Company Description
TAM Biosciences is a cutting-edge biotechnology company focused on transforming how cancer is treated. We study the fundamental signaling pathways that drive cancer cell survival, growth, and immune evasion and translate these insights into therapies and cancer vaccines designed to both eliminate tumor cells and stimulate anti-tumor immune responses. Our work spans multiple therapeutic modalities. We are advancing cancer vaccine approaches to generate robust and durable immune responses against cancer. In parallel, we develop nucleic acid–based therapeutics, such as antisense oligonucleotides, to precisely modulate disease-driving pathways. Our TAM Biosciences team operates as a specialized pillar within the broader TAM Global network.
Role Description
We are seeking a Research Associate to join our collaborative and fast-paced team. In this role, you will contribute to a range of programs, including studies using human ex vivo tumor tissues, development of cancer vaccine strategies, and support of technology transfer efforts from research into process development for therapeutic production. The ideal candidate is adaptable, detail-oriented, and thrives in a dynamic, evolving research and commercialization environment.
The role will be based in Watertown, MA and will require 10-50% travel, including travel to different TAM Global sites (e.g. Nashville, TN and Tijuana, Mexico) and travel to Europe.
Key Responsibilities and Daily/Weekly Tasks:
Research & Experimentation:
- The RA will optimize a research protocol to make it more amenable for production which will include cell culture activities, working with various cell lines including reporter cell lines, and performing and improving assays. The RA will also tech transfer protocols that can be used to analyze the effect of various therapeutics on patient-derived tumor tissues and this will include skills such as in vitro model development, tissue processing, microscopy, immunohistochemistry, and flow cytometry.
Data Analysis & Interpretation:
- The RA will use various software for analysis, statistics, and reporting. Some of this software include Prism, Excel, and FlowJo.
Collaboration & Communication:
- The RA will work closely with other team members to go over experiments, material handling, and assays. They are expected to have regular meetings with direct and functional managers, generate presentations, and write reports for materials and experiments.
Laboratory & Safety:
- The RA is expected to follow the safety protocols of the lab and office facility, follow general user maintenance of shared equipment, and understand how to handle lab materials.
Project Management (if applicable):
- The RA is expected to understand and follow timelines and track progress with projects and be able to interpret and explain reasons for disruptions to timelines, with an ability to also build contingency plans. The RA is also expected to follow the budget and obtain approval for materials for projects from managers.
Literature Review & Knowledge Development:
- The RA is expected to be able to research protocols, assays, and studies, and to contribute to publications and patents as needed.
Other Responsibilities:
- The RA is expected to be able to travel to different sites for weeks to work with different teams for tech transfer and optimizations. They are expected to be able to manage their travel and schedules with support from the company and their managers.
Required Skills and Qualifications:
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree in biology or related subject.
- 1-3 years of relevant lab or industry experience. Experience in cell culture, assay development and execution, immunology and cell biology readouts, and handling primary human tissues is preferred.
Skills:
- Technical Skills: Proficiency in cell culture, assay development and execution (e.g. ELISA, flow cytometry, molecular work, assay analysis)
- Soft Skills: Ability to problem-solve, think critically, communicate clearly, collaborate in teams, manage time effectively, and make presentations.
This role doesn’t offer immigration sponsorship.
