Research Laboratory Scientist for Oncolytic Virus-based Cancer Immunology (m/f/d)

The position

Viratherapeutics, a subsidiary of the Boehringer Ingelheim group, combines the agility of a biotech start-up with the resources of a large pharmaceutical company. Our team in Innsbruck, Austria - a vibrant city known for its quality of life—is dedicated to developing innovative viral-based immuno-oncology therapies. As part of our dynamic oncology R&D unit, you will be part of a team to discover and develop novel cancer treatments, bringing breakthrough therapies from the lab to clinical practice.

We are looking for a highly motivated and creative Research Laboratory Scientist for cancer immunology research to support the development of cancer vaccines.

Tasks & responsibilities

• Design and perform cellular and genomic assays using dendritic cells (DC), T cells, or tumor cells.
• Isolate, maintain and manipulate primary immune cell and characterize co-cultures with tumor cells and oncolytic viruses.
• Support project-focused research efforts to advance and optimize oncolytic virus–based cancer immunotherapies, working collaboratively on the design, execution, and analysis of experiments.
• Apply cutting-edge genomic assays, such as single cell RNA-seq (scRNA-Seq) and/or bulk RNA-Seq.
• Develop and maintain corresponding working protocols, and ensure the provision of high-quality data, presentations, and reports.
• Execute experiments and evaluate data with growing independence.

Requirements

Essential:

• Master’s or diploma degree in immunology, molecular biology, biochemistry, or a related discipline.
• 2-3 years of solid experience in immune cell handling and cultivation, multicolor flow cytometry, cell sorting, and immunological assays.
• Working knowledge of molecular virology, with familiarity in the use of reverse genetic systems for viral engineering, including the design, generation, and characterization of recombinant viruses.

Preferred Requirements:

• Hands-on experience in fluorescence microscopy techniques (e.g., widefield, confocal), including sample preparation, image acquisition, and analysis, is highly desirable.
• Experience in single cell sequencing is considered a strong plus.
• Highly versatile, with the capacity to adapt seamlessly to diverse tasks and challenges.
• Ability to independently plan, execute, evaluate, and document experiments.
• Exceptional organizational skills that ensure efficiency and productivity and strong attention to detail to deliver precise and high-quality results.
• Strong team player with excellent communication skills willing to work in a company where personal engagement and empowerment combined with accountability is highly supported.
• The position requires excellent English communication skills, both spoken and written.

Your Benefits

• We offer a responsible and versatile occupation in an ambitious international team that has fun at work, a friendly and appreciative working atmosphere in a bright and modern working environment.
• You will have the unique possibility to drive research towards a novel cancer therapy at the interface of science and translation being part of an engaged scientific team.
• Immerse yourself in a passionate, science-driven atmosphere of a small biotech company with short decision-making paths and opportunity to contribute your own ideas, whilst benefiting from being part of the global group of Boehringer Ingelheim, one of the pharmaceutical industry’s top 20 companies worldwide.
• We offer an attractive salary and benefits package, flexible working times, and great team spirit.

The remuneration for this position starts at € 50,000.00 gross per year (full-time), plus allowances and attractive social benefits (e.g. public transport ticket, meal allowance, team events, health and sports offering). The actual base salary will be in line with your qualifications, experience, and individual competencies.

We are looking forward to receiving your application online!

By uploading your application documents via our application portal, we can treat your data confidentially and in compliance with the GDPR.

Do you have any additional questions about the position? Your HR Recruiting Manager for this position is Anja Diestel.

Our Company

Boehringer Ingelheim is a biopharmaceutical company active in both human and animal health. As one of the industry's top investors in research and development, the company focuses on developing innovative therapies that can improve and extend lives in areas of high unmet medical need. Independent since its foundation in 1885, Boehringer takes a long-term perspective, embedding sustainability along the entire value chain. Our approximately 54,300 employees serve over 130 markets to build a healthier and more sustainable tomorrow.