Description
CARGO Therapeutics is a pioneering clinical stage biotechnology company dedicated to revolutionizing cell therapy. At CARGO, we recognize the crucial impact of immune cell biology on the efficacy and performance of our CAR T cells in patients. Building on CARGO’s preclinical and clinical experience, the Discovery Research team at CARGO aims to evaluate and implement cutting edge technologies to deliver optimally functional T cells to a larger number of patients.
CARGO is seeking a highly motivated Scientist to join a growing Discovery Research team to explore T cell biology and investigate innovative strategies that enhance cellular fitness and function in CAR T cells. The candidate scientist will be responsible for experimental design and execution of studies aimed at the evaluation of technologies that preserve both T cell activity as well as durable persistence during expansion ex vivo and in patients. The candidate will also be challenged with innovating molecular engineering solutions to regulate gene expression via multiple modalities into a highly efficacious and scalable cell product (strategies including but not limited to: short hairpin RNAs, epigenetic regulation, protein engineering of novel transgenes, etc.). In addition, the candidate will interface cross-functionally with Process Sciences, Manufacturing, and Business Development to advance both internal and external research collaborations. This position will suit curiously minded individuals interested in developing novel technologies and seeking to work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. This individual will ideally have experience in cell engineering of primary immune cells, multicolor flow cytometry, and gene editing technologies.
The role is based in San Carlos, CA.
What You’ll Do At Cargo Therapeutics
- Discover and evaluate internal and external technologies that enhance CAR T function and persistence
- Design and screen both viral and non-viral based T cell edits that modulate gene expression in T cells and enhance CAR T function and persistence
- Assess these editing approaches with responsibilities including primary T cell transduction and/or electroporation, cell expansion, validation of target expression, and downstream functional characterization
- Execute robust in vitro models that assess persistence of CAR T cells
- Support Next-Gen Manufacturing group in development of enhanced processes to enable IND nomination of lead programs
- Document detailed experimental protocols and results in Electronic Lab Notebook (ELN)
- Present research findings regularly at internal and cross-functional meetings
- Collaborate with team members, mentor junior scientists, and assist other research projects as needed
- Keep abreast with relevant scientific literature and competitive landscape
THE RIGHT STUFF: Required Experience & Qualifications
- PhD in synthetic biology, genetics, immunology, or related field with 0-2+ years of experience, or BS or MS with 4-6+ years of relevant work experience (cell therapy work experience preferred)
- Scientific expertise with immunology, cell therapy, genome engineering and/or cancer biology, with an emphasis on T cell biology including genetic drivers of T cell function is preferred
- Proficiency with handling, isolation and engineering of primary human lymphocytes and transformed cell lines including transfection, lentiviral transduction, or gene editing is essential
- Experience with in vitro characterization including but not limited to multicolor flow cytometry, continuous (IncuCyte) killing assays, cytokine assays, NGS sequencing and mixed lymphocyte reactions is preferred
- Experience with genome engineering platforms (e.g. CRISPR, TALENs) is preferred
- Detail-oriented in conducting and recording experiments
- Effective communication skills with proven track record of publishing in scientific journals/conferences
PAY RANGE
The pay range for this role is $103,000 - $141,000. Title and salary will be based on our assessment of skills and experience relevant to our needs for the role.
About Cargo Therapeutics
CARGO Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company positioned to advance next generation, potentially curative cell therapies for cancer patients. CARGO’s programs, platform technologies, and manufacturing strategy are designed to directly address the limitations of approved cell therapies, including limited durability of effect, safety concerns and unreliable supply. CARGO is currently evaluating its lead program, CRG-022, an autologous CD22 chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy candidate, in a potentially pivotal Phase 2 clinical trial in patients with large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL) whose disease relapsed or was refractory (R/R) to CD19 CAR T-cell therapy. CARGO also plans to evaluate CRG-022 in patients at earlier stages of disease, including LBCL and other hematologic malignancies. Beyond its lead program, CARGO is leveraging its proprietary cell engineering platform technologies to develop a pipeline of programs that incorporate multiple transgene therapeutic “cargo” designed to enhance CAR T-cell persistence and trafficking to tumor lesions, as well as to help safeguard against tumor resistance and T-cell exhaustion. CARGO’s founders are pioneers and world-class experts in CAR T-cell therapy, and its team has significant experience and success developing, manufacturing, launching and commercializing oncology and cell therapy products. For more information, please visit the CARGO Therapeutics website at https://cargo-tx.com/.
Join us to help make a difference!
EEO & EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY
CARGO Therapeutics, Inc. is committed to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive company. We provide equal opportunity in the terms and conditions of employment for all employees and job applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, gender identity or gender expression, national origin, disability, or veteran status. CARGO Therapeutics, Inc. also complies with all applicable national, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification required of applicable law.
CARGO Therapeutics requires all new hires to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as of their start date. This requirement is a condition of employment at CARGO Therapeutics, and it applies regardless of whether the position is located at a CARGO Therapeutics site or is fully remote. If you are unable to receive the vaccine due to a disability or serious medical condition, or because it is prohibited because of your sincerely held religious beliefs, you will have an opportunity to request a reasonable accommodation.