Turnstone Biologics (“Turnstone”), a public 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 trial in solid tumors for the lead TIL therapy candidate, TIDAL-01, and a Phase 1 trial in partnership with the Moffitt Cancer Center.

 

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.

 

We are seeking a highly effective, self-motivated Senior Research Associate to join our Analytical Development team at Turnstone Biologics. In this role, you will contribute to the advancement of our cell therapy programs, particularly in developing next-generation T-cell therapies for solid tumors. The ideal candidate will be responsible for supporting analytical method development and implementing methods for drug product (DP)/in-process sample characterization with minimal guidance. Key responsibilities include designing and conducting experiments, analyzing, and interpreting results, and communicating findings in team meetings. The position is an onsite, lab-based role in La Jolla, CA, with responsibilities as an individual contributor, reporting to the Director of Analytical Development.

 

KEY RESPONSIBLITIES

 

  • Contribute to development, optimization and pre-qualification of analytical methods and provide analytical service support

  • Perform analytical testing in support of drug product characterization, in-process control, lot release, and stability testing.
  • Provide analytical support for process development and manufacturing operations.
  • Draft Test Methods, protocols and reports
  • Analyze/summarize experimental data and present findings at internal group meetings.
  • Manage lab reagent inventory and participate in lab maintenance activities as assigned
  • Document laboratory procedures and experiments in an Electronic Lab Notebook (ELN).
  • Support method transfer to partners at external contract manufacturing organizations.
  • Additional duties as assigned.

 

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

  • BS or MS in Biology with 2-5 years of analytical development experience in the cell and gene therapy
  • Hands-on experience with multi-color flow cytometry and ELISA-based method development and troubleshooting is required.
  • Experience with immune cell culture and cell-based functional assay development is desired. 
  • Experience in writing/reviewing SOPs and technical reports is required.
  • Experience with statistical data analysis and plotting using JMP and SQL is a plus.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Basic understanding of ICH guidelines for method qualification/validation.
  • Demonstrates self-awareness, integrity, authenticity, and a growth mindset in a startup environment.
  • Self-motivated, and willing to accept temporary responsibilities outside of initial job description.
  • Strong interpersonal, teamwork, and organizational skills; effective oral and written communication skills.

 

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

 

At Turnstone, we prioritize the well-being and success of our team. Join us and enjoy a competitive compensation package, including a base salary and performance-based bonuses. Our comprehensive benefits include:

 

  • Healthcare Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your dependents.
  • Retirement Planning: 401(k) plan with employer contributions.
  • Time Off: Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
  • Workplace Flexibility: Flexible schedules and remote work options.

 

Turnstone Biologics welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodation is 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.