Research Technician - Novasenta, A UPMC Enterprises Portfolio Company

Description

Novasenta is a UPMC Enterprises funded biotech start-up focused on discovering novel therapeutic targets to develop innovative and effective treatments with the goal of transforming the lives of patients with cancer. 

The responsibility of the Research Technician is to perform laboratory activities to support the therapy development efforts of Novasenta. The goal is to partner with the scientific team to develop new cancer therapies targeting immunoregulatory mechanisms in the tumor microenvironment. This role will report to the Principal Scientist.

Responsibilities:

• Reports to Principal Scientist to ensure meeting the goals of Novasenta and pursuing the most promising targets within the tumor microenvironment for the development of therapeutics
• Conducts routine and non-routine lab procedures and assays for molecular, cellular and metabolic characterization of relevant samples from mouse models of cancer and human clinical cancer tissue under the supervision of Principal Scientist
• Assists experimental team members in biological, immunological assay development to investigate mechanisms of immune-mediated effects of novel identified targets
• As needed, supports the development and validation of new technologies for molecular, cellular and metabolic characterization of samples
• Documents and maintains a detailed and precise record of work performed
• Performs lab managerial, which includes ordering supplies and maintaining inventory, ensuring safety, service and maintain laboratory instruments of the lab, etc.

• Competitive pay and benefits package.
• A fast-paced startup culture combined with the stability of a well-established entity (UPMC).
• Work with some of the leaders in the immunotherapy and cancer field.
• Opportunity to be part of a growing, dynamic and diverse team of highly skilled professionals discovering novel cancer therapies and making an impact on patient care.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, biochemistry, or closely related field with 1-2 years of experience in industry or academic research lab setting
• Basic skills in laboratory techniques
• Prior research experience desired experience with several of the following relevant techniques:
• Mammalian cell culture
• Flow cytometry and cell sorting
• Molecular biology techniques (e.g., PCR, development of genetic constructs, cloning, primer design, etc.)
• NGS (WGS, WES or RNAseq, including preparation of genomic libraries)
• Processing and characterization of fresh human tumor samples
• Experience with Prism, Flowjo, MS office is desired
• Experience in working under GLP standards and ensuring safety compliance under BSL-2
• Experience with laboratory information system (LIMS) is a plus
• Good verbal and written communication skills and the ability to interpret, summarize, and present results in a clear, concise, accurate manner
• Must be team oriented and able to work in a highly collaborative and interactive work environment to complete complex tasks
• Must be able to manage multiple and rapidly changing priorities and have ability to quickly learn new skills
• Must be detail-oriented and well organized

Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances:

UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran