Scientist - Molecular and Cell Biology 1

Mission

We are seeking a talented junior cellular immunologist to join the Molecular and Cell Biology team within Almirall Research Department. The successful candidate will support the advancement of drug discovery programs aiming at transformative therapies for autoimmune skin diseases and non-melanoma skin cancers, using state-of-the art in vitro biology models, tools and assays.

The junior scientist will work with senior/principal scientists in the team to drive the experimental assessment of new therapeutic targets of interest in cell models that are highly relevant to medical dermatology. In addition, he/she will be responsible for the design, development and execution of in vitro assays to characterize small molecules/biologics/new modalities in order to understand their mechanism of action as well as to evaluate their therapeutic potential.

The candidate will bring a strong experimental expertise in cellular immunology, an appetite for solving complex cellular biology challenges and continuous learning, and an outstanding collaborative spirit.

Tasks and Responsibilities

• In collaboration with senior/principal scientists in the team, identify, evaluate, and probe emerging methods for immune cell isolation, culture, differentiation, and activation.
• Design, execute, interpret, and optimize in vitro assays to profile hit, lead and clinical molecules that can encompass multi-parameter flow cytometry, qRT-PCR, JESS, proliferation, and immunoassays.
• In collaboration with senior/principal scientist in the team, design and optimize state-of-the art experimental protocols for gene modulation and cell line/primary cell engineering, including RNA interference, stable transfection and CRISPR-Cas9 mediated gene editing, in order to study signalling pathways of interest.
• Independently analyse experimental results, and present data analysis and plans at cross-functional meetings.

Education and Experience

• MSc or BSc with 2+ years of experience in Immunology, Molecular Biology or Cellular Biology
• Experience in cell culture. Experience with primary immune cells (PBMC, lymphocytes…) or with skin cells such as primary keratinocytes would be a plus.
• Theoretical and experimental background in cellular assays such as flow cytometry, ELISA, HTRF, qPCR, WB. Experience with functional immunology assays (e.g. PBMC activation, MLRs) would be a plus.
• Experience with molecular biology techniques (cloning, transfections). Experience with gene editing (CRISPR) would be a plus.
• Interest in new therapeutic modalities such as bispecific antibodies, Targeted Protein Degradation or mRNA therapies would be a plus.

Competencies

• Excellent organization skills and track record for generation of high data quality.
• Track record of continual growth, curiosity, and drive to learn.
• Team player with ability to collaborate and communicate effectively across several scientific disciplines.
• Advanced English level required

Values

• Care: we listen & empathize, we value diverse perspectives & backgrounds and we help each other succeed.
• Courage: we challenge the status quo, we take full ownership and we learn from our success & failures
• Innovation: we put the patient and customer at the center, we create novel solutions and we empower entrepreneurial mindsets.
• Simplicity: we act decisively and avoid over-analysis, we understand why before we act and we are agile & keep things simple.