Senior Research Associate, Immunology

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 Senior Research Associate is responsible for developing, conducting and optimizing everyday experiments to support the discovery and development of biologics for the research and development (R&D) group, as well as for supporting the efficient operation of the laboratory. They contribute directly to the development and characterization of recombinant proteins produced from microbial hosts and their role has an important impact on the progress of the company’s immuno-therapeutics program.

Essential Functions

• Design, plan and conduct experiments to answer scientific questions with accuracy and precision
• Identify problems proactively while analyzing data and during experimental execution, and troubleshoot with minimal guidance
• Adhere to complex protocols or techniques; with assistance, write core protocols and generate study reports as assigned
• Support development of new biologics through molecular cloning, cell line development, functional testing, characterization and banking of microbial cell lines
• Implement and optimize cell-based assays to assess the function of prospective products
• Maintain mammalian and microbial cell cultures, and assist with fermentation
• Conduct protein extraction, purification and analytics (e.g. chromatography, HPLC, SDS-PAGE)
• Analyze data and devise simple conclusions; compile, organize, and present data at group meetings
• Communicate results effectively in a timely manner via reports and presentations; accurately document experimental methods and results in laboratory notebooks
• Contribute data, reagents, or hands-on support to other projects needed for the advancement of products in the pipeline
• Research literature on an assigned topic and effectively summarize data and findings
• Support the lab by performing activities such as maintaining lab equipment, ordering and stocking supplies, and maintaining inventory
• Support preclinical studies by evaluating basic health status of animals and reporting abnormalities to the appropriate personnel and assist with vivarium maintenance
• 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 in a scientific discipline with 5+ years of industry experience required; or Master’s degree in a scientific discipline with 3+ years of industry experience required
• Experience in microbial cell culture and transformation techniques required
• Experience with fermentation preferred
• Experience in molecular biology techniques (PCR, cloning, gel electrophoresis, sequence analysis, Western Blot) required
• Experience with protein purification and/or analytical assays (e.g. HPLC) preferred
• Prior experience working with small rodent models preferred

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Ability to plan and perform various experiments with accuracy, precision, and minimal guidance from supervisor
• Capable of explaining the overall goal of an experiment, and to integrate literature searches to further inform understanding
• Strong attention to detail, organization and critical thinking skills
• Ability to troubleshoot and solve problems independently as well as analyze data and reach a simple conclusion
• Ability to independently prepare data presentations for group meetings
• Ability to keep an organized lab notebook with emphasis on detailed and accurate description of experimental conditions
• Ability to maintain organized inventory of general lab reagents
• Demonstrated understanding of product manuals and reagent datasheets to ensure proper use of reagents and instruments
• Proficient with Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote), statistical analysis programs (GraphPad)
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills are essential in this collaborative work
• Able to be comfortable and willing to work with small rodent research animals
• Operate in a fast-paced small department environment and able to adjust workload based upon changing priorities

Working Environment / Physical Environment

• This position is on-site in a research lab and adjacent vivarium in Louisville, CO
• This position will be exposed to small rodent animal models.
• Minimal travel may be required
• Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and to use standard office equipment, including a computer.
• Lift and carry materials weighing up to 20 pounds.
• May include off-hour work and flexible work scheduling inclusive of some weekend and holiday work as needed to cover required animal welfare checks.

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.

$91,670 (entry-level qualifications) to $100,837 (highly experienced) annually

The application window is anticipated to close on 60 days from when it is posted or sooner if the position is filled or closed.

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.