Research Scientist: Cellular Engineering

<a target="_blank" href="http://www.pandorumtechnologies.com/">Pandorum Technologies</a> is an innovation driven deep-tech start-up, in the field of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, with operations in India and the USA. Pandorum uses its proprietary technology platform to develop advanced therapeutic formulations consisting of cells, cell modulators and biopolymers for regenerative treatment of human tissue. Pandorum is currently moving into clinical translation, with two pipelines - Regenerative treatment for i) Corneal blindness and ii) Acute Lung Injury. Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), at Charleston, is a key centre for our R&D with translation focus, with clinical studies planned to commence in 2021. Although our primary targets are Cornea and Lung regeneration, the tissue agnostic platform core allows Pandorum to develop advanced regenerative therapeutics beyond individual targets, opening avenues to multi-organ regeneration through cellular reprogramming. Pandorum has recently raised <a target="_blank" href="https://inc42.com/buzz/exclusive-biotech-startup-pandorum-technologies-raises-over-inr-41-cr/">fresh funds</a>, been recognized as one of the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ovJYtcFefg">Top 10 Biotech Start-ups of India 2020</a>, and climbing higher as you read this!

Check out our detailed job description below to know more about us-

Starting date: Immediate Start.

Place of work: Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston (the picturesque city in the East Coast US, known for the attractions like The Battery, Rainbow Row and more).

Responsibilities:

This position within Cellular Engineering group would involve:

1. Performing experiments to design, optimize, characterize, and scale up stem cell culture and sub-culture processes. The candidate will be expected to have a solid background in mammalian stem cell biology.
2. The work will involve understanding how different culture protocols involving nutritional, chemical, physical inducers may affect stem cell expression profile.
3. The candidate is preferred to have knowledge of different genome engineering approaches and apply those as needed for intended applications. The work may involve performing cloning and subcloning processes for editing stem cells and evaluating/developing bioreactor platforms as well as different media for growing stem cells.
4. Purification of cell derived secretome, exosomes for multiple biomarkers- including RNA and protein based biomarker characterization will be a key undertaken.
5. Cell based functional assays based on anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic, anti/ pro-angiogenic, cell migration (scratch) and re-innervation assays will be a key undertaken.
6. Finally, the candidate will be involved in developing a manufacturing ready cell culture platform that can be scaled up consistently to produced cell derived therapeutics.
7. The candidate is required to perform laboratory experiments through cross functional interactions to advance the pipeline and understand the fundamental mechanism associated with stem cell expression and secretome.

Roles and Required Skills will include:

• Conduct and design independent research under the direction of lab Principle Investigator (PI)
• Perform cell culture, genomic analysis, RT PCR, ELISA assays, histology, flow cytometry and other molecular bench work with thorough knowledge of Cell based assays, various microscopic techniques including confocal studies
• Process human, rabbit and murine tissues, extract cells from primary origin and establish culture
• Manage laboratory resources, ordering reagents and other lab supplies as needed.
• Make detailed observations, analyse data, and interpret results. Summarize experimental data timely and assist in drafting figures, results, and methods for publication under the direction of the PI.
• Familiarity with different analytical methods that are used to characterize different stem cells and secretome including secreted protein and exosomes with protein, mRNA and miRNA cargos.
• Acquire a thorough understanding of the present scientific literature relating to the research in the laboratory.
• The candidate should be a Strategic thinker, Evolving subject matter expert in stem cell field, Good publication record, Leads/Participates in various cross functional technology development teams.
• The candidate should Author and contribute to development reports, scientific publications, patents, and regulatory submissions.
• The candidate is required to demonstrate scientific rigor in assessing own data and that of others is important. Utilizes forward-looking perspective to contribute to “go/no go” decisions.
• Work effectively and collegially as a team member within a highly collaborative cross-disciplinary diverse organizational structure. Lead junior research assistants/technicians/students.
• A strong communicator who can effectively present results at internal meetings and external scientific meetings and perform the technical transfer activities and technical support for the clinical/commercial process.


Qualifications:


Essential:
Associate Research Scientist: Masters (MS, MSc, M-Tech) plus minimum three years of experience.

Research Scientist: A PhD in Cellular Biology, Molecular Biology, Biomedical Engineering or a related field.

Laboratory Skills: Cellular Biology, Molecular Biology, Biomedical Engineering or a related field. Must have hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture, flow cytometry, and PCR (real time, RT) analysis. Expertise with immunohistochemistry, histology, microscopy, small animal procedures, mouse models, ELISA assays and other molecular biology assays would be crucial. Must have hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture, flow cytometry, and PCR (real time, RT) analysis. Expertise with immunohistochemistry, histology, microscopy, small animal procedures, mouse models, ELISA assays and other molecular biology assays would be crucial.

Desirable: Candidates with prior experience in stem cell biology, stem cell based secreted cell modulators including exosomes and bioprocessing will be preferred.

Ideal Candidate:
We are a fast-moving start-up primed for exponential growth and look forward to working with the best minds that can push the frontiers of product development using regenerative medicine tools.
An ideal candidate would be a quick-learner, with excellent communication skills, a passion to build cutting edge products who is able to follow new protocols, generate new knowledge, provide suggestions for improvement and multi-task experiments in a fast-paced environment. Additionally, the ideal candidate should have an understanding of good laboratory practices, superior problem-solving skills, have wonderful team dynamics ability and an independent worker.

If you are interested in joining a vibrant company, then please email us with your CV and a cover letter to: contact@pandorumtechnologies.in