Cancer Cell Scientist - Immunotherapy (PhD)

Minerva Biotechnologies is currently in clinical trials for treatment of breast cancer with a CAR T (Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cell) therapy against the growth factor receptor form of MUC1, called MUC1*. Over 95% of breast cancers are MUC1*-positive. This CAR T therapy directs a cancer patient’s own immune cells to attack the MUC1* positive tumor. We are working with one of the world’s leading cancer research centers for our clinical trial in metastatic breast cancer. In addition to our lead therapy, we are also developing next generation CARs targeted at other solid tumors, CARs that increase persistence and monoclonal antibody approaches.

Job Description

We are looking for a Ph.D. level scientist who wants to make a difference in bringing immunotherapy to the world. Minerva started with a simple hypothesis – cancer cells and stem cells grow by the same mechanism. We then identified a novel growth factor receptor that drives the growth of over 75% of all cancers. You will be on the forefront of cancer immunotherapy: unlike the others, our target is for solid tumors, not for blood cancers. We’re a small company, so we don’t have set job descriptions – we do whatever needs to be done to push the programs forward. As a Ph.D. level scientist, you will likely:

• Be involved in the planning and execution of all aspects of preclinical development work for our immunotherapy programs (this could be anything from IHC, antibody selection, vector production, transducing and growing T cells, IND-enabling in vitro and in vivo work, scale up, running assays such as flow, potency, PCR, other functional assays)
• Execute detailed laboratory protocols using advanced cell biology techniques
• Work with our scientific partners on preclinical development and/or T cell manufacturing
• Collaborate on the development of experimental plans
• Contribute to journal articles, regulatory documents, tech transfer documents, presentations, and posters
• Deliver reports on experimental outcomes

You will work as part of a fast-paced, collaborative science team. Ability to communicate is key – there are no islands here, work and data are talked about continuously and company-wide.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in a Immunology, Cancer Biology, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology or related fields with quality publications
• 4-7 years of laboratory experience preferably in immuno-cellular therapy in an academic setting, or 1-5 years of hands on experience in an industry setting
• Experience with flow cytometry strongly preferred
• Experience with in vivo work strongly preferred
• Proficient in ELISAs, western blotting, PCR, IHC, or other assays
• Lentiviral vector production and molecular cloning is a plus
• Ability to work as a team member
• Ability to take direction as well as being able to work independently
• Strong attention to detail
• Good work ethic is a must

A competitive salary and stock option package is available for the right applicant. We’re a small company – there’s 20 of us, and we’re scrappy and we’re used to doing more with less. You’ll get more stock options and you have a lot more upside here than you’ll have at other places. This is not a management or a desk position! If you’re ready to be in the lab, doing experiments, and making a real impact on the treatment of cancer, then this position is right for you.

We’re located on Bear Hill Road, right off of Rt. 128 in Waltham, MA. If this sounds like something you’d be interested in – send a brief cover letter and CV to jobs@minervabio.com