Turnstone Biologics is a clinical stage biotechnology company developing new medicines to treat and cure solid tumors by pioneering a differentiated approach with a clinically validated technology, tumor infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy. Turnstone’s innovative TIL therapy, which is designed to extend the efficacy of TILs to multiple solid tumor indications by selecting and manufacturing the most potent tumor-reactive T-cells (Selected TILs) for tumor eradication, represents the Company’s foundational therapeutic modality driving its cancer immunotherapy pipeline. The Company recently commenced two clinical trials in various solid tumor types with its lead Selected TIL therapy candidate, TIDAL-01, one of which is in collaboration with Moffitt Cancer Center. Turnstone is developing additional strategies to further potentiate the clinical benefit of Selected TILs, including use in combination with their novel viral immunotherapy.

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.

Position Overview:

Turnstone is seeking a Research Associate/Senior Research Associate to join our team of immunologists driving the development of TIL therapies for the treatment of cancer. This successful candidate will drive various aspects of in vitro by designing and executing experiments, analyzing data, and presenting results in a collaborative team setting. This is an exciting opportunity to work alongside senior researchers and project teams to perform discovery and development research that will ultimately create new medicines for cancer patient.

Turnstone’s T Cell therapy technology is based around a powerful new Selected-TIL process that revolutionizes the generation of tumor targeted T cells for adoptive cell therapy. Your role will be to work with a team of immunologists and molecular biologists to invent and develop these next gen T cell products for preclinical and clinical evaluation. There will be additional opportunities to continually refine the technology and manufacturing processes for this class defining therapy. If you have experience with T cell manipulation, engineering, and culture, then this opportunity may be just what you are looking for.

You will work alongside senior researchers and supporting technical colleagues within project teams at our state-of-the-art facilities in San Diego and participate in designing and executing cell-based human immunology studies 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.

Passionate about being a part of a critical function of a growing company and continuous learning? This could be the opportunity for you! In this role, you will have the opportunity to develop your ability to think strategically and drive fast-paced execution as part of a matrixed team.

We are in the early stages of building strategies, structures and process so this role will be responsible for delivering and expanding capabilities. We also have opportunities for you to be a mentor to other team members. You would have the opportunity to create something new and grow your career right along with the company.

The Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

• Assessment of TIL functionality using in vitro assays to measure cytotoxicity, expansion, and cytokine secretion.
• Molecular editing of immune cell populations and rapid expansion.
• Assessment of TIL phenotype using flow cytometry.
• Coculture of TILS with tumor samples.
• The design, execution, and analysis of experiments.
• Prepare data/figures to present to senior research staff.
• Contribute to a team-centric culture that values transparency, innovation, integrity, and purpose.
  
  

Experience:

• B.S or M.S in Biology with previous experience in immunology is required.
• Must have extensive experience with mammalian cell culture with excellent sterile technique.
• Experience with multi-parameter flow cytometry is preferred.
• Experience with IncuCyte and/or xCelligence platforms is preferred.
• Experience with lentiviral and/or electroporation techniques for editing and engineering immune cells is a plus.
• Experience with immune cell culture is required.
• Experience with cell sorting is a plus.
• Strong work ethic, positive team-oriented attitude is a must

The anticipated salary range for this role is $70,000 - $95,000.

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.