Scientist / Sr. Scientist, Immunology

Janux Therapeutics is seeking a highly motivated Scientist / Sr. Scientist with demonstrated skills in the field of cancer immunology and/or immune cell biology. The incumbent will characterize and develop large molecules as an integral member of the drug discovery team, collaborating with senior management as required. The individual will provide technical and scientific expertise in efforts to understand drug-induced innate and adaptive immune responses against cancer. A successful candidate will have extensive hands-on experience with flow cytometry, cytokine evaluation assays, T cell activation, tumor cell killing, and other immunological and cancer biology techniques. The incumbent will also be responsible for internal research efforts related to pre-clinical drug discovery and characterization.

This position is hands-on and requires the effective communication and documentation of results that enable the advancement of novel research molecules toward development candidates. The ideal applicant will be collaborative and team-oriented, possess excellent communication and organizational skills, and carry a strong commitment to excellence.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

These may include, but will not be limited to:

• Design, conduct, analyze, interpret, and report laboratory experiments
• Execute standard experiments evaluating T cell activation, co-stimulation, cancer cell targeting and cytotoxicity
• Perform functional molecule screens to help advance programs from hits to leads to development candidates
• Execute standard operating procedures as well as develop new ones within the Janux programs
• Develop, validate and troubleshoot new immuno-oncology assays, and create detailed protocols and related documents
• Help manage internal laboratory activities under tight timelines
• Conduct multiple research activities in parallel
• Support identification and prioritization of high-impact research activities
• Keep up with published literature centered around cancer targets and immuno-oncology therapies directly relevant to Janux programs
• Other duties as deemed necessary

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• PhD and 1-3+ years of postdoctoral training in immunology or immuno-oncology is preferred or highly proficient MS with 8+ years of experience
• Strong background and solid hands-on experience with multi-parameter flow cytometry (15+ colors) including specialty assays (proliferation, cytokines, cytotoxicity, phosphor-flow, apoptosis, etc.) and proficiency using FlowJo and GraphPad Prism software is required
• Current knowledge of oncology and immuno-oncology research, drug discovery and development, with emphasis on immune cell activation, checkpoint inhibition, and T cell exhaustion pathways, as well as markers and assays to evaluate anti-tumor efficacy is essential
• Experience with bispecific antibody immuno-oncology therapies is preferred
• Proficiency in isolation, culture, activation and differentiation of primary human immune cells (mainly T cells, PBMCs and TILs)
• Proven experience with assays evaluating immune cell functional and exhaustion status, as well as cell-mediated tumor killing
• Understanding of T cell signaling pathways and experience with signaling assays and readouts is highly desired
• Proficiency with multiplex cytokine / chemokine evaluation platforms is required (ELISA, MSD, CBA, etc.)
• Experience with basic flow cytometry equipment maintenance is a strong advantage
• Experience setting up immuno-oncology specific in vitro model systems
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Effective troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
• Success in this role requires great attention to detail with the ability to multitask
• Skills to be an effective team player, strong individual contributor, self-motivated, flexible, and able to handle multiple tasks and deliver high-quality results under tight timelines
• High organization skills and diligence with documentation is required

Compensation:

In addition to a competitive base salary ranging from $105,000 to $125,000 for a Scientist, and $120,000 to $140,000 for a Sr. Scientist, we offer stock options, a stock purchase plan (ESPP) and a target bonus. Janux also provides a comprehensive benefits package for our employees and their families, which includes medical, dental, vision, and supplemental disability insurance.

Please note that the base salary range is a guideline, and individual total compensation will vary based on factors such as qualifications, skill level, competencies, internal equity and work location.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401K
• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Supplemental disability insurance plans
• Flexible schedule
• Life insurance
• Flexible vacation
• Sick time
• Incentive stock option plan

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work authorization:

• United States (Required)

Additional Compensation:

• Annual targeted bonus %

Work Location:

• On site required – San Diego

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:

Janux Therapeutics, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to providing a work environment free of harassment and discrimination based upon a protected category, as well as an environment free from retaliation for protected activity.

Notice to Recruiters and Third-Party Agencies

The Talent Acquisition team manages the recruitment and employment process for Janux. To protect the interests of all parties involved, Janux will only accept resumes from a recruiter once a fully-executed search agreement is in place. Agencies are hereby specifically directed not to contact Janux employees directly in an attempt to present candidates. Janux will consider any candidate for whom an Agency and/or Recruiter has submitted an unsolicited resume to have been referred, free of any charges or fees.