Translational Research Scientist

Caribou is a leading clinical-stage CRISPR genome-editing biopharmaceutical company founded by pioneers in this field. Leveraging our proprietary technologies, we are developing genome-edited, off-the-shelf immune cell therapies for the treatment of patients with devastating human diseases, including cancer. We believe that cell therapies are critical now and for the future of cancer therapeutics, and that advanced genome editing is necessary to develop sophisticated cell therapies to treat a variety of malignancies. We are developing a pipeline of wholly-owned, genome-edited, off-the-shelf CAR-T and CAR-NK cell therapy product candidates for a range of tumor types. Caribou’s headquarters are in Berkeley, California.

Members of the Caribou herd open their minds to new ideas and welcome diverse perspectives. We proudly assert that teams do their best work when their members are personally engaged, their ideas are taken seriously, their contributions are recognized, and their needs are met.

We are seeking a highly motivated Translational Research Scientist to be part of our pioneering journey in genome editing and autologous cell therapy development.  At Caribou, you'll collaborate with industry leaders in the cell therapy space, helping to build our cutting-edge translational science program. Your role will involve hands-on support for various translational research projects, including clinical biomarker methods development and preclinical experimentation with allogeneic cell therapies.  This is an incredible opportunity to interact with talented team members across the organization and contribute to the growth and advancement of our clinical stage allogeneic cell therapy pipeline and technology. If you're ready to make an impact and be part of a groundbreaking team, we encourage you to apply!

Responsibilities will include:

• Independently design and perform cell-based functional and biochemical experiments to assess functional impact of next generation allogeneic cell therapies in vitro and in vivo
• Organize and analyze results, and communicate effectively at research and cross-functional meetings
• Develop sensitive and robust biomarker analytical methods to support clinical biomarker testing, characterization of investigational allogeneic cell therapy drug products and agency filings
• Write and review test method procedures, protocols, and development reports as part of analytical method transfers
• Work collaboratively and effectively across Caribou’s functional areas and interface with outside contract organizations
• Serve as subject matter expert within department, cross-functional areas and external contract organizations
• Coordinate tasks across multiple projects, demonstrating prioritization and planning

Qualifications:

• PhD degree in life sciences, cell biology, immunology with 2-5 years’ post doc experience
• Direct experience in cell therapy research including executing cell-based experiments, T cell functional characterization assays (in vitro cytotoxicity, proliferation, cytokine release, phenotyping) and alloreactivity assays (MLR, ELISPOT, T or NK immune rejection)
• Oncology research experience
• Experience with development, validation and tech transfer of analytical methods such as multi-color flow cytometry, ELISA, Luminex, qPCR and ddPCR and RNAScope
• Experience working with human tissue samples (blood, bone marrow and/or CSF)
• Excellent organizational, prioritization and planning skills in a fast-paced team-oriented environment
• Ability to work independently on projects and take initiatives
• Demonstrated ability to work in cross-functional matrix environment
• Strong written and verbal communication, including presentations, to communicate results to a diverse cross-functional audience
• Able to adapt to a dynamic and rapidly changing company environment, and can adjust their workload according to shifting priorities

Nice-to-haves:

• Understanding of translational research and biomarker analysis
• Experience supporting regulatory filings
• Prior experience interacting with health authorities from a technical support perspective

Caribou compensation and benefits include:

• Comprehensive compensation package, which includes stock options and an employee stock purchase program for all employees 
• Salary Range: $125,000 - 155,000 - This represents the present low and high end of the Company’s pay range for this position.  Actual pay will vary based on various factors, including but not limited to location, skill, experience, and performance.   
• Generous paid vacation time, in addition to company-observed holidays and floating holidays 
• Excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance 
• 401(k) retirement savings plan, which includes matching employer contributions 
• Tuition reimbursement program

The benefits and stock purchase described above are subject to the terms and conditions of any governing plans, policies, practices, agreements, or other materials or documents as in effect from time to time, including but not limited to terms and conditions regarding eligibility. 

Caribou is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender (including gender identity and gender expression), sex (which includes pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding), genetic information, taking or requesting statutorily protected leave, or any other basis protected by law. In addition, Caribou prohibits the harassment of any individual on any of the bases listed above or any other characteristics protected under federal, state, or local laws.

Legal authorization to work in the United States is required. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. 

Caribou requires employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 unless they have an approved medical or religious accommodation. Proof of such vaccination will be required as part of the hiring process.

For more information about Caribou, visit www.cariboubio.com and follow the company @CaribouBio.