Scientist I/II, Pharmacology and Translational Science

About Artiva:

We are a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing natural killer (NK) cell-based therapies. Our mission is to develop effective, safe, and accessible cell therapies for patients with devastating autoimmune diseases. We aim to develop therapies that patients and physicians can utilize in a community setting. Our lead product candidate, AlloNK®, is a non-genetically modified, cryopreserved NK cell therapy being evaluated in combination with B-cell targeted monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). We believe the compelling cell killing properties of NK cells, when combined with mAbs for targeting, creates an opportunity to generate potentially transformative therapies.

For more information, visit www.artivabio.com.

Job Summary:

Artiva Biotherapeutics is seeking a skilled and highly motivated Scientist who will be responsible for translational assay development and clinical sample testing and data analysis. This position will be responsible for establishing protocols, qualifying assays, and conducting in vitro testing for assessment of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic response to NK cell therapies, including cell exposure, immune cell activation, and cytokine profiling. The successful candidate will contribute to biomarker development and analysis to support ongoing clinical trials in autoimmunity.  The candidate must have experience with immune-based assays, including flow cytometry and ELISA or MSD, and molecular assays, including DNA isolation and ddPCR/qPCR. The candidate will lead and support translational assay transfers to Contract Research Organizations (CROs), ensuring successful assay implementation and performance while collaborating with CRO teams to review translational data analyses and resolve technical or analytical issues.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform cutting-edge translational research related to autoimmune diseases.
• Develop and conduct cell-based assays such as immunophenotyping, cytotoxicity, cell proliferation, serum cytokine/chemokine analysis (MSD platform a plus).
• Support clinical biospecimen characterization, data analysis, and reporting of results in the form of presentation or written reports for ongoing clinical trials.
• Processing human blood samples for biomarker analysis.
• Perform molecular assays including DNA isolation and ddPCR/qPCR for cell exposure and biomarker quantification in support of clinical studies.
• Facilitate and drive technology transfer of translational assays to CROs, including authoring transfer protocols, overseeing qualification runs, reviewing reports, and ensuring successful assay implementation at the CRO.
• Lead the collaboration with CRO to review translational data analyses, troubleshoot assay or data-related issues, and timely delivery of complete datasets
• Assures compliance with protocols, SOPs and work practices.
• Complies with standard laboratory procedures and company policies, including notebook documentation and safety protocols.

Requirements

• PhD. in immunology, life sciences or related discipline, with at least 2 years of experience or MS degree with 7+ years or BS with 10+ years of experience within the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry.
• Expertise in multi-parameter flow cytometry (panel design, sample acquisition, data processing), immune cell functional assays (e.g. proliferation, cytokine production, cytotoxicity), and molecular assays (e.g. DNA isolation, ddPCR/qPCR, primer design).
• A strong background in human immunology – experience working with human NK, B, T and myeloid cells is desired.
• Demonstrate basic immunology training with strong cellular immunology and cell culture technical skills, including experience with PBMC isolation and cryopreservation.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team, attention to detail and data quality and demonstrating excellent communication and interpersonal skills is required.
• Excellent computer skills with experience using flow cytometry analysis software, including FlowJo or OMIQ, Graphpad PRISM, and Microsoft office.

Competencies:

• Decision Making
• Attention to detail
• Problem Solving
• Time Management
• Strategic Thinker
• Analysis & Reporting                          

Attributes:

• Honesty/Integrity
• Excellent communicator
• Self-starter, Forward thinking   
• Motivated  
• Accountable/Reliable
• Creative/Imaginative and Confident
• Self-controlled, Intuitive
• Positive and Committed
• Ambitious/driven and Agile
• Collaborative and Transparent
• Adaptable/Flexible     

In addition to a great culture, we offer:

• A beautiful facility 
• An entrepreneurial, highly collaborative, and innovative environment
• Comprehensive benefits, including:
• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Group Life Insurance
• Long Term Disability (LTD)
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Company paid holidays, including the year-end holiday week
• Our recognition program, Bonus.ly, is where you can trade in points earned for things you want.

In addition to a great culture, we offer:

• A beautiful facility 
• An entrepreneurial, highly collaborative, and innovative environment
• Comprehensive benefits, including:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Group Life Insurance
• Long Term Disability (LTD)
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Company paid holidays, including the year-end holiday week
• Our recognition program, Bonus.ly, is where you can trade in points earned for things you want.

If all this speaks to you, come join us on our journey!

Base Salary: $120,000 - $142,000. Exact compensation may vary based on level, skills and experience