Associate Scientist/Scientist I, Cell Analytical Development

The role:

The Associate Scientist/Scientist I will support the development, qualification, technology transfer, and routine execution of analytical methods for Dispatch’s portfolio of product candidates, including therapeutic viruses, viral vectors, and autologous CAR T cells. Reporting into the Senior Scientist I, Analytical & Product Sciences (APS), this individual will be focused on building foundational, and progressively expansive competency in experimental design and analytical development, with an emphasis on cellular and immunological techniques (e.g., co-culture cell-based assays, immuno-assays, flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry and fluorescent imaging) used to characterize viruses and cells. The incumbent will contribute to method development activities, execute routine sample testing to generate reliable and well-documented data, and provide consistent analytical support to cross-functional collaborators, while working on a diverse matrixed team. Working under the guidance of senior level scientists, this individual is expected to progress from executing standard experiments toward greater independence in experimental design, data interpretation, and troubleshooting.  

Key responsibilities:

• Contribute to the development, optimization, and qualification of new analytical methods under the guidance of senior level scientists. 
• Build and demonstrate competency in experimental design, including selection of appropriate controls and study design, with increasing independence. 
• Perform routine sample testing and execute established analytical methods (e.g., flow cytometry, fluorescent imaging, cell-based assays, immunoassays) to support release, stability, and characterization testing of CAR T cells and therapeutic viruses.
• Provide reliable and timely analytical support to cross-functional collaborators, including process development, candidate development, and platform research teams. 
• Perform studies and testing to support characterization of viral vectors and viral-based products.
• Accurately and promptly record data in the electronic lab notebook (ELN) and maintain organized, audit-ready documentation. 
• Assist with troubleshooting of routine technical and instrument issues, and support method transfer activities, both internally and with external partners (e.g., CDMOs), as directed. 
• Communicate experimental results clearly to supervisors and team members through data summaries, presentations, and team meetings. 
• Maintain lab equipment, supplies, and inventory, and comply with all safety and quality requirements. 
• Actively participate in seminars, journal clubs, and team meetings, and pursue ongoing scientific and professional development. 

Required experience & skills: 

• Bachelor’s degree with at least 2 years of relevant laboratory experience or Master’s degree in Biology, Immunology, Cell Biology, Biomedical Engineering, or a related life science discipline and a minimum of 6 months of hands-on laboratory experience in academia/industry
• Foundational knowledge of cell biology/immunology techniques (e.g., flow cytometry, adherent/suspension cell culture and various cell-based/immunoassays)
• Working knowledge of viral vector biology, virology, immunology and/or cell and gene therapy products, with ability to apply concepts to experimental interpretations
• Proficiency in mammalian cell culture and diligent aseptic techniques
• Ability to execute standard experiments accurately and reproducibly, following established protocols and SOPs 
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accurate, timely documentation of experimental data
• Firm commitment to “on-the-bench” experimental and scientific work and the ability to collaboratively design, execute and troubleshoot experiments; Analyze, interpret, and clearly communicate complex data
• Willingness to learn new techniques and receive instruction and guidance from senior team members 
• Effective oral and written communication skills 
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team-based laboratory environment 
• Experience using data analysis software such as GraphPad Prism, JMP or similar

Preferred experience & skills: 

• Familiarity with GMP/GLP laboratory practices or a regulated laboratory environment 
• Prior exposure to cell and gene or viral therapy drug development 
• Experience using an electronic lab notebook (ELN) system 
• Familiarity with foundational concepts of CMC development and establishing, executing, and iterating analytical development is highly preferred  
• Familiarity with assay development, optimization, qualification, or validation.
• Desire to learn, gain and grow new skills, and apply new and existing knowledge adaptability, in a fast-paced and dynamic environment is highly preferred