Turnstone Biologics Inc. is the leading virus-based immunoncology biotechnology company developing novel oncolytic vaccine therapeutics for cancer patients. Our first-in-class platform technology attacks tumors using a two-pronged approach: targeted and robust tumor killing using an oncolytic virus, in combination with a cancer vaccine that generates long-lasting anti-tumor immune responses. Turnstone is building a world-class, high-performing team that embraces being a learning organization with a sense of urgency. Turnstone has a seasoned board of directors and venture capital partners, is enrolling clinical studies, has a rich development portfolio, and highly active R&D efforts led by a world-class scientific management team. Turnstone is co-located in Ottawa, Canada and New York, USA.

 

How do you know if you’re the right fit?

Imagine coming to work every day where over-communication, transparency, teaching, listening, asking, thinking, working hard, and having fun are normal – actually, expected? Imagine having a coach, mentor, peers, and partners where candid feedback, self-improvement, risk taking, failing, learning from that failing, and succeeding are what we call ‘another Thursday at Turnstone’? At Turnstone, the science drives decision making, and our drugs are designed with the patient in mind. Like the disease we’re fighting, our platform is complex, and transformative. If you’re a passionate person, and our science excites you – this opportunity may be for you.

You will play key roles in the design, execution, and analysis of experiments to further the development of Turnstone Biologics’ growing pipeline. This is an exciting opportunity to work along side senior researchers and project teams to perform discovery and development research that will ultimately inform clinical development.

 

Our company’s technology is based around replicating oncolytic virus vaccines engineered to target tumors and launch massive tumor targeting immune responses.  The core of this technology lies in the designing and building of these genetically constructed viruses.  Your role will be to join a team of immunologists and molecular biologists who engineer and test these nanomedicines for preclinical and clinical development.  There will be additional opportunities to work with our CMC team and other R&D members to continually refine the technology and manufacturing process for this class defining technology. If you have experience with manual, or robotic automation of, cell based and biochemical assays including ELISA, ELISpot assay, PCR and/or mammalian cell culture, are meticulous and driven to achieve; then this opportunity may be just what you are looking for.

 

The Research Assistant/Technologist will work along side senior researchers and project teams and participate in designing and executing cell-based immunology and virology assay following established laboratory standard operating procedures (SOPs). We have an open, transparent and dynamic culture that embraces scientific excellence, integrity, urgency, partnerships with key stakeholders and continuous learning/improvements.

 

The responsibilities include the following:

·       Participate in various aspects of in vitro and in vivo studies including but not limited to: organizing teams, scheduling and executing experiments, collecting, interpreting and communicating results

·       Prepare data/figures to present to senior research staff

·       Generate study reports in a timely manner

·       Contribute to a team-centric culture that embraces scientific excellence, integrity, and urgency

 

What’s in it for you?

In this role, you will have the opportunity to develop your ability to think both strategically and drive fast-paced execution.  With our company size and growth we will give you plenty of opportunities for you to be an inspirational and collaborative co-functional leader.  Passionate about being a part of a critical function of a growing company and continuous learning?  We will have plenty of that for you!  

We are in the early stages of building strategies, structures and process so this role will be busy and expanding. We also have opportunities for you to be a mentor to other team members. You would have the opportunity to create something new and ‘WOW!’ all of us and grow right along with the company.

 

Qualifications

The Research Assistant/Technologist role is best suited for someone with the following:

·       Must hold a MSc in biology/immunology/oncology/pharmacology or a related field with 2+ years of experience or an acceptable combination of education and experience.

·       Experience with in vivo models, isolation and culture of primary cells (both mouse and human).

·       National Institutional Animal User Training Certification (NIAUT) an asset.

·       A working knowledge of immune based in vitro assays, flow cytometry and common molecular techniques (qPCR, ELISA, Western Blot).

·       Experience in T cell function/differentiation/signaling/regulation and vaccines is highly preferred.

 

 

Turnstone Biologics welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.  We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected will be invited for an interview.