant laboratory experience is highly preferred.
Skilled in aseptic technique and culture of mouse and human cell lines, primary cells and tissues.
Experience with tumor tissue handling, 3-D culture systems, or ex vivo tumor models.
Familiarity with immunoassays, qPCR, RNAsequencing, flow cytometry and/or related technologies.
Experience using an electronic lab notebook for experimental documentation.
Excellent communication, time management, and organizational abilities.
Collaborative, flexible, and motivated to work in a fast-paced translational research environment.

Responsibilities

Isolation and quantitation of nucleic acids or proteins from primary murine or human cell or tissue samples. Ensure proper samples storage and maintain sample inventory for TS department.
cDNA synthesis, quantitative PCR, and building RNAsequencing libraries.
Perform in vitro and ex vivo experiments focused on tumor-immune interactions using primary human cell/tissue models.
Culture murine and human cell lines for cell-based assays or syngeneic tumor models. Maintain cell line inventory for TS department.
Process primary mouse or human tumor/tissue samples for immediate downstream applications and/or cryo-preserve and properly store for future use. Maintain sample inventory for TS department.
Detect proteins of interest in samples from human or mouse cell lines or tissues, plasma or supernatants using Western blotting, ELISA, Luminex or MSD.
Analyze and interpret experimental data and present findings to the team.
Maintain detailed, timely, and compliant documentation using an electronic lab notebook (ELN).
Follow lab safety and quality standards.