Scientist II, Cellular and Molecular Immunotherapy
Functional Characterization of Gene Modified Cells
bluebird bio is developing potentially transformative, one-time gene therapies for severe
genetic and orphan diseases. At the heart of bluebird bio’s product creation efforts is its
broadly applicable gene therapy platform for the development of new treatments for
diseases with few or no clinical options. bluebird bio has two clinical stage product candidates
in development, one for childhood cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy (CCALD) and one for betathalassemia major/sickle cell disease, and an early stage oncology program in partnership
with Celgene Corporation.
Join bluebird bio’s enthusiastic and collaborative Cellular Immunotherapy team by contributing
to the overall success of our novel gene-based immunotherapy approach. This new Scientist will
join our group to design, develop and evaluate novel cellular immunotherapy approaches for
clinical applications.
Primary responsibilities:
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Design, develop and construct lentivirus vectors to genetically modify freshly isolated
CD34+ cells and T lymphocytes
Design and develop approaches to expand at small and large scale the gene modified
cells in culture.
Design and develop flow cytometry-based assays to characterize freshly isolated
primary CD34+ stem cells and T lymphocytes and following in vitro culture
Design and develop cell-based assays to assess the functional characteristics of
genetically modified CD34+ cells and T lymphocytes
Design and develop animal models of cellular immunotherapy in autoimmune disease
and Oncology to evaluate efficacy and safety of cellular immunotherapies in vivo
Prepare all technical reports needed in support of an exploratory project moving to
process development
Exercise independent judgment in development of new methods, techniques and
evaluation criteria
Requirements
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PhD in tumor biology, molecular biology or immunology
2+ years’ experience beyond Ph.D. as a post-doc in a relevant field a plus
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Experience in molecular cloning - Experience with viral vector or vaccine production is a
plus
Expertise in mammalian cell culture, with specific experience isolating and propagating
in vitro culture of human CD34+ cells and human/mouse T lymphocytes
Experience with flow cytometry of primary human cells – cell sorting experience a plus
Experience with immune effector cell functional assays (proliferation, cytokine
production, chromium release assays)
Experience in working in animal models of adoptive immunotherapy for autoimmune
disease or Oncology a plus
Proven ability to effectively plan and organize work activities and prioritize task
completion to meet schedules and deadlines
Ability to work as part of a team, collaborating with members of other functional groups
Understanding of safe lab practices and BSL requirements
Excellent computer skills and experience with Microsoft Excel. Flow cytometry data
analysis software experience essential
Superb organizational and communications, both written and oral, skills and “do-whatit-takes” attitude
Independently motivated, detail oriented and good problem solving ability
Excellent organizational skills, sufficient to multi-task in an extremely fast-paced
environment with changing priorities
Be ready to embrace the principles of the bluebird bio culture: b colorful, b cooperative,
and b yourself
This is an exciting time to join the field of gene therapy in general, and to become a part of
the bluebird bio team in particular. bluebird bio is a publicly traded company on the NASDAQ
Global Select Market and trades under the symbol BLUE. We were named to the 2012
FierceBiotech Fierce 15. We offer a fast-paced, dynamic, collaborative, colorful, and
scientifically rigorous environment, with all the fun and passion that a start-up provides, plus
an excellent benefits package that includes stock options, commuter/parking benefit, etc.
bluebird bio, 150 Second Street, Cambridge, MA 02141 www.bluebirdbio.com
bluebird bio will only accept job applications from candidates who are properly documented with authorization to work in the
United States.
Note to Employment Agencies: Please do not forward any agency resumes. bluebird bio is not responsible for any fees related to
resumes that are unsolicited.