Research Associate II , Molecular Engineering

Company Overview
ImmunityBio, Inc. (NASDAQ: IBRX) is a commercial-stage biotechnology company developing cell and immunotherapy products that are designed to help strengthen each patient’s natural immune system, potentially enabling it to outsmart the disease and eliminate cancerous or infected cells. We envision a day when we no longer fear cancer, but can conquer it, thanks to the biological wonder that is the human immune system. Our scientists are working to develop novel therapies that harness that inherent power by amplifying both branches of the immune system, attacking cancerous or infected cells today while building immunological memory for tomorrow. The goal: to reprogram the patient’s immune system and treat the host rather than just the disease.

Why ImmunityBio?
• ImmunityBio is developing cutting-edge technology with the goal to transform the lives of patients with cancer and develop next-generation therapies and vaccines that complement, harness and amplify the immune system to defeat cancers and infectious diseases.
• Opportunity to join a publicly traded biopharmaceutical company with headquarters in Southern California.
• Work with a collaborative team with the ability to work across different areas of the company.
• Ability to join a growing company with professional development opportunities.

Position Summary

The Research Associate II will assist with the discovery, research and development of immunotherapies across multiple therapeutic areas. The role supports planning and conducting everyday experiments to generate plasmid DNA molecules and mRNA for the R&D group. The Research Associate II will contribute directly in the design, execution and troubleshooting for efficient production of recombinant DNA and RNA and has an important impact in providing necessary molecules in support of Antibody Discovery, Vaccine Development, NK/T-Cell Therapeuties and CAR Development.

Essential Functions

• Assists with DNA cloning including PCR, restriction enzyme digests, plasmid assembly, bacterial transformations, and plasmid purifications
• Maintains records of all constructs produced (sequences, raw reads, QC results, stock inventory)
• Assists with In vitro transcription and RNA purifications
• Contributes to in vitro selection experiments
• Helps with Protein expression using mammalian cell culture and bacterial expression
• Assists with Protein purification using affinity chromatography
• Participates in training of basic molecular biology techniques to junior personnel
• Supports all lab duties
• Adheres to and makes recommendations to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and process improvements
• Performs ad-hoc and cross-functional duties and/or projects assigned to support business needs and provide developmental opportunities.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in a scientific discipline with 2+ years of industry experience required; Or Master’s degree in a scientific discipline with some industry experience required
• Experience in Molecular Biology techniques: oligo design, PCR, mutagenesis, diverse cloning experience, data analysis, in vitro transcription and RNA production required
• Experience in protein expression in mammalian and bacterial systems required
• Experience with in vitro selection techniques preferred

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Ability to demonstrate a motivation to learn and be a self-starter
•  Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with flexibility while juggling multiple priorities
• Ability to plan and perform various experiments with accuracy, precision, and minimal guidance from supervisor
• Ability to troubleshoot and solve problems independently as well as analyze data and reach a simple conclusion
• Ability to prepare data presentations for group meetings independently
• Ability to keep an organized lab notebook with emphasis on formal description of experiments intended for IND enabling studies
• Ability to use electronic and lab inventories independently
• Ability to ship and receive diverse reagents to/from CROs or collaborators
• Ability to keep organized records of important reagents intended for general lab use
• Proficient in MS Office software (Word, Excel, powerpoint)
• Work well in collaborative environment

Working Environment / Physical Environment

• Working environment is within an approximately 2,000 square foot lab space equipped with biosafety cabinets for mammalian cell culture and equipment sufficient to complete the tasks described above.
• This position works on-site
• Minimal travel may be required
• Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and to use standard office equipment, including a computer.
• Lift and carry materials weighing up to 20 pounds.

This position is eligible for a discretionary bonus and equity award. The annual base pay range for this position is below. The specific rate will depend on the successful candidate’s qualifications, prior experience as well as geographic location.

$81,000 (entry-level qualifications) to $89,100 (highly experienced) annually

The application window is anticipated to close on 60 days from when it is posted or sooner if the position is filled or closed.

ImmunityBio employees are as valuable as the people we serve. We have built a resource of robust benefit offerings to best support the total wellbeing of our team members and their families. Our competitive total rewards benefits package, for eligible employees, include: Medical, Dental and Vision Plan Options • Health and Financial Wellness Programs • Employer Assistance Program (EAP) • Company Paid and Voluntary Life/AD&D, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability • Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts • 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match • 529 Education Savings Program • Voluntary Legal Services, Identity Theft Protection, Pet Insurance and Employee Discounts, Rewards and Perks • Paid Time Off (PTO) includes: 11 Holidays • Exempt Employees are eligible for Unlimited PTO • Non-Exempt Employees are eligible for 10 Vacation Days, 56 Hours of Health Pay, 2 Personal Days and 1 Cultural Day •  We are committed to providing you with the tools and resources you need to optimize your Health and Wellness.

At ImmunityBio, we are an equal opportunity employer dedicated to diversity in the workplace. Our policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons without regard to race, gender, color, disability, national origin, age, religion, union affiliation, sexual orientation, veteran status, citizenship, gender identity and/or expression, or other status protected by law.