Company Overview

This is an exciting opportunity to join a fully funded, venture-backed startup developing a pioneering approach to pharmaceutical target identification, with a focus on structurally distinct epitopes in cancer. Our core technology leverages advanced 3D culture organoid models to map and identify unique protein conformers in tumor environments, discovering novel disease targets and pioneering first-in-class therapeutics for oncology. As part of our continuing expansion, we seek a highly motivated and expert cell biologist to independently lead and advance our capabilities in solid tumor modeling for drug discovery applications.

Scientists at Immuto Scientific make an impact on day one. We are a fast-paced, entrepreneurial organization, and as an early employee, you will collaborate with other top scientists to solve real-world problems to advance drug discovery. You will have the opportunity to shape the future direction of the organization and the potential to manage a team of scientists as the business grows.

Job Overview:

The Principal Scientist, Cell Biologist will be responsible for leading the development and application of complex 3D culture organoid models to facilitate pharmaceutical target identification in cancer. This role will require hands-on expertise in in vitro disease modeling, organoid development, cancer biology, and tissue culture. The candidate will operate with considerable independence and drive scientific innovation in support of our target ID platform. This individual will be integral to project strategy and serve as a primary technical expert in interactions with current and potential partners.

Position Highlights

• Opportunity to lead and innovate in a pioneering field of cancer drug discovery.
• Competitive compensation and benefits package.
• Collaborative, mission-driven work environment focused on breakthrough discoveries.
  

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize 3D organoid culture systems to model various tumor types and establish protocols for cancer target identification applications.
• Design and execute experimental workflows to support structural target discovery, characterization, and validation efforts.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate organoid-based findings with Immuto’s target identification platform.
• Represent Immuto’s cell biology expertise in meetings with external collaborators and pharmaceutical partners, addressing technical questions and project status updates.
• Generate high-quality documentation and present findings to senior leadership, partner teams, and scientific stakeholders.
• Contribute to strategic planning and decision-making regarding organoid model development and applications within Immuto’s platform.
  

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Cell Biology, Cancer Biology, Developmental Biology, Tissue Engineering, or a related field, with established expertise in the use of organoid culture or 3D cell culture systems.
• 3 - 5 years (Senior Scientist) or 6+ years (Principal Scientist) of post-doctoral and/or industry experience in cancer biology and 3D culture models, including direct experience creating and working with tumor organoids.
• Strong experimental skills in mammalian cell culture, organoid model development, and experience with matrix-based and scaffold-free culture systems.
• Excellent scientific communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to present complex data to multidisciplinary teams and partners.
• Proven track record of working independently and leading scientific projects from concept through execution and analysis.
• Ability to work independently with little to no support or guidance
• Excellent time management skills
• Excellent communication skills and ability to speak, present and write clearly and accurately
• Willingness to manage the day-to-day operation of tissue culture lab, including identifying and ordering necessary equipment and consumables
• Ability to work closely and cohesively in a team environment
• Willingness to travel to conferences
  

Desired Skills and Experience

• Experience in the pharmaceutical or biotech industry, particularly in cancer biology, tumor microenvironment, or drug discovery.
• Experience with early drug discovery workflows – target discovery, target characterization, target validation, hit generation
• Familiarity with protein labeling techniques, proteomics, and/or mass spectrometry is highly advantageous.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams and engage in technical discussions with non-experts.
• Expertise in antibody discovery techniques, such as phage display, bio-layer interferometry (BLI), and recombinant antibody expression
• Experience with automated liquid handler and/or laboratory robotics
• Basic understanding of protein mass spectrometry (LC-MS)
• Experience and/or familiarity with in-silico protein structural analysis and visualization
• Familiarity with scripting/coding in R, Python, or other science-related coding languages

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