Senior Scientist, Analytical Development

Using living cells to treat – and sometimes even cure – cancer is one of the most dramatic advances in modern medicine. Patients with hematologic malignancies have been successfully treated with cell therapies. However, these profound results have not yet been achieved in patients with solid tumors, representing approximately 90% of all cancers. And for patients with hematologic malignancies, there is a need for next-generation cell therapies that can deliver increased response rates and longer duration of response. We are a clinical-stage company advancing a pipeline of next-generation CAR T-cell therapies for patients with solid tumors or hematologic malignancies. Lyell's product candidates are enhanced with novel technology designed to generate T cells that resist exhaustion and have qualities of durable stemness in order to drive durable tumor cytotoxicity and achieve consistent and long-lasting clinical response. We were founded by cell therapy pioneers whose decades of research elevated the broader understanding of T-cell biology and its interaction with cancer. In our quest to advance next-generation CAR T-cell therapies, we have built a fully integrated company capable of discovering new technologies, translating science into therapies, manufacturing cell therapy products, and clinically evaluating them in patients. Our culture is based on Science, Respect, Collaboration, and Courage and reflects who we are, the environment we create, and our mission's urgency.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Senior Scientist, Analytical Development will be responsible for leading development of flowcytometry, molecular and cell-based assays for release and characterization of engineered T-cell products and analytics for process understanding. The successful candidate will be responsible for leading a group within Analytical Development and mentoring scientists, hands-on assay development and driving projects in close collaboration across TechOps and research.

In this role you will work closely with other members of the analytical development team to develop strategy, conduct experiments, develop test methods, and assist in the tech transfer of analytical methodologies into a GMP manufacturing and QC testing facility. The successful candidate will have expertise in flowcytometry based assay development, experience with analytical testing methodologies and an understanding of the technological requirements to execute on testing and characterization needs of a cellular therapy company.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTION:

• Design, develop, execute, and document analytical development methods for release testing and to study processes for production of T cell therapies
• Critically analyzes, interprets complex data drawing appropriate conclusions
• Support product characterization activities, including comparability assessments in support of product life cycle management
• Act as a subject matter expert in providing analytical and data interpretation both internally and externally
• Partner in the transfer of qualified assays to QC, and support assay validation and investigations
• Responsible for completion of assignments that have an impact on functional goals
• Develop and deliver scientific presentations, prepare clear and concise technical reports, participate in project teams, and contribute to regulatory filings, as needed
• Participate in the evaluation of new analytical technologies and their implementation
• Revise, review, and author assay standard operating procedures
• Contribute to building a culture that encourages continuous learning, improvement, and innovation, and encourages team members to expand their technical skill base

EDUCATION:

• Must have a PhD in cell biology, immunology or related field with at least six years' relevant industry experience or an MS with at least 11 years of relevant industry experience

PREFERRED SKILLS:

• A minimum of 10 years of extensive experience in developing flow-based assays
• Well versed with various flow cytometers such as MACSQuant, BD Lyric and Cytek Aurora.
• Experience in a wide variety of analytical techniques such as cytotoxicity assays, flow cytometry, cytokine release assays, cell counting VCN and other applicable methods is a plus
• Prior experience of leading and managing scientific teams
• Experience in analytical development, cGMP QC testing and implementation of new technologies in a regulated environment
• Experience with assessment of new technologies in a fast-paced, learning organization; preferably in a cross-functional setting where impact of new technologies is evaluated across research, development and commercial organizations
• Prior experience in cell therapy development preferred
• Must have excellent oral and written communication skills
• Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively among cross-functional teams
• Ability to work efficiently, prioritize workflow, meet deadlines and balance competing priorities
• Excellent analytical skills and technical expertise

Lyell offers its employees a range of compensation and benefits. To assist you with your decision to apply for this role, the following decision to apply for this role, the following information and links to our site highlight our competitive market position and support to our employees and their dependents.

The salary range for this position is $180,000 to $210,000, annually, with the opportunity to earn an annual bonus. The salary range is an estimate, and the actual salary may vary based on Lyell's compensation practices and an applicant's qualifications and experience. Employees are also eligible to participate in Lyell's Equity Incentive Plan.

Our Employee Benefits program is extensive and includes subsidized medical, dental and vision plans from your first day of employment, FSA, Company provided Life and AD&D Insurance as well as STD and LTD Insurance, ESPP, a 401(k) Plan with Company match, mass transit commuter benefits, cell phone reimbursement and a range of supplemental benefits that you may choose to elect. Our paid time-off benefits currently include 18 days' vacation, 9 day's sick leave, 8 observed holidays as well as a floating holiday. We also have a summer and a winter office shutdown.

At Lyell, we believe that highest performing teams include people from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences who respectfully challenge each other. We are committed to building an open, diverse and inclusive culture for all employees. Lyell is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, citizenship status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, age, religion, creed, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, veteran status or any other characteristics protected under applicable federal, state and local laws.

We've learned from experience that some of the best people don't always match our requirements perfectly - if you're interested and think you could fit, please don't hesitate to apply.