Research Associate II, Integrated Therapeutic Engineering and Design

Company Overview
Repertoire Immune Medicines is a clinical-stage biotechnology company working to unlock and direct the remarkable power of the human immune system to prevent or treat cancer, as well as autoimmune and infectious disease.  The company is founded on the belief that the repertoire of T cell receptor (TCR)-antigen codes that drive health and disease represents one of the greatest opportunities for innovation in medical science.  Repertoire scientists created and developed the DECODE suite of technologies, which allow in-depth characterization of TCR-antigen pairs, and the ability to rationally design and develop novel targeted immune medicines.

From its sites in Watertown, Massachusetts, and Zurich, Switzerland, Repertoire’s team of more than 80 is creating a new category of immune medicines enabled from its DECODE discovery platform.  Repertoire is currently using its proprietary platform to discover novel epitopes and TCRs from patients with autoimmune diseases such as type 1 diabetes and multiple sclerosis as well as to enable development of immune oncology based therapeutics to treat solid tumors. 

Repertoire was founded in 2019 by Flagship Pioneering and is supported by a strong investor base. The DECODE platform has been validated through four strategic partnerships with leading pharmaceutical companies—Bristol Myers Squibb, Genentech, Eli Lilly, and Pfizer—representing over $4.5 billion in disclosed total deal value and $185 million in upfront payments received to date. 

Role Overview
We are seeking a motivated Research Associate II to join our Integrated Therapeutic Engineering and Design (ITED) team and help advance the discovery and development of innovative protein therapeutics.  In this hands-on role, you will play a key part in discovering novel therapeutics through yeast display-based protein engineering.  You will perform all techniques associated with yeast display, including culture and induction of yeast, transformation of yeast with DNA-based libraries, and phenotypic selection using fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS) or magnetic activated cell sorting (MACS).  The ideal candidate is proficient with advanced molecular biology techniques, such as PCR, primer design, golden gate cloning, and DNA preparation for sequencing, and brings bench experience with protein display technologies, preferably yeast display.  You will own experimental design, implementation, and data analysis, and share your results with your supervisor and the broader team in an effective and timely manner.  Drive to execute, experimental rigor, and scientific curiosity are essential to success in this role.  Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills will enable you to thrive within our highly collaborative, cross-functional teams. 

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute experiments as a key contributor to the ITED team, under the supervision of your manager and scientific project leads.
• Apply recombinant protein display systems (e.g., yeast display) to protein engineering applications.
• Design and construct DNA libraries using molecular biology techniques (e.g., DNA isolation and purification, PCR, and transformation of yeast and/or E. coli).
• Enrich displayed libraries for phenotypes of interest using FACS and MACS, and analyze target binding profiles.
• Maintain good laboratory practices, including accurate ELN documentation, instrument and reagent validation, and adherence to lab safety policies.
• Present data and analysis at cross-disciplinary team meetings and build working relationships that move projects forward.

Qualifications/ Desired Experience

• B.S. or M.S. in Biochemistry, Biology, Bioengineering, Immunology, or a similar field.
• 2+ years of academic or biotech/pharma laboratory experience.
• Experience with protein display technologies is required. Yeast display experience is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated understanding of complex molecular biology techniques is strongly preferred (e.g., PCR, primer design, DNA purification, DNA library design and construction using multiple methods (golden gate cloning, Gibson assembly, SOE), maintenance and culture of yeast and E. Coli).
• Strong organizational skills, excellent attention to detail, and data analysis skills are required.
• Knowledge of oncology or immunology is beneficial.
• Experience with FlowJo, SnapGene, and JMP preferred.
• Desire and ability to quickly learn new lab techniques and understand the significance to program goals.

Compensation and Benefits
The base salary for this role ranges from $75,000 to $90,000 and is determined based on a candidate’s skills, experience, and internal equity. In addition to a competitive base salary, Repertoire offers a broad range of benefits designed to attract, retain, and motivate top talent, including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, flexible time off, a 401(k)-retirement plan, and short- and long-term incentive opportunities. Compensation and benefits are based on Repertoire’s good faith estimate at the time of publication and may be updated in the future.