Scientist I, Protein Engineering And Molecular Sciences

Description
Company Overview
Repertoire Immune Medicines is a preclinical-stage biotechnology company working to unlock and direct the remarkable power of the human immune system to prevent or treat cancer, as well as autoimmune and infectious disease. The company is founded on the belief that the repertoire of T cell receptor (TCR)-antigen codes that drive health and disease represents one of the greatest opportunities for innovation in medical science. Repertoire scientists created and developed the DECODE suite of technologies, which allow in-depth characterization of TCR-antigen pairs, and the ability to rationally design and develop novel targeted immune medicines.
From its sites in Cambridge, Mass., and Zurich, Switzerland, Repertoire’s team of more than 80 is creating a new category of immune medicines enabled from its DECODE discovery platform. Repertoire is currently using its proprietary platform to discover novel epitopes and TCRs from patients with autoimmune diseases such as type 1 diabetes and multiple sclerosis as well as to enable development of immune oncology-based therapeutics to treat solid tumors.
Role Overview
We are seeking a highly motivated Scientist I to work in the Protein Engineering and Molecular Sciences team to support the discovery and development of protein therapeutics. The candidate will play an integral role in discovering novel therapeutics through yeast display-based protein engineering. They will use our established yeast display platform to affinity mature lead drug candidates or other related protein engineering tasks. This includes providing input on DNA diversification strategies, constructing yeast displayed libraries, developing and implementing selection strategies to achieve program affinity/specificity goals, and analyzing next-generation sequencing data to pick clones for progression. This position will be primarily lab focused and will include use of all techniques associated with yeast display, including culture and induction of yeast, transformation of yeast with DNA-based libraries, phenotypic selection using fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) or magnetic activated cell sorting (MACS), and DNA preparation for NGS. The ideal candidate will be proficient with standard molecular biology techniques, such as PCR, primer design, and DNA preparation for sequencing, as well as have conceptual knowledge of protein display technologies. They will also be responsible for experimental design, implementation, data analysis, and presenting data to their supervisor and to the team in an effective and timely manner. Drive to execute, experimental rigor, and scientific curiosity are essential for this role, as well as strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills and the ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams.
Key Responsibilities

• Use recombinant protein display systems (e.g., yeast display, mammalian display, or phage display) for various protein engineering applications.
• Apply molecular biology techniques (e.g., DNA isolation and purification from yeast and/or E. coli, PCR, DNA transformation of yeast and/or E. coli) to design and construct DNA libraries.
• Independently design and execute experimental projects under the supervision of direct manager and scientific project leads.
• Use FACS and MACS to enrich libraries of displayed molecules for phenotypes of interest.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data both upstream and downstream of protein engineering efforts.
• Maintain and implement good laboratory practices including accurate laboratory notebook (ELN) documentation, instrument and reagent validation, and adherence to lab safety policies.
• Report data at and generally contribute meaningfully at team meetings or company meetings.
• Process and understand NGS data for hit picking.
• Use flow cytometry for sample analysis.

Qualifications/Experience

• B. S with 6 years of industry experience would also be considered.
• Desire and ability to quickly learn new lab techniques and understand the significance to program goals.
• Experience with Python/R programming languages are a plus.
• Experience with protein display technologies required (e.g., yeast display, mammalian display, or phage display).
• Demonstrated understanding of common molecular biology techniques is required (e.g., PCR, primer design, DNA purification, DNA library construction, maintenance and culture of yeast and E. Coli).
• Experience with next generation sequencing and data analysis preferred.
• Strong written and oral communication skills are required.
• M.S with 4 years of industry experience would also be considered.
• PhD in Biochemistry, Biology, Bioengineering, Immunology, or a similar discipline.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Word required and experience with FlowJo and SnapGene preferred.
• Ability to independently identify, troubleshoot, and solve critical issues related to experimental protocols.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and data analysis skills are required.
• Knowledge of oncology or immunology is beneficial.
• Motivated by driving the generation of experimental data at the bench.

Repertoire is committed towards social responsibility and developing an inclusive culture. Much as the power of the immune system lies in the diversity of T and B cells, our work requires the creativity and ingenuity of a diverse workforce. We believe in actively pursuing equity in all facets of the work experience at Repertoire. We will continue to educate ourselves about the inequities and barriers present in our society and take action as a company where we can make a difference.
Repertoire is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.