Research Associate

About TAM Biosciences

TAM Biosciences is a pioneering biotechnology firm dedicated to revolutionizing cancer treatment by studying key signaling pathways involved in tumor cell survival, growth, and immune evasion. The company translates these insights into innovative therapies and cancer vaccines that seek to both destroy tumor cells and activate potent anti-tumor immune responses. Their research spans various therapeutic methods including cancer vaccine development and nucleic acid-based therapeutics targeting disease pathways. TAM Biosciences functions as a specialist division within the larger TAM Global network.

Role Overview

We are looking for a Research Associate to join our dynamic and fast-evolving team. This position involves engaging in diverse projects such as working with human ex vivo tumor tissues, advancing cancer vaccine strategies, and facilitating the transition of research protocols into process development for therapeutic manufacturing. The role requires adaptability, strong attention to detail, and the ability to thrive in a rapidly changing research and commercialization setting. The position is located in Watertown, MA with expected travel between 10-50%, including visits to other TAM Global facilities in Nashville, TN, Tijuana, Mexico, and Europe.

Key Responsibilities

• Optimize research protocols to improve their suitability for production workflows; this includes cell culture involving multiple cell lines, including reporter lines, and enhancing assays.
• Execute technology transfer of protocols analyzing therapeutic effects on patient-derived tumor tissues, involving skills like in vitro model development, tissue processing, microscopy, immunohistochemistry, and flow cytometry.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data using software such as Prism, Excel, and FlowJo; prepare reports and statistical analyses.
• Collaborate closely with team members through regular meetings and joint reviews of assays, experiment materials, and progress; generate presentations and documentation for internal use.
• Adhere to laboratory and facility safety protocols, maintain shared equipment, and correctly handle lab materials.
• Manage project timelines, monitor progress, identify causes for any delays, develop contingency plans, and oversee material budgets with managerial approvals.
• Conduct literature reviews to inform protocol and assay development, and contribute to scientific publications and patent filings where appropriate.
• Travel to various company sites to participate in tech transfer and optimization projects, managing travel plans alongside company and managerial support.

Required Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor's degree in biology or a related discipline.
• Between 1 to 3 years of pertinent laboratory or industry experience. Preferred experience includes cell culture, assay development and execution, immunology and cell biology techniques, and working with primary human tissues.
• Technical proficiency in cell culture, assays such as ELISA, flow cytometry, molecular biology methods, and data analysis of these experiments.
• Strong problem-solving aptitude, critical thinking, clear communication skills, teamwork, time management, and presentation abilities.

Additional Information

This role does not provide immigration sponsorship. The position requires onsite work in Watertown, MA, with significant travel (10-50%) to domestic and international locations.