Co-Op: Immunology and Pharmacology

Primary Cell Platform (PCP) Team

Immunology and Pharmacology Department at PIRC is seeking a highly motivated Co-op to join the Primary Cell Platform (PCP) Team. The Co-op will contribute to preclinical research investigating human tumor biology and immune function in a collaborative, fast-paced environment. This role provides hands-on experience with clinically relevant human samples and translational research that supports early-stage therapeutic discovery. The ideal candidate will have a background in immunology and/or cell biology and hands-on experience with cellular assays, tissue culture, or immunoassays. Success in this role requires strong attention to detail, the ability to follow complex protocols, effective collaboration across multidisciplinary teams, and consistent generation of high-quality experimental data. The position offers exposure to advanced tumor modeling and immunoprofiling approaches while contributing to impactful translational research.

Summary of Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct in vitro and ex vivo experiments investigating tumor-immune interactions using primary human models.
• Support the culture and maintenance of primary tumor tissues, including tumor slice assays, spheroids/organoids, and immune co-culture systems.
• Process tumor and blood specimens, including tissue dissociation, viability assessment, and assay preparation.
• Perform immunological assays, including:
• Flow cytometry, ELISA, MSD, and cytokine profiling.
• T-cell activation, proliferation, and cytotoxicity assays.
• Culture primary human immune cells (e.g., PBMCs, T cells, macrophages).
• Analyze and interpret experimental data and present findings to the team.
• Maintain detailed, timely, and compliant experimental records in an electronic lab notebook (ELN).
• Adhere to laboratory safety and quality standards.
• Support occasional after-hours processing of time-sensitive tumor samples.

Qualifications:

• Currently enrolled in a Bachelor's/Master's degree program in Immunology, Cell Biology, Biomedical Sciences, or a related life sciences field.
• Expected graduation date of Spring 2027 or later.
• Available to work full-time onsite for the full duration of the co-op.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous co-op or relevant laboratory experience.
• Hands-on experience with aseptic technique and primary human cell culture.
• Experience with tumor tissue handling, 3D culture systems, or ex vivo tumor models.
• Familiarity with flow cytometry, immunoassays, and related technologies.
• Experience using an electronic lab notebook for experimental documentation.
• Strong communication, time-management, and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate, adapt, and work effectively in a fast-paced translational research environment.

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.