Turnstone Biologics (“Turnstone”), a privately held clinical stage biotech company, is developing breakthrough cancer immunotherapies by advancing two leading and complementary platforms that drive innate and adaptive tumor immunity, to provide benefit to the millions of cancer patients underserved by current treatment options. Turnstone’s proprietary vaccinia virus platform is engineered to drive coordinated immune activation, potent viral activity, and local expression of encoded therapeutics. The innovative TIL cell therapy platform leverages clinically validated treatment protocols and has been specifically designed to extend beyond the use of bulk TILs to enrich for the most relevant T-cells for tumor eradication, preserving broad antigen diversity and minimizing time to treatment for patients. The Company has an ongoing Phase 1/2a trial in solid tumors (RAPTOR) for its leading oncolytic virus candidate, RIVAL-01, and is expecting to file an IND for the lead TIL therapy candidate, TIDAL-01, in 2021.
At Turnstone, the science drives decision making and our therapeutics are designed with the patient foremost in mind. We continue to build a world-class, high-performing company that embraces being a learning organization with a sense of urgency. 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 thereafter are what we call ‘another day at Turnstone’? If you are a passionate person, and our science excites you – this opportunity may be for you.
The Animal Research Technician will bring hands-on experience with mouse husbandry and procedures such as syngeneic murine tumour models, intravenous and intramuscular injections, blood collection and necropsy, including experience with processing blood and tissues for ex vivo analysis. The candidate will conduct laboratory activities including performing experiments, analyzing data, and will work closely with other lab members.
Key Duties & Responsibilities:
Primary responsibilities
• Application of preclinical models to enable the translation of cancer therapies
• Characterizing in vivo models, ex vivo assays, syngeneic tumour models, mouse models to optimize their application in preclinical and translational studies for targeted therapies, cancer immunotherapies and combination therapies
• Be highly involved in mouse animal handling requiring proficiency in intravenous, intramuscular, subcutaneous and intraperitoneal injections, frequent tumour measurements, and regular health monitoring of animals
• Performs blood collection through multiple routes, gaseous anaesthesia, tissue harvesting, and animal necropsies
• Be involved in work with culture and/or cell separation methods; virus preparation; drug preparation
Additional responsibilities
• Provide technical support for assays: viral titration, flow cytometry, and fluorescence microscopy
• Operate lab equipment such as centrifuges, pH meters, analytical balances, spectrophotometers, light microscopes and other equipment as instructed
• Performs simple or moderately complex technical procedures
• Participates in data entry and data analysis, including application of statistical analysis techniques using standard software
• May perform study-related administrative tasks. Compiles data from related and/or unrelated sources
• Communicates findings to other lab members and maintains records of experimental data
• Assisting in laboratory maintenance duties such as monitoring inventories, stocking supplies and assuring equipment functionality
• Other duties as required
Interpersonal Skills/Contacts:
• Must have strong interpersonal skills
• Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Respond to and complete tasks as instructed by the P.I. and staff associated with designated research projects by carrying out the requested activities
• Must have a willingness to perform repetitive tasks
• Action oriented and eager to take on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy, and enthusiasm
• Ability to work and contribute in a fast-paced, collaborative team environment
Working Conditions:
• Conditions typical of a research laboratory, animal care facility or vivarium
• Must follow required guidelines to maintain compliance for a clean environment such as wearing personal protection equipment; shower in & out if necessary; following standard SOPs
Education/Experience/Credentials:
• Veterinary Technician Diploma preferred; BSc. in related science; Biotechnology Diploma; or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• 1-3 years’ experience working in research in either an academic or biotech/pharma setting with strong mouse-handling skills; new graduates welcome
• Working knowledge of CCAC guidelines and animal use protocols (AUPs)
• Knowledge and familiarity with regulations, standards, and guidelines for care and use of vertebrate animals in teaching, research, and service
• All work must be performed at the highest quality and with the highest regard for animal welfare
• Must have attention to detail and excellent record keeping skills
• Must possess an excellent work ethic, maintain a professional attitude and maintain high standards to detail, being able to work independently and in a team environment with the ability to interact positively with other team members
• Must be able to detect, analyze and resolve issues professionally as they arise
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.
