Research Associate II, Discovery Analytics

BlueRock Therapeutics, a wholly-owned and independently operated subsidiary of Bayer AG, is a leading engineered cell therapy company using its unique cell+gene platform to direct cellular differentiation and genetically engineer cells to create a new generation of cellular medicines that address large patient populations suffering from neurological, cardiovascular, and immunology diseases.

The convergence of cell biology and genetic engineering is creating fundamental new ways to impact disease. Founded in 2016 to capitalize on these technological breakthroughs, we are advancing our novel cell+gene platform to develop, manufacture, and deliver an entirely new generation of authentic and engineered cell therapies across three therapeutic areas: neurology, cardiology, and immunology.

Our foundational science harnesses the ability to create and then direct the differentiation of universal pluripotent stem cells into authentic, functional cells that can be used as allogeneic cellular therapies to treat a broad array of diseases. We can also further engineer these cells, enabling them to produce enzymes, antibodies, and other proteins for additional therapeutic benefit.

We are passionate about delivering on the promise of cellular and gene therapy, shaping the future of cellular medicine, and delivering new therapies to millions of patients with treatment options.

We are seeking individuals who are collaborative, thrive in a fun and dynamic culture, and are steadfast in the commitment to advance cutting-edge cellular therapies to impact patients’ lives.

As part of BlueRock Therapeutics vision to change the future of medicine by enabling ground-breaking cell therapies, the candidate will be a key technical contributor of a dynamic and progressive team pioneering scaled somatic cell manufacturing processes utilizing state-of-the art culturing technology at increasing scales. The successful candidate will drive assay discovery and development at BlueRock, NY, establishing critical characterization and quality assays for cell therapy products and manufacturing processes with minimal supervision. Expertise in cell and molecular biology is required.

The ideal candidate will be a highly motivated individual who leads from the bench and enjoys having broad responsibilities and opportunities. Collaboration with a highly driven, world-class team of scientists and engineers promises an exciting and engaging work environment for motivated, self-starting candidates. 

Responsibilities:

• Design and execute in vitro experiments to assess and develop novel assays/biomarkers, techniques and technologies to characterize cell therapy development processes. Identify and determine appropriate ranges of (critical) assay process parameters to ensure robust, repeatable and accurate results with minimal supervision.
• Champion assessing, designing, developing, evaluating and implementing technologies, processes and methods to improve understanding of therapeutic cell product candidates, intermediates, media, reagents, growth factors and other material critical to safety and quality of drug substance and drug product for use in patients.
• Ensure that experiments, analytical methods, and data meet the requirements for the intended use of assays, which includes characterization, lot release and comparability.
• Perform flow cytometry, ELISA, analytical, cell-based, PCR-based and other assays as required.
• Collect and analyze data from various assays, track and trend data, and establish specifications for critical process controls.
• Author, review and approve SOPs, study protocols, reports and other scientific and quality documents.
• Ensure that assays meet regulatory requirements in all regions relevant to the company, in compliance with the Quality Management System.
• Identify and evaluate new technologies and incorporate them into product quality assessments as appropriate.
• Perform technology transfer of assays to the Quality Unit through training of personnel and support of further qualification/validation efforts.
• This position requires hands-on laboratory work.
• Present scientific data to colleagues in group meetings, prepare and present internal and external presentations (presentations, posters, publications).
• Perform additional duties to support the safe and efficient operation of the laboratory, and other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

• Bachelors in biological sciences with 2+ years’ experience, or Masters with 0-2 years’ experience, preferably in a biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry setting
• Highly familiar with standard analytics equipment and procedures including, but not limited to Flow cytometry, ELISA, DNA/RNA analysis, cell-based and screening assays, protein analysis, sterility, mycoplasma, endotoxin, cell-counting, qPCR, ddPCR, IHC/pathology
• A solid understanding of aseptic techniques and technologies
• Demonstrated ability to develop and optimize biological and/or chemical assays
• Demonstrated ability to be highly productive and successful in a fast paced work environment with excellent attention to details and meticulous bench work
• Demonstrated ability to cooperate with a larger team to solve a wide range of problems in creative and practical ways
• Demonstrated ability to write technical documents with minimal supervision
• Competency in computer skills and familiarity with Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

#LI-AL1

BlueRock Therapeutics Company Culture Highlights

Winner of Boston Business Journal's Best Places to Work (Mid-size Company) 2023

Winner of Comparably's Award for Best Company for Diversity 2022

Winner of Comparably's Award for Best Company for Women 2022

Winner of Comparably's Award for Best CEO 2022

BlueRock Therapeutics is ranked in the top 5% of companies for Overall Culture on Comparably.

Engineering Department is ranked in the top 5% of companies for Overall Culture on Comparably.

Check us out on Comparably: https://www.comparably.com/companies/bluerock-therapeutics

Follow us on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bluerocktx/