Supervisory Team Lead, Ex Vivo

TITLE: Supervisory Team Lead, Ex vivo

REPORTING LOCATION: Rockville, MD

REPORTS TO: Scientific Director, Ex vivo

PRIMARY OBJECTIVES: Supervisory Team Lead, Ex vivo is responsible for leading the ex vivo biology team, managing and performing laboratory operations, supervising personnel, and overseeing the execution of cell and organoids-based research projects. This role requires deep technical expertise in cell culture and assay development, combined with strong leadership, lab and project management skills.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage daily lab activities, ensuring compliance with safety and internal quality standards.
• Oversee cell culture workflows including primary cells, cell lines and 3D models, and simple drug efficacy studies. Plan and schedule cell delivery for projects in a consistent and timely manner with in vivo team.  
• Maintain and troubleshoot lab equipment and automated systems. Manage inventories and reagents supplies.
• Along with the Ops team, plan and schedule research projects, ensuring timely delivery of milestones.
• Communicate project status, risks, and outcomes to internal stakeholders. Serve as technical liaison with internal teams and external clients as needed.
• Contribute to SOP development and ensure documentation of deviations and adverse events (AE).
• Supervise and mentor lab staff, including onboarding, training, and performance evaluations.
• Foster a collaborative and accountable team culture.
• Support career development and technical growth of team members.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Expertise in Cell Culture, 2-D and 3-D cell-based assays such as spheroids or cells in gel systems is required.
• Experience with assay development and data analysis is required.
• Experience working with cells from PDX or GEMM is preferred.
• Experience with HTS assays and working with automated liquid handling systems is preferred.
• Proficiency in relevant 2-D and 3-D assay endpoints including Cell Titer Glow, flow cytometry, high content imaging, molecular biology techniques, and multiplex analyses (Luminex) is preferred.
• Experience with people management is required.
• Ability to work well under pressure in a cross-functional team.
• Ability to work weekends or holidays as needed.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• PhD or MS in Life Science (e.g., Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology) and up to 5 years of work-related experience is preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in mammalian cell culture and assay development.
• Experience working in or adjacent to an animal facility is preferred.
• Prior experience in lab management and team supervision.
• Familiarity with HTS platforms, PDX/GEMM models, and automated systems preferred.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Must be able to sit and use hands to finger, handle and feel. Must be able to pipette and perform lab-based experiments for prolonged periods as required.
• Must be able to comfortable use automation and robotics after appropriate training has been provided.
• Must be able to lift and move packages weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Must be able to sit for long periods of time using a computer in a typical office environment in a multi-level facility.
• Some activities require repetitive motion and reaching, pulling or pushing.
• In carrying out the duties of the job there will be frequent exposure to fumes and chemical hazards.
• Duties performed routinely require exposure to blood, body fluid and tissue.

This description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions, it does not proscribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.  We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.