Lab Associate

Using living cells to treat – and sometimes even cure – cancer is one of the most dramatic advances in modern medicine. Patients with hematologic malignancies have been successfully treated with cell therapies. However, these profound results have not yet been achieved in patients with solid tumors, representing approximately 90% of all cancers. And for patients with hematologic malignancies, there is a need for next-generation cell therapies that can deliver increased response rates and longer duration of response.  We are a clinical-stage company advancing a pipeline of next-generation CAR T-cell therapies for patients with solid tumors or hematologic malignancies. Lyell’s product candidates are enhanced with novel technology designed to generate T cells that resist exhaustion and have qualities of durable stemness in order to drive durable tumor cytotoxicity and achieve consistent and long-lasting clinical response. We were founded by cell therapy pioneers whose decades of research elevated the broader understanding of T-cell biology and its interaction with cancer. In our quest to advance next-generation CAR T-cell therapies, we have built a fully integrated company capable of discovering new technologies, translating science into therapies, manufacturing cell therapy products, and clinically evaluating them in patients. Our culture is based on Science, Respect, Collaboration, and Courage and reflects who we are, the environment we create, and our mission's urgency. 

The incumbent manages the day-to-day logistics of the Lab including coordinating daily function checks of equipment, cold storage and natural gas supply. Ensuring the effective operation of all laboratory equipment and serves as a point of contact for instrument repairs. This role provides support to lab staff and leadership in a fast paced and dynamic environment.

KEY ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Maintain laboratory equipment performance by upholding quality standards.
• Complete basic troubleshooting steps where possible or arrange for the maintenance and calibration by authorized technicians.
• Plan and implement improvements in systems, processes and procedures to increase efficiency, productivity and quality in the laboratory.
• Responsible to keep the Research team appraised of significant events in the laboratory which impact operations and compliance.
• Lead regulatory and asset audits.
• Ensure that corrective actions are taken for identified errors, and that corrective actions are evaluated for their effectiveness and ability to prevent a recurrence.
• Manage shipping and receiving of temperature sensitive materials.
• Manage compressed and natural gas delivery and distribution throughout points of use.
• Provide a safe environment that protects employees from physical, chemical and/or biological hazards, coordinating with EH&S as required.
• Coordinate the pickup of our various hazardous, chemical and medical waste streams in accordance with OSHA, EPA, RCRA and DOT guidelines, supported by EH&S.
• Support Directors, Scientists, RAs, & partner labs to conduct research efficiently
• Support access control from building entry to Lyell spaces to sensitive areas.
• Responsible for representing the logistical interests of the researchers when coordinating with Accounting, IT, Facilities, EH&S, and any other function that should require it.
• Leads re-development of labs based on ongoing scientific needs

PREFERRED EDUCATION: 

• BSc in molecular biology, chemistry or related field with a minimum of 5 years’ relevant lab management experience.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:  

• Familiarity with molecular biology, animal research, tissue culture, and process development laboratory processes, procedures, and equipment
• Project management experience
• Experience creating and maintaining specific research environments, such as clean rooms, specifically ordered labs, etc
• Implementing laboratory management systems, preferably in a startup environment
• Experience working in and maintaining Biological Safety Level 2 environments

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Understands the experimental objectives and how they fit into the overall project and broader company goals; can understand and support needs of researchers to drive the direction of the projects
• Able to work in a collaborative team environment as well as perform independently driven work
• Can understand and communicate basic cross-functional knowledge from various teams, (ability to comprehend and support lab or equipment based needs from IT, Facilities, Procurement, Accounting, Business Development, as well as the various research teams)
• Proficient in presentation of plans or problems and finding consensus among individually minded people

Our Employee Benefits program is extensive and includes subsidized medical, dental and vision plans from your first day of employment, FSA, Company provided Life and AD&D Insurance as well as STD and LTD Insurance, ESPP, a 401(k) Plan with Company match, mass transit commuter benefits, cell phone reimbursement and a range of supplemental benefits that you may choose to elect. Our paid time-off benefits currently include flexible time off,  8 observed holidays as well as a floating holiday. We also have a winter office shutdown.

At Lyell, we believe that highest performing teams include people from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences who respectfully challenge each other. We are committed to building an open, diverse and inclusive culture for all employees. Lyell is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, citizenship status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, age, religion, creed, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, veteran status or any other characteristics protected under applicable federal, state and local laws.

Our Employee Benefits program is extensive and includes subsidized medical, dental and vision plans from your first day of employment, FSA, Company provided Life and AD&D Insurance as well as STD and LTD Insurance, ESPP, a 401(k) Plan with Company match, mass transit commuter benefits, cell phone reimbursement and a range of supplemental benefits that you may choose to elect. Our paid time-off benefits currently include flexible time off,  8 observed holidays as well as a floating holiday. We also have a winter office shutdown.