Associate Scientist, Cell Therapy Discovery

By clicking the “Apply” button, I understand that my employment application process with Takeda will commence and that the information I provide in my application will be processed in line with Takeda’sPrivacy Noticeand Terms of Use. I further attest that all information I submit in my employment application is true to the best of my knowledge.

Job Description

Are you looking for a patient-focused, innovation-driven company that will inspire you and empower you to shine? Join us as a Associate Scientist, Cell Therapy Discovery in our Cambridge office.

At Takeda, we are transforming the pharmaceutical industry through our R&D-driven market leadership and being a values-led company. To do this, we empower our people to realize their potential through life-changing work. Certified as a Global Top Employer, we offer stimulating careers, encourage innovation, and strive for excellence in everything we do. We foster an inclusive, collaborative workplace, in which our global teams are united by an unwavering commitment to deliver Better Health and a Brighter Future to people around the world.

Here, you will be a vital contributor to our inspiring, bold mission.

ROLE OVERVIEW:

This position seeks an organized, and motivated scientist with experience in assay development and functional screens for cell therapy and immuno-oncology applications. We are looking for someone who is highly dedicated and driven to advance new therapies to patients and who has a strong work ethic and collaborative mindset. The scientist will join the Cell Therapy team within the Oncology Drug Discovery Unit. The successful candidate will be part of wider efforts to advance Takeda’s oncology pipeline in cell therapy by working collaboratively across departmental and cross-functional teams. The candidate will also play a crucial role in improving our understanding of the biology of innate cells and identifying ways to improve potency, persistence and safety of Takeda’s cell therapy platforms. The candidate will have opportunities to independently design and execute studies.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop, validate, or refine in vitro/ex vivo functional assays to improve robustness or dynamic range, enable automation, and drive mechanistic understanding.
• Execute in vitro functional screens using the benchmarked assays.
• Contribute to discovery projects by independently designing and executing well-defined mechanistic experiments and projects within oncology cell therapy research.
• Lead analysis, interpretation, and presentation of data to important partners, and play an active role in the subsequent scientific discussions to drive decisions on the next steps.
• Collaborate in cross-functional, matrix-based project groups to drive specified pipeline programs.
• Maintains laboratory notebooks and follows laboratory practices in compliance.
• Ability to work independently and prioritize work in a fast-paced environment.
• Contribute to IND reports and other technical documents for use across functions/departments.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS/QUALIFICATIONS:

• MS in relevant field with 3+ years of relevant experience; Or BS with 5+ years of relevant experience
• The individual should have demonstrable skills in one or more of the following: in vitro/ex vivo immune cell characterization and functional assessment, such as multi-color flow immunophenotyping, multiplex cytokine measurements, cytotoxicity assays, and other molecular-based assays. Proficiency in the associated software and analysis packages is required.
• Proficiency in aseptic cell culture and associated procedures, both of tumor cell lines and of immune cells is required.
• The individual should have basic theoretical knowledge of cell therapy, immunology and cancer biology.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, attention to detail, organizational and time-management skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively within a team are required.
• Experience with routine and timely documentation using Electronic Lab Notebook platforms is required.
• Experience with assay development involving automation and liquid handling is highly desired. Individual with demonstrable experience in developing and executing functional screens on immune cells will be preferred.
• Experience with lentiviral transduction and other gene editing/delivery approaches is desired.
• Hands-on experience with CAR-T, CAR-NK, CAR-γδT, and TCR-T cell therapies/immunotherapies is desired, including cell culture, immune cell activation/expansion, and functional evaluation.
• The individual should have a track record of troubleshooting experimental methods and learning new technologies or scientific backgrounds.

Takeda is proud in its commitment to creating a diverse workforce and providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, parental status, national origin, age, disability, citizenship status, genetic information or characteristics, marital status, status as a Vietnam era veteran, special disabled veteran, or other protected veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws, and any other characteristic protected by law

This position is currently classified as “hybrid” in accordance with Takeda’s Hybrid and Remote Work policy. 

#LI-JT1

Takeda Compensation and Benefits Summary

We understand compensation is an important factor as you consider the next step in your career. We are committed to equitable pay for all employees, and we strive to be more transparent with our pay practices.

For Location:

Boston, MA

U.S. Base Salary Range:

$99,500.00 - $156,420.00

EEO Statement

Takeda is proud in its commitment to creating a diverse workforce and providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, parental status, national origin, age, disability, citizenship status, genetic information or characteristics, marital status, status as a Vietnam era veteran, special disabled veteran, or other protected veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws, and any other characteristic protected by law.

Locations

Boston, MA

Worker Type

Employee

Worker Sub-Type

Regular

Time Type

Full time

Job Exempt

Yes

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.