Scientist - Myeloid Immunology (San Diego)

Scientist – Myeloid Immunology in Cancer

About us:

Trutino Biosciences is a research-driven biopharmaceutical company with a mission to restore immuno-balance in cancer patients by developing the next generation protein and vaccine therapies that can safely activate tumor-fighting immune cells at the disease site without causing adverse side effects. Trutino’s proprietary On-Demand-Cytokine (ODC) platform technology enables the design of therapeutic candidates that can be systemically delivered in an inactive form and be locally activated directly at the tumor site, thereby avoiding the extreme toxicity of conventional cytokine therapies, and potentially improving efficacy either as a single agent or in combination with other treatment modalities including cancer vaccines.

Position Overview:

We are seeking a talented Research Scientist with strong cancer immunology experience (bi-specific antibodies and/or other immunotherapies). This position will challenge you to apply your immune-oncology experience to develop innovative and new approaches in drug discovery. Strong hands-on experience in cellular and molecular techniques specifically related to myeloid and lymphoid immune cells, flow cytometry, animal models of cancer is essential. The ideal candidate should possess excellent problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative cross-functional team.

Key Responsibilities:

• Apply foundational immunology and oncology knowledge to support development of new therapeutic concepts.

• Contribute to preclinical programs from target selection through lead generation, optimization, candidate nomination, and IND submission.

• Develop, optimize and perform in vitro assays to identify and characterize biological leads.

• Plan and coordinate in vivo efficacy, PK and PD studies with local CRO. Prior knowledge of syngeneic and humanized models in immuno-oncology setting a plus. 

• Collaborate and communicate with internal and external cross-functional teams to design experiments and advance programs. 

• Represent the company at meetings and to potential collaborators.

Qualifications:

• A PhD in Immunology, Cell Biology or related areas and post-doctoral experience (3+ years) required.

• A minimum of 4 years’ experience in Immunology in either an academic, institutional or industrial setting. Immuno-oncology experience in drug discovery setting preferred.

• Expertise in innate and adaptive immunity with focus on cancer immunology.

• Strong hands-on experience with cytokine therapies, bi-specifics, and/or other immunotherapy modalities.

• Experienced with designing and analyzing cell-based assays (mouse and human) including flow cytometry, cytokine profiling, cell killing assays, phagocytosis, immune cell differentiation assays, ELISPOT, and more.

• Demonstrated productivity during graduate and/or post-doc training, with clear evidence of peer-reviewed publications in top tier journals.

• Ability to organize and communicate complex data sets in a clear and concise manner.

• Candidate should be hands-on, a strong team player with excellent oral and written communication skills and with a demonstrated ability to move projects forward and plan next steps with minimal supervision.

Preferred Experience and Skills:

• Ability to actively contribute scientifically to immunotherapy drug discovery research programs, including identification and validation of novel targets.

• Review scientific literature and stay abreast of discoveries in immunotherapy field.

• Ability to represent research team and communicate goals/deliverables to senior management

• Prior experience either working with or leading collaborations with external academic, biotechnology, and contract research organizations.

• Experience in mentoring and/or leading PhD level and non-PhD level scientists.

• Industry experience highly preferred.

Trutino Biosciences is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.