Scientific Team Lead, Ex-Vivo Operations

TITLE: Scientific Team Lead, Ex Vivo Operations

REPORTING LOCATION: Rockville, MD

REPORTS TO: Scientific Director, Ex vivo

The primary objective of the Scientific Team Lead, Ex Vivo is to perform cross-functional laboratory assays with a focus on in vitro/ex-vivo studies and co-develop new Immuno Oncology assays. Duties and Responsibilites include:

• Provide scientific and day-to-day operational leadership in driving custom and R&D projects within the Ex Vivo team to ensure that work is performed in a timely and organized manner.

• Responsible for scheduling and planning to effectively manage workloads including managing timelines and deliverables for various projects.

• Perform and oversee advanced cell culture including culturing primary cells and characterizing their growth, survival, and drug efficacy studies using 2-D and 3-D cell-based assays.

• Engaging with internal and external collaborators and clients to discuss technical aspects of studies including scientific rationale and operational processes.

• Responsible for leading and driving people performance to ensure operational efficiency and personnel training in the group.

• Carry out methodical assay development for molecular biology techniques, assist in development of new products and transfer to operations.

• Develop, operate, and train personnel as well as maintain and collect data using various systems and databases.

• Responsible for timely communication with project leaders and ensuring company objectives are met.

• Operate automated liquid handling systems and assist with scaling in vitro/ex vivo assays using robotics, data analysis, QC and reporting.

• Responsible for the logistics around pilot experiments such as data analysis, trouble shooting and developing follow up experiments based on data.

• Graph and analyze data in GraphPad Prism software.

• Authoring and tracking SOPs, ensure that the operations team is compliant, clear documentation of Adverse Events (AE) and deviations for all projects.

• Building and improving processes to ensure effective workflow within the lab and troubleshooting, optimizing, and developing methods for unmet experimental needs.

Qualifications

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Expertise in Cell Culture, 2-D and 3-D cell-based assays such as spheroids or cells in gel systems is required.

• Experience with assay development and data analysis is required.

• Experience working with cells from PDX or GEMM is preferred.

• Experience with HTS assays and working with automated liquid handling systems is preferred.

• Proficiency in relevant 2-D and 3-D assay endpoints including Cell Titer Glow, flow cytometry, high content imaging, molecular biology techniques, and multiplex analyses (Luminex) is preferred.

• Experience with High Content Imaging (HCI) and image analysis is preferred.

• Ability to work well under pressure in a cross-functional team.

• Ability to work weekends or holidays as needed.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• PhD in life science and up to 5 years of work-related experience is preferred.

• Experience working in or adjacent to an animal facility is preferred.

• Prior supervision/leadership experience is preferred.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Must be able to sit and use hands to finger, handle and feel. Must be able to pipette and perform lab-based experiments for prolonged periods as required.

• Must be able to comfortable use automation and robotics after appropriate training has been provided.

• Must be able to lift and move packages weighing up to 50 pounds.

• Must be able to sit for long periods of time using a computer in a typical office environment in a multi-level facility.

• Some activities require repetitive motion and reaching, pulling or pushing.

• In carrying out the duties of the job there will be frequent exposure to fumes and chemical hazards.

• Duties performed routinely require exposure to blood, body fluid and tissue.

This description reflects management's assignment of essential functions, it does not proscribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.