(Senior) Scientist, Translational Sciences

About us:

Our purpose at Dispatch is to help create a world where all cancer patients can be cured. We’re humbled by the opportunity to work together as a team on some of the most pressing medical challenges of our time. 

To achieve our purpose, we are dedicated to engineering a universal treatment across solid tumors. We’re committed to the development of novel therapies, leveraging first-in-class technologies in viral vectors, universal targets, and novel cytokine biology. Our therapeutic approach has the potential to enable us to treat significant numbers of cancer patients and make a real and lasting impact on the world. 

Our company was founded on pioneering work carried out in the laboratories of Dr. Carl June (University of Pennsylvania), Dr. Kole Roybal (University of California, San Francisco), Dr. Christopher Garcia (Stanford University) and Dr. Andy Minn (Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center).

At our company, you would become one of our early team members- not only playing a role in meeting our ambitious mission but also building our thriving culture.  We are determined to deliver with urgency to discover new solutions and we always stay dedicated to scientific rigor; we have an ownership mindset because each and every one of us is integral to our success.  Collaboration is core for us because we believe that by bringing people together with diverse perspectives, we make a stronger whole.  And, we show we care about our work and each other by sharing feedback - ultimately in service of our vision to empower people to continue forward with their lives - cancer free. 

The role:

Dispatch is seeking a Scientist/Senior Scientist to join our Translational Sciences team as a dedicated owner of in-house clinical biomarker assay execution. Reporting to the Director of Translational Sciences, this individual will develop proficiency in our existing translational assay portfolio, including ddPCR, flow cytometry, single-cell RNA-seq sample processing, and MSD immunoassays, and will rapidly take independent ownership of clinical sample testing. The individual will also support oversight of external bioanalytical CROs, including vendor scoping and contracting, assay transfer, validation review, and data reconciliation, and will help build exploratory biomarker capabilities for future programs. This person will collaborate closely with colleagues across Research, Discovery, Clinical Development, and other R&D functions, as well as external CRO and vendor partners.  Candidates will be considered at the Scientist II, III or Senior Scientist level, based on qualifications and experience.

Key responsibilities:

• Execute in-house translational assays on clinical samples (i.e., ddPCR, flow cytometry, single-cell sequencing sample preparation, immunoassays, etc.), with independent ownership of routine testing
• Serve as a technical resource across the in-house assay portfolio, training colleagues as needed to ensure continuity and timely delivery of quality clinical biomarker data
• Contribute to the development and implementation of new and exploratory biomarker methods to support future programs
• Support oversight of external bioanalytical CROs and vendors, including assay transfer, review of bioanalytical plans and validation documents, and data review
• Support vendor scoping, contracting, and change-order management for external bioanalytical work
• Help maintain systems for tracking samples, data, and critical reagent inventory across internal and external testing
• Analyze, interpret, and reconcile biomarker data across internal and external sources, maintaining high-quality documentation
• Communicate results and progress to Translational Sciences, Clinical Development, and other cross-functional teams
• Stay current with the field through attendance and presentation at seminars, journal clubs, and team meetings, and pursue ongoing scientific and professional development

Required experience & skills:

• Ph.D. in a relevant field (e.g., immunology, molecular biology, cell biology) with related postdoctoral or industry experience; candidates with a Master’s or Bachelor’s degree and commensurate industry experience will also be considered
• At least one year of hands-on experience with translational and clinical sample assays (i.e., ddPCR, multiparameter flow cytometry, ligand-binding immunoassays, etc.)
• Experience working with CROs or external vendors on bioanalytical activities, such as assay transfer and validation
• Proven ability to work collaboratively in a cross-functional environment
• Proficiency with electronic lab notebooks (ELN) and data analysis tools (e.g., Benchling, GraphPad Prism, FlowJo, OMIQ, Loupe Browser, Spotfire, Excel)
• Strong attention to detail, with a commitment to accurate and timely documentation
• Excellent organizational, problem-solving and time management skills
• Positive attitude, dedicated work ethic and flexible orientation for operating in a fast-paced environment
• Strong verbal and written communication skills

Preferred experience & skills:

• Experience in the biotechnology/pharmaceutical industry
• Background in cell and gene therapy
• Experience with international clinical trials or global bioanalytical vendors
• Prior experience with vendor contract scoping and management

 #LI-Onsite

Our values:  

Our values guide everything we do. While capabilities and skills are vital, understanding how a potential new colleague would embody our values is central to our hiring decisions.

Determined to deliver:  

By working with focus and passion, we can provide patients with the solutions they need.  

Own every outcome:  

We can reach new heights when we stay centered on our shared success.  

Collaboration at the core:  

When we band together, our work is better.  

Feedback is fundamental:  

Constructive and authentic positive feedback may be difficult to master but it is vital to our success.  

Working here:

• We offer a highly competitive compensation package with meaningful ownership through equity
• Excellent coverage for medical, vision, and dental
• 401(k) with generous contribution
• Life insurance
• Flexible PTO policy
• Additional substantial benefits

We are an equal opportunity employer. 

We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, national origin, or any characteristic protected under applicable law.