Research Associate/Senior Research Associate, Analytical Development

We are a dedicated group of scientists, physicians, and businesspeople working together toward one goal: to discover and develop therapies that can unleash the power of the body’s immune system to treat and potentially cure cancer. We are passionate about the work we do every day at Agenus to deliver on the promise of immuno-oncology. If you’re looking for an inspired environment, passionate colleagues, and a culture that nurtures learning, innovation and team success, we invite you to join us.

Agenus is an immuno-oncology company designed to deliver curative cancer therapies for patients through innovation, speed, and quality. We have a unique portfolio of antibodies, fusion proteins, vaccine adjuvants (SaponiQx) and cell therapies (MiNK Therapeutics) designed to treat cancers using optimal combinations.In addition to our diverse portfolio, we have an accomplished team of scientists and engineers, novel technology platforms and end-to-end capabilities from new target discovery to GMP manufacturing capabilities.We believe that combination therapies based on a deep understanding of each patient’s cancer biology is key to successfully treating cancer and substantially expanding the patient population benefiting from immuno-oncology therapies.At Agenus, we believe we have assembled the critical capabilities to bring curative cancer treatments to patients.

Who are we looking for?

• A candidate who loves working on multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
• An innovative and enthusiastic Sr. Research Associate to join our Analytical Development team.
• A candidate who is excited to contribute to novel and impactful therapeutic approaches and translate scientific discoveries into cancer therapies.

What are we looking for?

• Working together : A colleague to thrive in collaboration with our global teammates
• Leading the way : Creative and learning-agile, willing to challenge the status quo
• Ownership : A partner to jointly own our company’s goals, execution, and success

What are we offering?

• Membership within a growing, dynamic, and collegial organization
• Career support and leadership opportunities
• A team with broad experience and passion for science
• Exposure to pioneering science and the full scope of the drug development process
• A unique opportunity to help develop the platforms and strategy of a burgeoning company
• A dynamic, fun, and learning culture
• A Manager with broad experience, passionate about the science, with an extensive research and development portfolio
• Innovative thinking: speed of adopting new technologies, clear prioritization, using analytics to accelerate agile development

Summary

We are seeking a Sr. Research Associate to join our team to contribute to the development of new analytical methodologies and optimize existing methods; to establish robust assays that can be used to characterize different novel therapeutic drugs (monoclonal antibodies, bispecific antibodies, fusion proteins, etc.) from early-stage clinical development through late-stage/commercialization and product lifecycle management. In this role, you will be responsible for timely development of analytical methods supporting process development and qualification of methods for Quality Control for release and stability testing in compliance with Agenus Quality Systems.

In addition, you will be supporting IND enabling biochemical and biophysical characterization to understand the structure and function of our molecules and the processes we use to purify them. You will be asked to ensure the appropriate and timely progression of methods development for preclinical development and early-phase clinical product cGMP manufacture.

Responsibilities

Required:

• Author and summarize test data in accurate, technical reports.
• Analytical methods may include, but not limited to: SE-HPLC, CEX-HPLC, HILIC-HPLC, reduced and nonreduced CE-SDS, cIEF, concentration by A280, ELISA, and cell-based bioassays
• Perform data analysis and troubleshooting of analytical methods as needed.
• Write technical development reports and give oral presentations of data at departmental or interdepartmental meetings
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills
• Teamwork and communication are key attributes needed for this position, as this role will be part of a small team. A collaborative attitude and a positive work ethic are key traits for success.
• Write, review, and edit SOPs and Test Methods for new procedures and assays; review, edit and revise existing SOPs to reflect changes in procedures.
• Support product testing for upstream and downstream process development and cell engineering teams
• Maintain lab compliance by performing routine housekeeping, including support of analytical instrument maintenance, ordering and stocking of lab supplies, maintaining of reagents, sample management, and compliance to safety regulations
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint software is required.
• Perform routine and novel testing to support biological therapeutic products from early-stage development through late-stage/commercialization and their lifecycle management.
• Excellent observation and attention to detail and accuracy for record keeping and documentation
• Ability to work independently, and as part of a team

Preferred

• Experience in analytical method troubleshooting, optimization, and validation.
• Ability to provide scientific input and demonstrate critical thinking for experimental design and execution.
• Experience troubleshooting and developing analytical methods.

Qualifications And Education Requirements

Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in a Scientific field (e.g., Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology or similar field) with 2+ years of relevant experience in a biologic product development or QC environment.

The targeted salary range for this position is $93,537 - $108,451 per year. Agenus is making a good faith effort to be transparent and accurate around our hiring ranges. The salary offered is commensurate with Agenus’s compensation philosophy and considers factors including, but not limited to, education, training, experience, external market conditions, critical needs of the role, and internal equity.

Agenus is Delighted to Provide you With a Comprehensive Benefits Plan, Including Some of the Following:

• Education Assistance Program
• Employee Stock Purchase Plans
• 401k match and Financial Planning tools
• Catered Lunch
• Free Parking
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending Accounts for medical expenses and dependent care expenses
• Flexible Vacation Plan-In a time when we move at the speed of light, what matters most is what we achieve, not how many hours we clock or accrue. We want people to take breaks when they need them most and own their time. Our philosophy at Agenus is that freedom to take this time will lead to clarity, creativity and innovation through rested and refreshed eyes. With our Flexible Vacation Plan, Agenus will not limit the amount of vacation you can take. It will allow you to take the vacation time as you need, while fulfilling your job responsibilities and making meaningful contributions to our mission
• Care.com Memberships
• Highly competitive and inclusive medical, dental and vision coverage options

Our core values

The way we work sets Agenus apart.

We put the patient first

We aspire to change the world, improving the experience and options available for every single cancer patient. The answers are out there, and patients are waiting.

We are bold, and we are one

We believe that the only way to deliver on our goals is to aim high and work as one global team. We look for opportunities to challenge, collaborate with, and support one another. We aim to break conventional standards and perform at extraordinary levels.

We work with integrity, respect and honesty

These three building blocks serve as pillars for how we behave, operate, and execute our mission.

We are a culture of ownership and accountability

We hold ourselves accountable not only for exceptional results, but how we get our results.

We are obsessively curious and deeply committed to learning

We live in a fast-paced environment that requires us to learn at or above the speed of change. We believe that curiosity fuels the desire to create, and learning provides the tools to progress.

We perform at our best every day

Every day counts. We confront insurmountable obstacles, problems and choices with intellect, perseverance and hard work.