Associate Scientist / Scientist, Immunology & Pharmacology

Job Description

Associate Scientist / Scientist, Immunology & Pharmacology
Six-month contract with potential extension or conversion to a full-time position
PharmaEssentia Innovation Research Center (PIRC)
Bedford MA

The Opportunity
PharmaEssentia Innovation Research Center (PIRC) is expanding its drug discovery organization and is seeking a highly motivated Associate Scientist or Scientist to join the Primary Cell Platform Group within the Immunology & Pharmacology Department. The successful candidate will bring hands-on expertise in immunology, immuno-oncology, and translational pharmacology.
This laboratory-based role will design, develop, and execute in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo pharmacology studies that generate decision-enabling data for early-stage therapeutic programs. The final title will be determined based on the candidate's experience and qualifications.

About PharmaEssentia & PIRC
PharmaEssentia Corporation is a global biopharmaceutical company founded in 2003 that develops innovative biologic therapeutics in hematology, oncology, and immunology. With a commercial-stage product and an expanding pipeline, PharmaEssentia combines scientific rigor with innovative technologies to address diseases with significant unmet medical need.
Established in 2023, PIRC advances next-generation therapeutics through translational science, protein engineering, and novel therapeutic modalities. Its teams apply deep expertise in oncology and immunology to identify and develop transformative therapeutic opportunities. Key Responsibilities

Pharmacology & Assay Development
•   Design, develop, optimize, and execute in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo pharmacology studies to characterize target biology and evaluate therapeutic candidates.
•   Develop functional immunology assays using human and murine primary immune cells and established cell lines.
•   Generate high-quality, reproducible datasets and maintain complete, accurate experimental records to support discovery-stage decisions and program progression.
•   Apply mechanistic knowledge of immunology, immuno-oncology, and disease biology to interpret results, troubleshoot assays, and recommend next steps.

Cross-Functional Collaboration
•   Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across biologics discovery, translational science, bioinformatics/data science, and related functions to advance program objectives.
•   Coordinate effectively with external CRO partners and communicate analyses, interpretations, project updates, risks, and proposed solutions in a timely manner.

Scientific Communication
•   Present clear, data-driven findings, conclusions, and recommendations to internal and external stakeholders.
•   Contribute to study plans, protocols, reports, presentations, and other scientific documentation. Qualifications

Education & Experience

• B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in Immunology, Pharmacology, Oncology, Cell Biology, or a related discipline. Title will be aligned as per experience and seniority.
• Hands-on experience supporting immunology and/or oncology drug discovery programs.
• At least 2 years of relevant research experience in academia and/or industry; an equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
• Experiences in the drug discovery field for homological malignancy , such as MDS, MPN, AML, Lymphoma and Leukemia are preferred, but not essential.

Technical Expertise
•   Hands-on experience with human primary immune cell assays and translational pharmacology workflows.
•   Proficiency in multicolor flow cytometry (including FACS), ELISA, Meso Scale Discovery (MSD), and related immunological assay platforms.
•   Demonstrated ability to design, conduct, and analyze in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo experiments that assess target biology, mechanism of action, and therapeutic activity.
•   Experience developing functional assays using human and murine primary immune cells and established cell lines.

Core Competencies
•   Strong hands-on laboratory, analytical, experimental-design, and troubleshooting skills.
•   Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced research environment.
•   Clear written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
•   Strong attention to detail and consistent adherence to approved procedures and protocols.
•   Intellectual curiosity, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous learning and development. Why Join PIRC

• Opportunity to directly influence early-stage therapeutic innovation and pipeline strategy.
• Collaborative and science-driven research culture.

Equal Employment Opportunity
At PharmaEssentia Innovation Research Center (PIRC), we are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.
PIRC does not accept unsolicited resumes from staffing agencies. Any unsolicited resumes submitted to PIRC employees or HR will become the property of PIRC without obligation or fee.

 

At PharmaEssentia, our goal is to treat as many people with cancer as possible. That means challenging the status quo with better science that leads to better lives. By joining our team, you will not only expand your own possibilities, but you will contribute to expanding options for people with cancer.