Associate Scientist I, Immunology

Position Overview

Tonix is seeking an Associate Scientist I to join a rapidly growing and dynamic discovery and development team. The successful candidate is expected to have a sufficient understanding of the biomedical sciences, ideally immunology. This is an excellent entry-level opportunity to directly participate and obtain exposure to a range of functional areas pertaining to the product development process including early-stage therapeutic discovery, nonclinical safety, pharmacological evaluation, and preclinical drug development.

 

The duties will require the successful candidate to exercise some independent discretion and judgment while carrying out predetermined research and day-to-day tasks in BSL/2 and ABSL/2 environments.  Experience working in a laboratory environment, performing day-to-day tasks independently, and working collaboratively in a team environment are required.

 

The position is located at the Tonix Research and Development Center (RDC) which is the innovation and development arm of Tonix Pharmaceuticals.  The RDC houses state-of-the-art equipment (e.g., high content imaging, mass spectrometry, spectral flow cytometry, in-vivo imaging, multi-parallel bioreactors, etc.) and is responsible for development of efficient and cutting-edge treatment methods for various diseases including infectious diseases, oncology, and other indications.  

 

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct original research supporting the RDC mission and Tonix portfolio of Immunotherapeutics against diverse disease conditions (e.g., autoimmunity, oncology)
• Support the development of robust and diverse in-vivo autoimmune models by conducting downstream ex vivo sample processing, analysis, and study results compilation
• Carry out under the direction of senior oversight efforts to develop novel methods and assays to contribute to the RDC research pipeline
• Plan and execute in-vitro and ex-vivo studies against study timepoints, project deadlines, and company goals
• Collect, analyze, and evaluate data
• Interpret data, make decisions, and conduct troubleshooting on related technical issues
• Prepare scientific presentations and reports for internal review and discussion

 

This is a fast-paced challenging position offering competitive compensation and benefits package.  This position will report to the Director of Immunology and will be based at the Tonix Research and Development Center in Frederick, Maryland.

 

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Carry out tasks necessary to optimize and standardize in-vivo, ex-vivo and in-vitro autoimmune models to ensure consistent reliability and reproducibility of outcomes.
• Following training, independently process tissue samples for analysis by multi-parameter spectral flow cytometry, in-vivo imaging and contemporary molecular approaches.
• Using sterile techniques, maintain mammalian cell lines and perform cell culture tasks including primary cell isolation from both human- and lab animal-derived sources.
• Run ELISAs and other plate-based assays, analyze and interpret data with attention to quality and reproducibility, and be able to present results in team meetings.
• Independently troubleshoot, problem-solve, and execute directives and day-to-day tasks, while effectively incorporating feedback and adapting to evolving project needs.
• Work cross-functionally in a matrix environment, partnering with project and functional teams to support research objectives.
• Participate in cross-functional project teams and offer strategies that benefit project goals.
• Organize and maintain experimental work in an electronic lab notebook.
• Uphold company mission and values, emphasizing accountability, innovation, integrity, quality, and teamwork.

 

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in molecular biology, microbiology, immunology or related field

• Ability to generate hypotheses to test ideas, and incorporate feedback from one-on-one and group discussion to design new studies

• Prior and proficient hands-on experience with biology techniques (e.g., Flow cytometry, ELISA, DNA/RNA isolation and handling, PCR, etc.) and aseptic cell culture.

• General comfort working with human- and lab animal-derived tissue samples.
• Ability to conduct minimal travel and weekend work
• Dedicated team player who can withstand the high demands of a fast-paced environment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential
• Strong planning and organizational skills

• Comfortable working independently with minimal supervision

• Highly organized, results-driven, problem solver, and collaborator
• Demonstrated ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without accommodation