About Opexa

Opexa prides itself on having achieved a culture of scientific excellence, entrepreneurial pursuit and dedication to improve the life of those suffering from serious medical disorders. Each member of our team is committed to our goal of bringing novel therapies to market. Our lead product, Tcelna^TM, is an autologous T-cell immunotherapy being developed for the treatment of Multiple Sclerosis (MS), a chronic T-cell mediated demyelinating disease of the brain and spinal cord. Tcelna^TM is specifically tailored to each patient's unique T-cell immune response profile to myelin.  As such, Tcelna^TM is poised to be the first ever patient specific therapy for MS. 

Duties and responsibilities

We are currently looking for a talented individual who shares our passion and dedication to helping patients to serve as a Scientist in the Research and Development team.  Our R&D group is a critical component of the company, supporting both product and process development as well as performing all Immunological assays to monitor patients response to Tcelna^TM.  The Scientist reports to the Director of Immunology and is responsible for performing the following duties and responsibilities:

• Support the development of assays to help define the mechanisms of action, identity, and potency of our cellular therapies.
• Develop, implement, and perform assays for evaluation of cellular and humoral immune responses of new and existing therapeutic candidates investigated in clinical trials.
• Document all scientific endeavors, manage the collation of data from study projects, and formulate necessary reports.
• Participate in product and process development programs for the Company's T-cell therapy platform.
• Assist in establishing data reporting policies and procedures.
• In support of ongoing clinical trials, perform assays to monitor a patient’s response to the therapeutic candidate.
• Participate in the transfer of new technology to manufacturing and QC groups.
• Perform validation of immune function assays as a Quality Control process.
• Work with the management team to assure the execution of integrated operational plans to maximize the chance of timely and successful movement of potential products into clinical trials.
• Help maintain laboratory equipment and documentation

Minimum qualifications

Education, training and experience

• Ph.D. in Immunology or Cell Biology, with at least 4 years post-doctoral training, or Master’s degree with at least 7 years post-graduate training.
• Experience to include at least 2 years in the field of cellular immunology with emphasis on immune T-cell function, regulation, generation and characterization of primary human T cell cultures.
• Experience with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and/or Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) regulations is preferred.

General and technical

• Thorough understanding of immunological assays including: multi-color flow cytometry, ELISA, ELISpot, multi-cytokine analysis, proliferation and cytotoxicity assays and molecular biology experience.
• Excellent mathematical skills.
• General understanding of laboratory safety rules, universal precautions, and radiation safety.
• General computer skills, including the use of Excel spreadsheets and flow cytometry software.

Core competencies

• Analytical - fuses intricate or diverse information and draws conclusions from data.
• Judgment - exhibits sound judgment and makes timely decisions.
• Planning/ organizing - prioritizes work and activities effectively, uses time efficiently and develops realistic action plans.
• Problem solving - identifies and resolves issues in a timely manner, gathers and evaluates information competently.
• Communication/ interpersonal - speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative circumstances, demonstrates leadership and the ability to collaborate and work with teams.
• Quality control - demonstrates accuracy and attention to detail, examines own work to ensure excellence and applies feedback to improve performance.

SUMMARY

Opexa is a fast-paced, dynamic, and exciting place to work.  Working at Opexa provides individuals the opportunity to truly make a positive impact on the lives of those suffering from MS as well as offers significant opportunities for career growth.  If you are eager to join the Opexa team, please send resume to cseeber@opexatherapeutics.com.