Avalon BioVentures is a biotech venture capital firm that builds on Avalon's 40-year success in pursuing disruptive ideas to improve life. From its established offices and labs on the Torrey Pines Mesa, in La Jolla, California, Avalon BioVentures leverages its Accelerator, which provides operational infrastructure and support, and the team's extensive experience to identify promising science, build agile companies, and advance breakthrough therapeutics.
Position Overview:
We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Immunologist to join our team in the development of cutting-edge Regulatory T cell therapies. This role will involve researching and advancing innovative therapeutic approaches utilizing regulatory T cells to treat inflammatory and pulmonary diseases. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in immunology, cellular biology, therapeutic development, and molecular techniques with a specific focus on regulatory T cell biology.
Key Responsibilities:
Research & Development:
Design and conduct cutting-edge research to understand the biology of regulatory T cells (Tregs), their function, and their therapeutic potential in various diseases.
Develop and optimize protocols for isolating, expanding, and modifying Tregs ex vivo for therapeutic applications using viral and non-viral modification
Investigate the mechanisms by which Tregs interact with other immune cells and modulate immune responses.
Study the effects of engineered Tregs in preclinical in vitro and in vivo models and assess their safety, efficacy, and biological activity.
Analyze immune profiles, cytokine production, and T cell tissue homing and function to optimize T cell-based therapies.
Conduct immune cell characterization using flow cytometry, ELISA, PCR, and other relevant techniques.
Contribute to the generation of data for regulatory filings, research publications, and presentations at scientific conferences.
Stay updated on the latest developments in regulatory T cell biology, cellular therapies, and immunotherapy research to inform product development strategies.
Analyze experimental data using bioinformatics tools and statistical methods to assess the effectiveness of Treg therapies.
Maintain detailed records of experiments, including data analysis and results, in accordance with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP).
Communicate research findings to internal stakeholders, including senior management, and external collaborators.
Qualifications:
Ph.D. in Immunology, Cell Biology, Cellular Engineering, Molecular Biology, or a related field. Experience in Treg biology or immunotherapy is highly desirable plus 1-5+ years lab experience OR MS degree with 5+ years industry experience
Hands-on experience with primary human immune cell isolation, culture, and expansion techniques, as well as flow cytometry and other immunological assays.
Experience with in vitro cell culture models, flow cytometry, and functional assays (e.g. T cell phenotyping, T cell suppression, cytokine secretion assays).
Strong problem-solving and critical thinking abilities.
Proficiency in data analysis software and ELN systems (e.g., GraphPad, Flow Jo, Benchling).
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Passion for developing next-generation therapies with a focus on immune modulation.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, particularly in maintaining experimental integrity and compliance with regulatory standards
Preferred Skills:
Strong background in regulatory T cell biology and cell therapy.
Experience with cell engineering via viral gene delivery and/or gene editing technologies (e.g., Lentivirus, CRISPR) .
Hands-on experience in regulatory T cell isolation, activation, expansion, and engineering
Experience establishing 3D organoid or air-liquid-interface cultures a bonus
Compensation:
In addition to a competitive compensation package with stock options, the company also offers a comprehensive benefits package for our employees and their families, which includes medical, dental, vision, and supplemental disability insurance.
The above description is intended to describe the general nature of the job and may include other duties as assumed or assigned; it is not intended to be all inclusive or limit the duties of the position.