Research Assistant / Lab Manager

Position Overview:

Lupagen is a cell & gene therapy device delivery company in the process of transforming how we treat patients with serious diseases in a safer, more efficacious manner by enabling gene modification of peripheral blood mononuclear cells at the bedside. We are looking for a Molecular Biology Research Assistant & Lab Manager to work at our Northbrook, IL R&D site that will report to our Chief Scientific Officer and will have responsibility for (1) execution of gene therapy candidate in vitro testing studies to support our engineering development team and (2) management and oversight of laboratory facilities, equipment, and inventory. The qualified candidate will demonstrate the ability to organize and coordinate all activities requiring laboratory equipment and materials.

The individual will contribute in design and execution of proof of concept and validation assays, support projects from early development. The candidate will participate in regular team meetings and present results, interpret data, and formulate conclusions. The ideal candidate will be a high energy, organized, collaborative individual possessing strong analytical and communication skills with a degree in Biology, Immunology, or a related field, and with at least 2 years of industry experience coordinating and/or managing a scientific wet lab.

The position is based at our North Chicago location.

Responsibilities:

· Manage laboratory activities, including (but not limited to): maintain lab and chemical inventory, including routine on-site reconciliation of materials, ordering, receiving and stocking inventory

· Manage training for lab personnel, and ensure general good lab practices are followed

· Receive, manage, transport all material (including biologics) into and out of the laboratory according to standard operating procedures and applicable standards

· Maintain functionality of all equipment, including regular service, calibration, cleaning, repair, and training

· Maintain all standard operating procedures and work instructions to ensure efficient and standardized workflow, updating and creating new procedures as needed to ensure standardized and efficient protocols are followed, including training logs

· Ensure adherence to Environmental, Health, and Safety guidelines within the laboratory and engineering work spaces.

· Manage scientific planning, including coordinating schedules to ensure necessary resources are available

· Support scientists and engineers in project work as needed to ensure milestones delivered with targets achieved

· Respond and support from time to time the Biology and Engineering teams in defining requirements, specifications, and procedures for Lupagen Delivery platforms

· Lead team in ensuring execution of excellent laboratory approach, adherence to protocol, and meticulous lab documentation in close collaboration with Project Management

· Maintain and optimize processes within the lab to increase efficiency and effectiveness, including as regards lab consumables and the scheduling of experiments and associated equipment.

· Coordinate annual lab permits and license renewals.

· Perform basic and specific laboratory tasks (e.g. cell culture, electroporation, analytical assays with an emphasis on flow cytometry, ELISA, functional and viability cell-based assays

· Demonstrate understanding and application of relevant scientific literature to the design of experimental protocols

· Participate in discussions on optimizing protocols, tools, programs and/or new methods for project advancement and make the approved changes

· Make observations, evaluate data, interpret results and document in a well-maintained laboratory notebook

· Present results of experiments and findings in multidisciplinary team meetings

Requirements:

· B.Sc. or M.Sc. degree in molecular and cellular biology, Biotechnology, or Biomedical Engineering or related scientific field

· At least 2 years managing a scientific wet lab space

· At least 2 years of industry lab experience with a biotech, diagnostic, equipment, pharmaceutical company

· Experience in standard processing techniques including multi-parameter flow cytometry, immunological assays, and cell culture, cell-based assays, qPCR and ELISA

· Regular on-site presence to review how the lab is functioning, its organization and inventory reconciliation

· Familiarity and experience working in a regulated environment and building products according to Industry Standards

· Strong organizational, analytical, problem-solving, root-cause-analysis, and troubleshooting skills

· Small startup company environment will require significant independence and responsibility pushing the limits of prior experience.

· Must enjoy coming to work and having fun while creating therapies that improve the lives of patients

Preferred Qualifications:

· Basic knowledge of fundamental immunology and prior experience with CAR-T or NK cells is preferred.

· Working knowledge of molecular biology and gene editing (e.g. CRISPR/Cas9) a plus.

· Co-Authorship of peer-reviewed publications, patents and presentations are considered a plus.

Location Chicago metro area

Pay: $25.00 - $40.00 per hour depending on work experience

Types: Part-time, Contract, Temporary

Schedule: Monday to Friday (estimated 20-30 hours/week)