Scientist

Description

• Conceive and implement novel experimental approaches to address key scientific questions in peptide immunology.
• Strong and reliable executor in the lab to investigate, identify, and optimize new methods, assays, and techniques relevant to peptide therapeutic discovery and immunological mechanism of action.
• Contribute technical insights to projects, particularly in areas such as inflammatory pathways, immune cell trafficking, immune receptor modulation, receptor targeting, target density in tissues, and receptor occupancy.
• We are looking for a Senior Scientist I with a strong background in immunology or in a related biology field to join Immunology Discovery organization in our Immuno-Pharmacology and Peptide Discovery department as a contractor for six months.
• This lab-based position supports both IND-enabling and early-stage discovery programs, as well as peptide platform research and innovation.
• It involves hands-on experimentation in autoimmune disease models and translational in vitro assays and includes developing novel assays to evaluate peptide therapeutics.
• Laboratory Execution: Reliable and consistent executor of immunological experiments in the lab
• Autonomous Experimental Design & Troubleshooting: Operate with a high degree of autonomy in the lab, independently designing experiments and troubleshooting technical challenges with minimal supervision, while maintaining rigorous scientific standards supporting peptide therapeutic programs and platform.
• Immunological Assays & Complex Cellular Systems: Design and execute a broad range of immunological assays (e.g., cytokine profiling, cellular potency assays, cell binding assays, PBMC & whole blood assays) and utilize complex cellular systems to characterize immune responses to peptide therapeutics. Tissue culture experience is required.
• Data Analysis & Follow-Up Experiments: Analyze and interpret experimental data to draw meaningful conclusions, and proactively design follow-on experiments to test new hypotheses and drive the next steps of the project.
• Multidisciplinary Data Integration: Integrate data from multiple disciplines (in vitro assays, in vivo models, molecular and omics readouts) to guide study progression and refine program strategies, ensuring a holistic understanding of peptide immunology outcomes.
• Scientific Communication: Prepare clear and detailed technical reports and documentation of results and effectively communicate findings through presentations and peer-reviewed publications, upholding standards of scientific excellence.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Actively participate in cross-functional team discussions and collaborative troubleshooting sessions with in vivo pharmacology, DMPK, and other internal teams, fostering a cooperative environment to overcome challenges and advance program goals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in Immunology or a related biological science, with typically 10+ years (BS), 8+ years (MS), or 0 years (PhD) of relevant experience.
• Scientific Knowledge: Strong theoretical and practical knowledge of immunology and related biological sciences such as autoimmune disease or oral delivery.
• Technical Expertise (Immunological Assays): Proven experience running cell-based including primary human PBMC and Whole Blood cell assays, proficient with multi-color flow cytometry, cellular potency assays, and other cytokine-based cellular assays.
• Proficient in MSD, ELISA, ICS staining for flow cytometry.
• Immune cell purification and isolation.
• In Vivo Skills: Experience with in vivo rodent (mice and/or rats) models, including hands-on involvement in dosing, tissue collection, and tissue processing.
• Experimental Skills: Proven ability to design, execute, and troubleshoot complex experiments independently is required
• Organization & Documentation: Excellent organizational skills and meticulous documentation practices to ensure data accuracy and integrity.
• Communication: Excellent scientific communication skills (written and oral) for effective report writing, data presentation, and team discussions.
• Team Collaboration: Strong collaboration skills with the ability to contribute effectively in cross-functional team environments.
• Adaptability & Learning: Demonstrated adaptability and curiosity, with a willingness to learn and apply new techniques and methodologies.
• Cell based assay skills
• Flow Cytomtery
• MSD skills
• Immunology skills
• Tissue culture skills

Benefits

Healthcare Insurance: Synectics offers eligible employees and their dependents healthcare coverage through BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois. Eligibility begins on the 1st day of the calendar month following 60 days of continuous full time employment with Synectics. Premiums are subsidized by Synectics.

Dental Insurance: Synectics offers eligible employees and their dependents a dental plan through MetLife. Eligibility begins on the 1st day of the calendar month following 60 days of continuous full time employment with Synectics.

Vision Insurance: Synectics offers eligible employees vision insurance through VSP. Eligibility begins on the 1st day of the calendar month following 60 days of continuous full time employment with Synectics.401(k) Plan: The Synectics Inc. Investment Savings Retirement Plan. Synectics offers all employees who are 21 years of age or older the opportunity to invest in the 401(k) Plan on the first enrollment date that is at least 30 days after employment begins. Enrollment dates are each January 1st, April 1st, July 1st, and October 1st.

Technical Certification Bonus: Synectics is pleased to award its employees a bonus of up to $500 for an approved professional certification. In determining the bonus amount, Synectics will consider the cost of the test(s) for any certification relating to your current position, achieved during your employment with us. Only one Certification Bonus per calendar year may be awarded per employee. Only current, active employees will be eligible to receive this bonus. It will be awarded 90 days after the Synectics office has received documentation confirming the successful completion of the certification.

Synectics is an equal opportunity employer.