Postdoctoral Fellow – Immunotherapy / Protein Engineering : La Jolla, CA, United States

The California Institute for Biomedical Research (Calibr) is seeking talented Postdoctoral candidates in the area of immunotherapy/antibody engineering, to work with an interdisciplinary team of scientists focused on early stage translational research to create novel treatments for cancer.

The Postdoctoral Fellow will work as part of a team of scientists to develop cutting-edge protein and cell therapies that represent novel approaches to major unmet medical needs. Research activities include genetic engineering, molecular and cellular biology, assay development, and antibody engineering. Isolation, transduction, and immuno-phenotyping of primary cells are within the scope of work. Candidates for the position must have a PhD and research experience in immunology, protein engineering, or closely related field; experience specifically in bispecific antibodies,CAR-T cells, or antibody drug conjugates is preferred; previous postdoctoral experience is acceptable but not required. Candidates must have excellent oral and written communication skills in English, and a strong work ethic.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCES:

• Molecular Biology: Experience in DNA/RNA and sub-cloning (classical and seamless); expression and induction systems; and PCR is required. Experience in real-time PCR; cDNA library construction; both site-directed and random transposition-mediated mutagenesis; genomic engineering – CRISPR and homologous recombination; knock outs/knock ins; selection; and in vitro evolution is preferred.
• Microbiology: Experience in aseptic techniques involving primary mammalian cells and bacterial culturing; colony enumeration; plating; preparation and verification of highly purified cell lines; preparation of cell banks; genomic and vector stability tests; understanding basics of the fermentation process, its parameters, etc. is required.
• Immunology: Experience in transduction primary cells (both lentiviral and retroviral), flow cytometry, basic microscopy, and cell-based assays is required. A strong background in T cell biology including experience in characterizing of exhaustion and memory phenotypes is strongly preferred.
• Protein Chemistry: Experience in protein purification methods; SDS-PAGE; Western Blot; complex proteins (affinity columns, FPLC based), e.g., antibody and antibody fragments, ion exchange column chromatography, etc. is required. Experience in biophysical characterization of proteins including protein mass spectrometry, Biacore, and SEC is preferred.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• PhD in biology, chemical biology, biochemistry, immunology or related area.
• Excellent ability to research, design, and organize project designs and maintain detailed documentation
• Highly motivated and devoted to project goals with a passion to create new and innovative medicines
• Able to collaborate proficiently and communicate effectively with colleagues to meet project goals
• Exceptional hands in the lab and a strong affinity for bench work

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 
Details of established essential functions for this position will be addressed/discussed during the interview process.

WHO WE ARE
The California Institute for Biomedical Research (Calibr) is a not-for profit research institute located in La Jolla, California. Calibr is focused on innovative early stage translational research in collaboration with academic partners in the areas of cancer therapy, regenerative medicine, cardiovascular and metabolic disease, immunology, and infectious disease.