Scientist – Cellular Immunology

CK Group are recruiting for a Scientist – Cellular Immunology to join a discovery stage biotechnology start-up focused on revolutionising therapies through advanced computational antigen design.
The role will be based at their site in Kings Cross, London and is a permanent role with Mon-Fri day time working hours. 

The Role

We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Cellular Immunologist to join the growing lab team as a core member of the Translational Research Team responsible for Cellular Immunology workflows and vaccine development. This is a lab-based role that requires a combination of scientific and technical expertise in cellular immunology and T cell biology, including antigen processing and MHC presentation. 
You will apply your cellular immunology expertise to participate in the design, optimisation and execution of cell-based assays, supporting the evaluation of our innovative antigen designs. 

Responsibilities:

Actively participate and assist in the development of robust cellular and immunological testing platforms to inform and validate antigen design for therapeutic development.
Participate and assist in the conceptualisation, design, optimisation and execution of innovative functional assays using primary mouse/human cells and cell lines to assess T cell responses, antigen presentation and efficacy.
Characterise T cell responses to antigens using techniques such as flow cytometry, intracellular cytokine staining (ICS), cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) assays, and cytokine profiling.
Cell culture (propagation, isolation, banking and characterisation) of cell lines and primary cells, including processing of immune tissues and PBMC isolation.
Assess antigen delivery, expression, and processing using DNA and mRNA transfection; support formulation of mRNA-LNP therapies for immunisation studies.
Collaborate effectively with other functions within the Translational Research team to support their research activities as needed.
Your Background:

Essential:

A PhD in T cell biology or cellular immunology; OR a PhD in a relevant biology subject with equivalent T-cell experience gained in academia or industry post-PhD.
1-2 years post-graduate experience in an industrial or academic lab setting. 
Background in T cell biology and extensive experience in functional and analytical assays using primary human and/or animal T cells.
Skilled in handling and culturing T cells (primary and cell lines).
Experience in in vitro and ex vivo assays to evaluate cellular immune responses, including cytokine secretion, T cell expansion, intracellular cytokine staining (ICS) and cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) assays.
Experience using multi-parameter flow cytometry (including panel design, staining, and data analysis) for immunophenotyping.
Competent in transfecting cells with plasmid DNA and/or in vitro transcribed (IVT) mRNA.Desirable:

Experience with other immune cell types, in particular, dendritic cells and other antigen-presenting cells (including primary, cell lines, IPSC-derived models).
Experience in TCR and/or MHC engineering.
Hands-on laboratory experience in testing and developing of biologics or vaccines.
Experience automating computational analysis workflows for flow cytometry data.
Experience designing and performing preclinical mouse studies to evaluate T cell responses.
Experience with the production of mRNA and formulation of mRNA-LNPs.
Experience with T-cell targeting antigen design and optimisation.
Proficient in molecular biology methods such as cloning, DNA amplification, and transfection.
Apply:
It is essential all applicants hold entitlement to work in the UK. Please quote job reference (Apply online only) in all correspondence. 
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