Recruit

Scientist, Cell Therapy Development, UCSF Cell Design Institute

The mission of the UCSF Cell Design Institute (CDI) is to support the development of the next generation of cellular therapies. At CDI, we engage in translational research in partnership with research groups at UCSF to develop cutting-edge engineered T cell therapeutics and prepare them for the clinic, as well as develop novel cell technologies for future therapeutic solutions.

We are seeking applications for a Scientist/Senior Scientist to lead early-stage pre-clinical development of novel T cell therapeutic circuits for the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) and Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC). This work will range from proof-of-concept studies to IND enabling studies for a phase I clinical trial. This is an excellent opportunity to learn cutting-edge engineered T cell cancer therapy from leading experts in the field and gain highly sought after pre-clinical development experience in the field of cell therapy.

The successful candidate will perform experimental work on protein engineering, primary human T cell culture, lentiviral transduction, and mouse tumor models. The candidate’s main responsibilities will include: a) novel assay development, b) in-vitro T cell circuit design and validation, c) establishment of in-vivo tumor models, d) compiling pre-clinical results to support the designation of clinical vector design, and e) leading the in-vitro and in-vivo pharmacology characterization of therapeutic product candidates in collaboration with a process development team towards an IND filling.

The CDI Scientist/Senior Scientist will work with assigned Junior Specialists, other CDI staff and collaborators in developing the necessary assays, protocols and SOPs and execute the experimental work, data analysis and report their findings in presentations and progress reports.

Required qualifications:

• Associate rank- Master’s degree in Immunology, Oncology, Bioengineering, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology or related field or five to ten years to research experience.
• Full rank- PhD in Immunology, Oncology, Bioengineering, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology or related field, or ten or more years of research experience.
• A minimum of 1-2 years mammalian tissue culture and experimental work using mammalian cells
• Experience with flow cytometry and cell sorting required.
• Knowledgeable with modern techniques of molecular cloning.
• Candidates must meet the required qualifications at the time of appointment. Candidate’s CV must state qualifications (or if pending) upon submission.

Preferred qualifications and experience:

• Experience with human CAR T cell engineering preferred
• Experience in Synthetic Biology, specifically in the design of transcriptional circuits and/or protein engineering, is preferred
• Experience using viral (lentiviral, retroviral or AAV) and/or non-viral gene delivery methods (e.g., CRISPR mediated knock-in or targeted genome integration) highly preferred.

Please apply online at https://aprecruit.ucsf.edu/JPF04503, CV, cover letter, three reference contacts.

See Table 24B for the salary range for this position. A reasonable estimate for this position is $67,400-$173,900.

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

UC San Francisco seeks candidates whose experience, teaching, research, or community service has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to diversity and excellence. The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.