Research Scientist – T Cell Metabolism
September 18, 2018 - October 19, 2018
Poseida Therapeutics, Inc. is seeking an outstanding candidate to join our immuno-oncology team at La Jolla, San Diego, CA. The T Cell Metabolism Scientist will design and perform experiments optimizing the manufacture of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapies of the T stem cell memory subset (TSCM), which are an ideal cell population for adoptive immunotherapy since they are long-lived, self-renewing and multi-potent. The hypothetical attributes of a CAR-T product with a high percentage of TSCM include enhanced durability, as well as potency against solid tumors. Investigation will focus on immunometabolism for understanding and optimizing the non-viral piggyBac™ CAR-Tscm manufacturing process via the use of in vitro human cell-based assays assessing T cell proliferation, phenotype and function. The position will play a critical role in the evaluation and identification of manufacturing strategies for enhancing metabolic fitness and bioenergetic profile of CAR-T products. The successful candidate will demonstrate excellent oral and written communication skills, work well both independently and as part of a team, and be able to work on multiple projects/product candidates simultaneously. Broad expertise in cellular metabolism, key regulatory pathways, T cell culture, and flow cytometry is required for this role. The position is a hands-on, laboratory-based role with the possibility of direct reports.
Poseida Therapeutics is translating best-in-class gene engineering technologies into lifesaving cell therapies. The company is developing CAR T-cell immunotherapies for multiple myeloma, prostate and other cancer types, as well as gene therapies for orphan diseases. P-BCMA-101 is Poseida’s lead CAR-T therapy currently in Phase 1 clinical development for the treatment of multiple myeloma. Poseida has assembled a suite of industry-leading gene engineering technologies, including the piggyBac™ DNA Modification System, TAL-CLOVER™ and Cas-CLOVER™ site-specific nucleases, and Footprint-Free™ Gene Editing (FFGE). For more information, visit www.poseida.com.
Qualifications
Required Experience and Skills:
- PhD or equivalent in cell biology, immunology, or related field
- Expertise in metabolic pathways supporting T cell proliferation and differentiation (glycolysis, fatty acid, mitochondrial metabolism, etc.)
- A detailed knowledge of lipid metabolism and salvage pathways used in nutrient-limiting, solid tumor microenvironments
- Understanding of key T cell regulatory and differentiation pathways (PI3K-Akt-mTOR pathway in differentiation and memory formation, etc.)
- Experience in the characterization, culture, expansion, and manipulation of T cells
- Assessment of mitochondrial mass, activity, and spare respiratory capacity (Seahorse XF, etc.)
- Knowledge of cellular and/or tumor immunology principles, technologies, and experimental techniques (cell culture, in vitro cellular assays, flow cytometry, etc.)
- Multi-parameter flow cytometry and proficiency in FACS data analysis programs
- Experience designing, executing, and interpreting genomics and transcriptome assays (NGS, RNA-Seq, Single Cell RNA-Seq, AmpliSeq, etc.)
- Cell separation technologies (e.g., Miltenyi AutoMACS) and FACS sorting
- Ability to organize, communicate, and present complex data sets to key stakeholders from diverse backgrounds
- Excellent oral and communication skills
Preferred Experience and Skills:
- Understanding of epigenetic control of T cell differentiation
- Experience developing, testing, and/or utilizing CAR-T products
- Functional assays measuring cellular activation, cytokine release, proliferation, and killing
- Work with external academic, biotechnology, and contract research organizations