Archive for the Current Openings Category

Research Associate, Immuno-oncology

Reports to: SVP, Immuno-oncology

Job Description

The Research Associate is expected to effectively support the completion of key studies in the preclinical development of Kineta’s pipeline with a focus on our immuno-oncology programs. This individual will take a supporting role in studying the in vivo and in vitro pharmacology of the lead antibody candidates directed against different immunological targets. This will include, but not be limited to efficacy studies as well as in vivo and in vitro studies to evaluate mechanisms of action. On a daily basis, the individual is expected to work autonomously and be able to engage other scientific members in the company to ensure timely completion and reporting of program objectives. Additionally, the individual will support regular laboratory operations including tissue culture, reagent preparation, equipment maintenance, and organization. The candidate will possess proven skills to adapt and quickly learn a new field of research in a dynamic drug discovery environment including: independent thinking, ability to interpret and present research data and excellent communication skills. As needed, the individual will support other aspects of the preclinical development of these candidate antibodies including their formulation, stability, bioanalytical method development and analysis, and functional testing in in vitro and ex vivo models.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

This candidate will have knowledge and skills to support discovery and preclinical development of antibodies being evaluated for immuno-oncology. Work autonomously and support other members of the scientific team in both program objectives and laboratory management. Ensure experimental optimization, planning, execution, data analysis and interpretation and study report generation.

Desired Qualifications

• BS Degree in Biosciences and a minimum of 2 years laboratory experience is required.
• Strong experimental skills with demonstrated ability to plan, optimize and execute experiments.
• Must be able to work autonomously and effectively on multiple aspects of the program in a fast-paced environment.
• Engage literature and knowledge from current scientific advances when planning experiments and interpreting data.
• Experience in tissue culture including primary cells and developing in vitro and ex vivo immuno-assays is required.
• Experience in molecular biology including cloning, protein expression and immunoassays.
• Experience supporting in vivo models including tumor biology is desired.
• Must support the management of laboratory operations including ordering and receiving incoming items, waste disposal, regular cleaning and maintenance of the laboratory space, regular and as needed equipment maintenance, equipment alarm response, monthly lab safety audits for the EH+S.
• Management of daily and weekly laboratory maintenance tasks and lab organization.
• Must work with peers, operations personnel, and outside vendors to maintain and improve lab operations and troubleshoot supply and equipment issues.

Email resumes to: resumes@kineta.us

Scientist, Immune-oncology

Reports to:  VP of Immuno-oncology

Job Description

The Scientist will support the preclinical development of new immuno-oncology drugs for the treatment of diverse solid and hematologic malignancies. The successful candidate will be responsible for the design, execution and interpretation of in vitro and in vivo experiments related to the selection and characterization of lead compounds, as well as understanding the mechanism of action / target biology. Hands on experience with development and execution of cell-based immunoassays utilizing human and murine primary cells and cell lines, flow cytometric analyses, and general molecular biology techniques is required. Experience with design and execution of syngeneic in vivo tumor models for evaluation anti-tumor efficacy, effects on tumor microenvironment and related anti-tumor immune responses induced by immuno-oncology based therapies and is also desired. The candidate will be required to optimize experimental systems, work independently and direct research associates to ensure timely completion of studies. Strong analytical, written and oral communications skills are required to present experimental findings at internal/external meetings and through written reports. A successful Scientist will possess proven skills to optimize experimental systems and solve scientific problems in a dynamic drug discovery environment. Candidates should be highly motivated individuals, strongly laboratory work oriented, with excellent organizational skills. Independent thinking and excellent communications skills are desired.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Responsibilities of the position will include evaluation of lead compounds in in vitro immunological assays as well as in vivo tumor models, characterization of the anti-tumor immune responses as well as the effect of various modalities on the tumor microenvironment. The candidate will be required to work both independently and in a multidisciplinary team setting under the supervision of the Vice-President of Immuno-oncology to ensure timely completion of studies and is expected to present experimental findings at joint project meetings and through written reports.

Experience designed and executing studies with techniques including whole blood and cell isolation, cell culture and cell-line generation/maintenance, immunohistochemistry/fluorescent microscopy, flow cytometric based assays, ELISA, in vitro cell based immune assays (ex. T cell activation, myeloid cell activation/differentiation, MLR, ADCC, etc) and in vivo tumor models are desired. Good communication skills and ability to collaborate across multidisciplinary scientific discovery settings are a must.

Desired Qualifications

• Master’s degree with >5 years of relevant Immuno-oncology experience.
• A Ph.D. with experience in the field of Immunology or Immuno-oncology.
• Experience in tumor immunology and preclinical drug development desired.
• Computer proficient (Windows), possess excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Show attention to detail.
• Experience working in a fast-paced research environment.

Email resumes to: resumes@kineta.us

Project Manager Job Description

Kineta is seeking an experienced project manager to support diverse preclinical drug development programs. The successful candidate will join our multidisciplinary team developing life changing science technologies in immuno-oncology, neuroscience and biodefense. Under direction, the candidate will be responsible for the planning, management and completion of R&D projects on a wide variety of programs at different stages of drug discovery. The candidate will use project management skills to identify resource requirements, define project deliverables, prepare program reports, and ensure high quality and timely completion of projects while managing project budgets.

Ability to manage effective communication and relationships between scientific teams, executive leadership and research collaborators is critical. Experience with government funded programs and early stage drug development is required.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The candidate will be required to work both independently and in a multidisciplinary team setting to ensure timely completion and reporting of program objectives. The applicant will be responsible for:

• Scheduling and facilitating cross-functional project teams and departmental meetings
• Responsible for meeting agendas, minutes, project status and follow-up of action items
• Assisting with data reports both internally and with funding agencies as well as creating and updating data summaries
• Leads the preparation of project budgets, updates of forecasts and issuance of variance explanations.
• Tracking agreements and research milestones for external collaborations
• Highly collaborative with outstanding written and verbal communication and relationship management skills.
• Fosters effective and collaborative working relationships with fellow employees, management and external partners.

• A proactive and strategic thinker, with strong facilitation, problem-solving and issue resolution skills.

• Adaptive leadership style with ability to influence teams without formal authority.
• Anticipates and identifies project risks, contributes to mitigation strategies and contingencies and supports timely action plans and issue resolution.

The successful candidate will work both independently and as a team player, learn new skills in a dynamic drug discovery environment and quickly take on responsibility and ownership of PM duties. Kineta is seeking a highly motivated individual with excellent organizational and writing skills. Independent thinking, ability to interpret and present research data and excellent communications skills are required.

Desired Qualifications

• Proven interpersonal skills with the ability to work collaboratively and tactfully with scientific leaders, and functional area representatives
• Experience working in a fast-paced research or technology environment
• CAPM or PMP certification a plus
• Proficiency with program management software (Smart Sheets or Microsoft project preferred)
• Biotech / Pharmaceutical Industry experience preferred
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Immunology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, or related field preferred, but not required
• Minimum of 5 years of Project Management experience

Email resumes to: resumes@kineta.us