Mission

Almirall is a global pharmaceutical company with a focus on Medical Dermatology. Our goal is to develop novel therapeutics to tackle unmet medical need in the fields of immune inflammatory skin diseases, rare skin diseases and non-melanoma skin cancers.
We are seeking a Junior Scientist to join our Molecular and Cell Biology (MCB) team within Almirall R&D Department, for four months to cover for a maternity leave.
The MCB team is the in vitro experimental engine of Almirall research, responsible for driving the development of cell models and assays for the inception and advancement of drug discovery programs.
The junior scientist will work with senior/principal scientists in the team to perform the experimental assessment of new therapeutic targets of interest in cell models and skin biopsies. In addition, he/she will be responsible for the design, development and execution of in vitro and ex vivo assays to characterize small molecules/biologics/new modalities in order to understand their mechanism of action as well as to evaluate their therapeutic potential.

Tasks and Responsibilities

• In collaboration with senior/principal scientists in the team, identify, evaluate, and probe emerging methods for immune cell isolation, culture, differentiation, and activation.
• Design, execute, interpret, and optimize in vitro assays that can encompass multi-parameter flow cytometry, q RT-PCR, JESS, proliferation, and immunoassays, in order to profile hit, lead and clinical molecules
• In collaboration with senior/principal scientist in the team, design and optimize state-of-the art experimental protocols for gene modulation and cell line/primary cell engineering, including RNA interference, stable transfection and CRISPR-Cas9 mediated gene editing, in order to study signalling pathways of interest.
• Independently analyse experimental results, and present data analysis and plans at cross-functional meetings.

Education

• MSc with 1+ years of experience or Ph D in Immunology, Molecular Biology or Cellular Biology

Specific Knowledge

• Experience in cell culture. Experience with primary immune cells (PBMC, lymphocytes…) or with skin cells such as primary keratinocytes.
• Theoretical and experimental background in cellular assays such as flow cytometry, ELISA, HTRF, q PCR, WB. Experience with functional immunology assays (e.g. PBMC activation, MLRs) and spectral flow cytometry would be a plus.
• Experience with gene modulation assays (si RNA and plasmids transfection, lentiviral transduction of sh RNA…) would be a plus.
• Interest in new therapeutic modalities such as bispecific antibodies, Targeted Protein Degradation, cell or m RNA therapies would be a plus.
• Excellent organization skills and track record for generation of high data quality.
• Track record of continual growth, curiosity, and drive to learn.
• Team player with ability to collaborate and communicate effectively across several scientific disciplines.
• Advanced English level required.

Values

• Care: we listen & empathize, we value diverse perspectives & backgrounds and we help each other succeed.
• Courage: we challenge the status quo, we take full ownership and we learn from our success & failures
• Innovation: we put the patient and customer at the center, we create novel solutions and we empower entrepreneurial mindsets.
• Simplicity: we act decisively and avoid over-analysis, we understand why before we act and we are agile & keep things simple.