Associate Scientist/Scientist Cell-Based Assays & In Vivo Oncology (Temporary to direct)

About Us

Aragen Bioscience is a leading contract research organization focused on accelerating product development. Aragen’s offerings include pre-clinical efficacy studies and cell-based assays as well as antibody discovery, recombinant protein production, and purification and stable cell line development. We offer clients high quality service and superior R&D partnerships.

Job Title 

Associate Scientist – Cell-Based Assays & In Vivo Oncology (temporary to direct)

We are seeking an Associate Scientist/Scientist with strong hands-on proficiency in cell-based assay development and execution, together with demonstrated experience managing in vivo tumor models. The successful candidate will work under the direction of a director.

Essential Functions

The successful candidate will be responsible for the design, execution, and troubleshooting of cell-based assays and for the day-to-day management of in vivo tumor efficacy studies supporting preclinical oncology programs.  The candidate will be an innovative, independent and motivated professional. Cell-based assay responsibilities include development, qualification, and routine execution of viability, proliferation, cytotoxicity, ADCC/CDC, reporter, and target-engagement assays; maintenance of primary and immortalized cell cultures and cell banks; ELISA/MSD, Western blot/JESS, flow cytometry, and quantitative PCR; and inventory and tracking of samples generated by preclinical projects. 

In vivo responsibilities include tumor cell preparation, management of xenograft and syngeneic tumor models (including tumor measurement and body-weight monitoring, dosing by multiple routes [IP, IV, PO, SC], randomization and study scheduling, terminal procedures, and tissue and blood collection for downstream analysis). The candidate will maintain accurate study records, support IACUC protocol preparation and amendments, and work in full compliance with applicable animal welfare regulations. The candidate will have experience with troubleshooting assays and should be capable of data analysis, data presentation, managing multiple projects and interested in learning new areas of research. In vitro and cell-based assay responsibilities will constitute ~80% of effort, and in vivo pharmacology 20%.

Basic Qualifications, Skills, & Abilities

• MS or PhD in Biology, Cell Biology, Immunology, Pharmacology, or a related life science discipline
• 3+ years' hands-on experience developing and running cell-based assays within a drug discovery organization or CRO (PhD) or 7+ years (MS)
• Deep knowledge of cell and molecular biology techniques, including sterile technique, and assay troubleshooting and optimization
• Demonstrated experience managing in vivo tumor models, including xenograft and/or syngeneic mouse studies, with proficiency in tumor implantation, caliper measurement, dosing (IP, IV, PO, SC), and terminal procedures
• Working knowledge of IACUC protocol preparation and applicable animal welfare regulations
• Strong data analysis and presentation skills, including dose-response and tumor-growth-inhibition analysis in GraphPad Prism or equivalent, with accurate record keeping
• Working in an environment of teamwork and collaboration
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and proven success working in matrix environments

Aragen Bioscience provides a stimulating work environment in which talented employees expand their technical skills and scientific knowledge and contribute directly to the ongoing success of the organization. We are located in Morgan Hill, California, at the south end of the Silicon Valley. Great reverse Commute!   We offer excellent salaries and benefits.  Aragen is an equal opportunity employer