Research Associate/Senior Research Associate, Cell Culture Development

Company Background

Catamaran Bio is developing novel, off-the-shelf CAR-NK cell therapies designed to treat a broad range of cancers, including solid tumors. Our proprietary capabilities enable us to harness the natural cancer-fighting properties of NK cells and enhance and tailor their effectiveness with the power of synthetic biology and innovative non-viral cell engineering. We are using our TAILWIND™ Platform, an integrated suite of technologies, to specifically address the end-to-end methods of engineering, processing and manufacturing NK cells and rapidly advance our pipeline of CAR-NK cell therapy programs.

Job Summary

Catamaran Bio is seeking a talented, diligent, and collaborative cell culture Research Associate/Senior Research Associate to contribute to cell process and assay development for the advancement of our best-in-class Immune Cell Therapies for Oncology and other diseases. The successful candidate will be responsible for cell culture, engineering and expansion of clinical candidates, in addition to developing and operating cell-based assays for characterization of cell therapy drug products. The position will also participate and/or lead in the technology transfer to external manufacturing sites in support of clinical trials of Catamaran programs.

The ideal candidate is a self-motivated and technically competent researcher with hands-on experience in cell culture and flow cytometry or other cell-based assays, who is excited to join a small, fast-paced team with a “can-do” attitude to advance our new cell therapy platform. This position reports to Principal Scientist, Cell Process Development and has ample opportunity to learn a variety of process and analytical techniques and instrumentation.

Job Responsibilities 

• Perform in-depth analyses of cell biology and functions using a variety of cell-based assays including flow cytometry.
• Present results to scientific team and management.
• Master process development activities, including cell culture, cell engineering and gene editing; cell expansion; and cryopreservation.
• Actively contribute to building a positive, team-oriented biotech culture.
• Analyze and interpret complex datasets; meticulously maintain records, generate reports, records, and documents for IP and regulatory filings.
• Plan and execute experiments, independently and collaboratively in cross-functional teams, to drive bioprocess development for immune cell therapies.

Education, Experience and Qualifications 

• Excellent understanding and technical skills with demonstrated hands-on experiences (academia or cell therapy) in one or more of the following: cell culture, flow cytometry, cell-based assays (e.g., immune cell assays, cytotoxicity), bioprocess development.
• Motivated, team-oriented and excited by solving challenging scientific problems; demonstrated ability to think in depth and research potential solutions
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, capable of conveying complex biological data to non-experts
• Attention to detail and demonstrated ability in multi-tasking and thriving in teams with diverse technical expertise.
• Title and compensation are flexible with regard to level of education and prior experience (Research Associate: BS, 0-2 years relevant experience; Senior Research Associate: BS with 2-3 years or MS with 0-2 years relevant experience). Academia or commercial experience are both considered. Focus on immunology, biology, pharmaceutical sciences, bioengineering, chemical engineering, or equivalent/related disciplines are highly preferred
• Experience in gene editing techniques, and/or small- to mid-scale suspension bioreactor processes, is highly preferred.

For questions, please contact us at [email protected].

Catamaran Bio is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status.