Research Associate (Development/Research/TechOps)
Who is BlueRock?
BlueRock Therapeutics, a wholly-owned and independently operated subsidiary of Bayer AG, is a leading engineered cell therapy company using its unique cell+gene platform to direct cellular differentiation and genetically engineer cells to create a new generation of cellular medicines that address large patient populations suffering from neurological, cardiovascular, and immunology diseases.
The convergence of cell biology and genetic engineering is creating fundamental new ways to impact disease. Founded in 2016 to capitalize on these technological breakthroughs, we are advancing our novel cell+gene platform to develop, manufacture, and deliver an entirely new generation of authentic and engineered cell therapies across three therapeutic areas: neurology, cardiology, and immunology.
What Are We Doing?
Our foundational science harnesses the ability to create and then direct the differentiation of universal pluripotent stem cells into authentic, functional cells that can be used as allogeneic cellular therapies to treat a broad array of diseases. We can also further engineer these cells, enabling them to produce enzymes, antibodies, and other proteins for additional therapeutic benefit.
We are passionate about delivering on the promise of cellular and gene therapy, shaping the future of cellular medicine, and delivering new therapies to millions of patients with treatment options.
We are seeking individuals who are collaborative, thrive in a fun and dynamic culture, and are steadfast in the commitment to advance cutting-edge cellular therapies to impact patients’ lives.
BlueRock Therapeutics is seeking Research Associates, in Cambridge, MA and Toronto, ON. The successful candidate will support the development of cell therapy products and manufacturing processes at BlueRock by executing molecular, biochemical, or cell-based assays, and will sit on either the Development, Research, or TechOps team. This role will be responsible for collaborating with various functional groups including research teams, process development, and quality control to fulfill analytical testing requests, including the coordination of sample intake, testing, data analysis and reporting. The ideal candidate will be a highly motivated, self-starting individual who leads from the bench, enjoys collaboration and is seeking valuable career experience.
Responsibilities
- Perform real-time QPCR, ddPCR and other molecular analysis of cell therapy products.
- Execute plate reader assays (ex. HTRF, ELISA, biochemical assays).
- Perform DNA/RNA-based, cell-based, flow cytometric, immunofluorescence and other analytical assays as required.
- Perform additional duties to support the safe and efficient operation of the laboratory, and other duties as assigned.
- Interact with other functional areas to complete characterization of differentiated cell lines.
- Be responsible for data generation, collection, interpretation, and communication of results.
- Daily maintenance of vivarium and laboratory, potentially including animal cohort management, health care and assistance to surgery.
- Collaborate with internal or external R&D, manufacturing, assay development, regulatory and QC teams for technology or method transfer.
- Analyze and document experimental data in electronic laboratory notebooks in a timely and accurate manner in accordance with the company quality management system.
- Author and review SOPs, study protocols, reports and other scientific and quality documents.
- Recognize and address opportunities for standardization, efficiency, and innovation.
- Present scientific data to colleagues in group meetings, prepare and present internal and external presentations (presentations, posters, publications) as required.
- Collaborate with other team members as needed to advance our programs.
- This position requires hands-on laboratory work.
Minimum Requirements
- Degree in Biological Sciences (Immunology, Biology, Physiology) or related discipline is required.
- Demonstrated expertise with standard molecular testing procedures, equipment and software including, but not limited to, DNA/RNA analysis (extraction, quantitation), QPCR, and ddPCR.
- Hands on experience with cell imaging and image-based functional assays.
- Solid practical understanding of aseptic techniques and technologies in cell culture is required.
- Familiarity with HPLC analysis of small molecules and nucleic acids is an asset.
- Experience with coding (e.g. Python or R studio) for data analysis and visualization is a plus.
- Cooperating with a larger team, must be able to solve a wide range of complex problems in creative and practical ways.
- A proven ability to be highly productive and successful in a high pace work environment with excellent attention to details and meticulous bench work.
Equal Opportunity Workplace: At BlueRock, we welcome and support differences and diversity and we are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. Please let us know if you require disability-related accommodation or other grounds protected by human rights legislation during the recruitment process so that we can work with you to meet your needs.