Scientist II, Immune-oncology, BD

Based in Menlo Park, CA since 2018, Zai Lab U.S. is focused on discovering and developing novel therapies for the treatment of cancer and inflammatory diseases. We are an innovative, research-based, commercial stage company, with over 1,600 employees worldwide and a diversified and strong pipeline poised for continued growth. This is an exciting time for us as we build our R&D Drug Discovery team and advance our global pipeline, aiming to produce 1-2 global INDs per year.

The successful candidate will be part of a Biology team focusing on the identification, validation, and advancement of novel therapeutic candidates that are designed to modulate the immune system to target cancer cells. The candidate will perform hands-on experiments in vitro and ex vivo to examine target expression, mechanism of action, and potency of our emerging immuno-oncology therapeutics.

This position is located in Menlo Park, CA

Responsibilities:

• Provide experimental support and biology expertise for discovery and validation of new drug targets and preclinical development for existing projects in the immuno-oncology space.
• Implement in-vitro immunologic assays for evaluating activity and mechanism of action of immune oncology drug candidates using cell lines, primary cell cultures and patient samples.
• Develop and perform routine in vitro assays for advancing drug candidates in immune oncology field (ADCC assay, ADCP assay, CDC assay, multicolor flow cytometry, luminescence/fluorescence assay, qPCR, ELISA, cytotoxicity assay, western blot, immune staining, gene knockdown/knockout, gene delivery with lenti/retro virus).
• Develop and perform high-throughput cell-based screening assays for I/O target screening and drug candidate screening.
• Support ex vivo analysis to examine drug pharmacodynamics and biomarker discovery.
• Perform laboratory bench work with minimal supervision and present the results/findings internally and externally.
• Analyze and present data as well as rationale and design of in vitro studies to the department and project teams.
• Work collaboratively on multiple projects concurrently and coordinate activities across functions

Qualifications:

1. Broad training/experience in cell biology, cancer biology, immunology, molecular biology or a related field.
2. PhD or Master's degree with at least 0-2 years (post-PhD) or 8-10 years (post-M.Sc) of hands-on in vitro experience in immunology/cancer biology/immune-oncology.
3. Demonstrated success in designing, conducting, and analyzing data with minimal supervision, as evidenced by a robust track record of productivity with publications in top-tier journals.
4. Experience with laboratory techniques to interrogate immune cell function: may include flow cytometry, cell-based assays, CRISPR and gene editing, Luminex, MSD, IncuCyte-based assays, etc...
5. Strong communication and collaboration skills, and capability to conduct research in fast-paced, cross-functional team environment; ability to communicate results within pharmacology team and at project team meetings required.
6. Excellent troubleshooting and data analysis skills are required.

Disclaimer: This description is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities, or requirement for the position. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or based on disability.