Research Associate II, Analytical Development

Company Overview
ImmunityBio is a vertically integrated commercial stage biotechnology company developing next-generation therapies that bolster the natural immune system to defeat cancers and infectious diseases. The Company’s range of immunotherapy and cell therapy platforms, alone and together, act to drive and sustain an immune response with the goal of creating durable and safe protection against disease. Designated an FDA Breakthrough Therapy, ANKTIVA is the first FDA-approved immunotherapy for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer CIS that activates NK cells, T cells, and memory T cells for a long-duration response. The Company is applying its science and platforms to treating cancers, including the development of potential cancer vaccines, as well as developing immunotherapies and cell therapies that we believe sharply reduce or eliminate the need for standard high-dose chemotherapy. These platforms and their associated product candidates are designed to be more effective, accessible, and easily administered than current standards of care in oncology and infectious diseases.

Why ImmunityBio?

• ImmunityBio is developing cutting-edge technology with the goal to transform the lives of patients with cancer and develop next-generation therapies and vaccines that complement, harness and amplify the immune system to defeat cancers and infectious diseases.

• Opportunity to join a publicly traded biopharmaceutical company with headquarters in Southern California.

• Work with a collaborative team with the ability to work across different areas of the company.

• Ability to join a growing company with professional development opportunities.

Position Summary

The Research Associate II, Analytical Development will work as part of the Analytical team to support adoptive cell therapy projects based on our various cell platforms. The position will assist in developing, optimizing and validating bioassays to support cell therapy projects; and will be responsible for supporting the efficient operation of the laboratory and performing scientific studies to support cell therapy projects.

Essential Functions

• Perform cell-based assays with minimal supervision to support analytical and process development team.
• Maintain cells as required for various assays.
• Perform cell characterization using Mass Cytometry (CytOf), Flow Cytometry, HPLC, and MSD Platform.
• Maintain, calibrate and operate cell analytical equipment and instruments.
• Develop standard operating procedures, analytical test methods, analytical sampling plans and batch records.
• Provide support to cross-functional teams to advance development of cell therapy products.
• Develop or adapt analytical methods for cell therapy products and develop process improvements and efficiencies.
• Design and execute analytical method development and qualification in support of lead candidate selection, process development, product release and stability, and product characterization.
• Design and execute experimental approaches and new analytical technologies and assist with continuous improvement of analytical tools.
• Design and execute experiments to develop, qualify, and transfer cell-based potency methods for the testing and release of pipeline products.
• Provide support to the bioanalytical testing of samples for immunogenicity and biomarkers.

• Performs ad-hoc and cross-functional duties and/or projects as assigned to support business needs and provide developmental opportunities.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree with 3+ years of experience in Biology, Biochemistry, Immunology or a related field required; or
• Master’s degree with 1+ years in Biology, Biochemistry, Immunology or a related field required.
• Experience with immunoassay technologies such as, Mass Cytometry (CytOf), flow cytometry, HPLC, ELISA and MSD and molecular assays (Q-PCR) to support cell characterization as required.
• Experience with cell therapy products including NK and T cells is a plus.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Competent in handling and maintaining mammalian cell culture in a BSL2 Laboratory
• Demonstrated knowledge of pharmaceutical manufacturing of biotechnology products, aseptic processing, analytical method development, technology transfer, method qualification/validation
• Follow laboratory procedures with attention to detail and successfully execute experiments at the bench.
• Comfortable in a fast-paced small company environment with minimal direction and able to adjust workload based upon changing priorities
• Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and willing to accept temporary responsibilities outside of initial job description
• Ability to think critically and demonstrate troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent skill in Microsoft word, Excel, FLowJo, Prism, JMP, PLA 3.0 and immunoassay data analysis

Working Environment / Physical Environment

• This position works onsite in Torrey Pines, CA, as noted in the offer letter.
• Regular work schedule is Monday – Friday, within standard business hours.  Flexibility is available with manager approval.
• This position works in a lab environment.
• This position is for bench work in the laboratory.
• Frequently working on the computer for data analysis.
• Occasionally lifting/carrying 11-20 lbs.

This position is eligible for a discretionary bonus and equity award. The annual base pay range for this position is below. The specific rate will depend on the successful candidate’s qualifications, prior experience as well as geographic location.

$83,400 (entry-level qualifications) to $91,740 (highly experienced) annually

ImmunityBio uses artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist with sourcing and identifying potential candidates for open positions. These tools help us reach qualified applicants and improve the efficiency of our recruitment outreach. No preference is given to applicants sourced or identified by AI tools.

Important: AI is not used to screen, evaluate, rank, assess, or make hiring decisions about applicants. All applications are reviewed by human recruiters and hiring managers. Hiring decisions are made solely by ImmunityBio personnel without automated decision-making.

We are committed to equal employment opportunity and ensure that all candidates are assessed based on their qualifications, skills, and experience through human review.

ImmunityBio employees are as valuable as the people we serve. We have built a resource of robust benefit offerings to best support the total wellbeing of our team members and their families. Our competitive total rewards benefits package, for eligible employees, include: Medical, Dental and Vision Plan Options • Health and Financial Wellness Programs • Employer Assistance Program (EAP) • Company Paid and Voluntary Life/AD&D, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability • Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts • 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match • 529 Education Savings Program • Voluntary Legal Services, Identity Theft Protection, Pet Insurance and Employee Discounts, Rewards and Perks • Paid Time Off (PTO) includes: 11 Holidays • Exempt Employees are eligible for Unlimited PTO • Non-Exempt Employees are eligible for 10 Vacation Days, 56 Hours of Health Pay, 2 Personal Days and 1 Cultural Day •  We are committed to providing you with the tools and resources you need to optimize your Health and Wellness.

At ImmunityBio, we are an equal opportunity employer dedicated to diversity in the workplace. Our policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons without regard to race, gender, color, disability, national origin, age, religion, union affiliation, sexual orientation, veteran status, citizenship, gender identity and/or expression, or other status protected by law.