PhD / PharmD Scientist Validation of a novel treatment for glioblastoma using oncolytic Zika virus
UP Oncolytics, Inc ( is a biotechnology startup developing an oncolytic virus that targets glioblastoma (GBM). We are an NIH-funded (SBIR Fast track) spinout from Advocate Aurora Health, WI, using our novel oncolytic Zika virus platform to target glioblastoma.
Our vision at UP Oncolytics is to leverage our technology and expertise in the oncolytic field to bring our own first-in-class therapeutics to patients.
We are building an environment where highly motivated scientists looking to make an immediate difference can learn broadly, think independently, and work fast to drive our oncolytic therapy programs forward.
UP Onc’s research facility is headquartered at Rosalind Franklin University’s Helix 51 biomedical incubator (3333 Green Bay Road, North Chicago, IL 60064), a vibrant state-of-the-art accelerator with over 8 Seed and biotech companies.
UP Oncolytics’ Long-Term Vision. Our goal is to improve clinical outcomes for patients by offering innovative therapies that effectively treat GBM and other cancers.
By harnessing the natural capabilities of viruses, we will help usher in a new era of cancer therapeutics. We expect that our OV platform will provide a safe and effective treatment for patients and families fighting resistant cancers.
Based on our strong preliminary results we believe this goal is achievable in the near future. We have chosen to focus first on GBM due to its severity and resistance to current therapies.
Mission
The mission of this role is to complete IND-enabling experiments in order to move this novel treatment into the clinic. You will work on oncolytic therapy projects by executing in vitro and in vivo experiments.
As part of our team, you will effectively leverage our network of consultants, advisors, and CROs to achieve your goals successfully.
In addition, you will gain experience in the scientific, business, and operational aspects of drug discovery and development by working directly with the leadership team.
What you will do in this position
- Zika virus culture, plaque assay, and patient-derived cell line infection
- Validation of infection and cytotoxicity by Flow cytometry within 3-4 months
- Perform in vivo tumor experiments with patient-derived cell lines within 5-7 months
- Perform a dose escalation study in vivo in the rat model within 5-7 months
- Design experiments with proper controls, appropriate mouse / tumor models, and defined endpoints and measurements for in vitro and in vivo validation experiments
- Perform data analysis, write protocols and scientific reports, and provide presentations to teams and management.
Requirements for this position
- PhD / PharmD in biological or biomedical science with a focus on cancer
- Track record of independently delivering scientific results
- Motivation and desire to be a pivotal member of a growing startup
Skills for this position
You will be an excellent fit for this role if you have :
- A strong background in oncology, cell biology, and virology
- Expertise in in vivo tumor models including intracranial injections, intraperitoneal injections, tail vein injections, luciferase and caliper measurements, in vivo imaging, and mouse / rat handling and dissections
- Expertise in aseptic tissue culture techniques, including cell line maintenance, primary cell culture, and cytotoxicity assay
- Expertise in virus preparation, plaque assay, and infection
- Expertise in Flow cytometry and molecular biology techniques
- Impeccable and efficient experimental design, assay development, and execution
- Strong scientific communication skills, perform detailed data analysis and accurate record keeping, and can present to internal and external parties
- Experience managing professional relationships and can communicate with a range of stakeholders, including consultants, advisors, and CROs
Culture at UP Oncolytics
You will thrive as our teammate if you :
- Are independent and creative with a proven track record of scientific leadership and success
- Have strong interpersonal communication skills
- Have a strong willingness to work hard to get the job done
- Engage in honest and open two-way communication to actively foster a collaborative environment
- Are mission-driven, think strategically with the big picture in mind, and align with and commit to the team’s goals
- Can rationally adapt and pivot based on the data to achieve team milestones
Salary and Benefits
The salary range for this full-time, in-person position is $70,000-$80,000, commensurate with skills and experience. UP Oncolytics is committed to the well-being of our team members and offers a decent health insurance package, with plans to expand these as company grows.
At UP Oncolytics, equality, diversity, and inclusion are incredibly important to us. We welcome applications from all candidates irrespective of age, disability, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religion, belief, or marital or civil partnership status.