Leading the Fight
Against Solid Tumors

About Us

Pioneering Novel Approaches
to Deliver on the Promise of TILs


At Turnstone, our mission is to develop and deliver new medicines to treat patients with solid tumors.

Solid tumors represent the greatest unmet need in oncology. They account for over 90% of all cancer cases and contribute a substantial disease burden to society. Approved immunotherapies have been a significant advancement in the treatment of solid tumors, however, many patients do not respond to such therapies and the vast majority of these patients experience relapsed disease. We believe the biggest challenge in creating curative immunotherapies for patients with solid tumors is the large number and diversity of T-cells, known as tumor-reactive T-cells, that are needed to recognize and attack the tumor.

To overcome this barrier, we are pioneering a next-generation approach with tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy based on the identification, selection and expansion of these tumor-reactive T-cells (Selected TILs). We are advancing a differentiated pipeline of Selected TIL therapies to address the most significant challenges in the field, including their development in clinical combinations with our proprietary viral immunotherapies, to further potentiate the therapeutic benefit of our TILs.

Leadership

Experienced Team of
Leaders and Innovators

Turnstone has assembled a seasoned management team, an accomplished Board of Directors and a distinguished Scientific Advisory Board whose contributions to science have meaningfully advanced the field and helped inform our understanding of the relationship between cancer and the immune system.

Our passionate team of leaders comprises world-renowned professionals with deep expertise in TILs, cell therapy, tumor immunology, innate and adaptive immunity, oncolytic viruses, and in the discovery and development, manufacturing, and business and commercial development of complex biologics.

sammy-bg

Sammy Farah, PhD, MBA

President & Chief Executive Officer
steward-bg

Stewart Abbot, PhD

Chief Scientific Officer
saryah-bg

Saryah Azmat

Chief Business Officer
ChristineBlodgett_Headshot_2

Christine Blodgett

Vice President, Human Resources
mike-turnstone

Mike Burgess, MBChB, PhD

Interim Chief Medical Officer
joseph-bg

P. Joseph Campisi, Jr., Esq.

General Counsel
jose-bg

José Manuel Otero, PhD

Chief Technology Officer
venkat-bg

Venkat Ramanan, PhD

Chief Financial Officer
stojd

David Stojdl, PhD

SVP, Discovery Research
chad

Chad Green, PhD

SVP, Technical Operations
langer

TJ Langer

SVP, Cell Therapy Development and External Innovation
adina

Adina Pelusio

SVP, Clinical Operations
Karen Major new

Karen Major

VP, Regulatory
george

George Smith, MBA, PhD

VP, Cell Therapy Business Operations
jerel-1

Jerel Davis, PhD

Chairman & Director
Versant Ventures
mike

Mike Burgess, MBChB, PhD

Executive Director
Turnstone Biologics
sammy

Sammy Farah, PhD, MBA

Director
Turnstone Biologics
robert

Robert Gould

Director
Fulcrum Therapeutics
rishi-1

Rishi Gupta, JD

Director
OrbiMed
stefan

Stefan Larson, PhD

Director
Sectoral Asset Management
pat

Patrick Machado

Director
Former CFO/CBO Medivation
santosh

Santhosh Palani, PhD

Director
PFM Health Sciences
Kanya_R

Kanya Rajangam, MD, PhD

Director
Senti Biosciences
jeff

Jeff Courtney

In Memoriam

Our Approach

Next-Generation Approaches
with Clinically Validated Technologies

Turnstone is pioneering differentiated approaches with two technologies that are clinically validated in solid tumors: TILs, which represent the foundational therapeutic modality driving our pipeline, and viral immunotherapies. We are developing next-generation TIL therapies by selecting for the most potent and tumor-reactive T-cells. These TILs, which we refer to as Selected TILs, are designed to extend the therapeutic benefit and curative outcomes of TILs, that have been observed in limited tumors, to a wider range of solid tumors. Additionally, we are engineering our viral immunotherapy for combination with our Selected TILs to further potentiate their therapeutic benefit.

Tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) are a type of cell therapy that harnesses the patient’s own immune cells to target their tumors. TIL therapy involves the isolation of lymphocytes from the patient’s tumor, expansion of the isolated cells outside the body, and then infusion of the cells back into the patient. TILs have the ability to penetrate, recognize, and kill cancer cells and offer potential to successfully treat, and potentially cure, solid tumors.

Turnstone’s next-generation Selected TILs have the potential to drive therapeutic benefit in a wide range of solid tumors beyond first-generation TIL approaches. Our innovative Selected TIL approach focuses on selecting and manufacturing the most potent subsets of tumor-reactive T-cells to overcome the limitations of current treatments. This approach is grounded in work conducted in academia that demonstrated promising clinical responses for selected TILs in solid tumors. We are leveraging this work to establish a standardized manufacturing process for large scale production of our Selected TILs.

Our Selected TIL approach employs the following foundational principles to yield the greatest number and proportion of tumor-reactive T-cells in our TIL products:

  • Unbiased identification of patient-specific tumor antigens.

    We seek to identify the most expansive breadth of patient-specific tumor antigens by using an unbiased identification process aimed to capture the greatest diversity of antigens that can drive the most robust T-cell response against the right target.

  • Selection of greatest breadth of tumor-reactive T-cells from patient extracted TILs.

    Our goal is to capture and isolate the full repertoire of a patients’ tumor-reactive T-cells that have the potential to attack and destroy heterogeneous solid tumors. We aim to select the greatest diversity of T-cells by using a functional-based screening process that confirms reactivity to tumor antigens rather than relying on a bioinformatics-based prediction algorithm.

  • Expansion of all tumor-reactive T-cells and removal of all non-tumor-reactive bystander cells.

    We expand our selected tumor-reactive TIL population to magnitudes consistent with bulk TIL products and actively remove unnecessary bystander cells, which have the potential to decrease TIL efficacy through competition with tumor-reactive T-cells and/or drive immunosuppression. This selective expansion has resulted in a significantly higher absolute number and proportion of tumor-reactive T-cells in the final product, which we believe will result in more potent tumor killing.

Our Superior Killing Virus, or SKV Vaccinia, is derived from the Copenhagen strain of vaccinia that exhibits powerful oncolytic activity in human tumors and we have engineered the viral backbone to develop a highly potent viral immunotherapy. The SKV Vaccinia backbone modifications were specifically designed and selected to support:

  • Enhanced immune activation through removal of immunosuppressive genes
  • Highly selective tumor targeting for increased potency and safety
  • Delivery of multiple transgenes to encode for specific functions
  • Optimized viral spread and infection in the tumor
  • Systemic and intra-tumoral (IT) administration

RIVAL-01, our lead clinical stage viral immunotherapy program, being developed in partnership with Takeda, utilizes the inherent activity of the SKV Vaccinia backbone and includes a rationally selected payload combination designed to further drive oncolytic and immune-mediated killing of the tumor. The three key payloads encoded in RIVAL-01 include:

  • Flt3L, a growth factor to support the differentiation and expansion of highly relevant antigen-presenting dendritic cells which are critical for anti-tumor immune response
  • IL-12, a pro-inflammatory cytokine to promote T-cell cytotoxicity, activate innate immune cells and minimize immunosuppression
  • Anti-CTLA-4, an antibody that inhibits CTLA-4-mediated immunosuppression and downregulation of T-cell activation

We believe that Turnstone is uniquely positioned to be the world leader in leveraging viral immunotherapy to further potentiate the therapeutic benefit of TILs.

Viral immunotherapy is a therapeutic modality with widespread potential to drive and modulate immune responses to solid tumors. Many viruses have inherent oncolytic activity that can be modulated through genetic engineering to enhance potency and safety. These viruses preferentially infect, replicate within, and kill malignant tumor cells, and can induce broad immune responses. Viral immunotherapies are designed to convert immunologically unresponsive “cold” tumors to more reactive “hot” tumor microenvironments (“TME”) and thereby enhance the activity of other immunotherapies.

We intend to evaluate our proprietary oncolytic viral immunotherapies in combination with our lead Selected TIL product candidate, TIDAL-01, via two approaches:

  • Treatment of the patient with oncolytic virus prior to TIL extraction to optimize TIL harvest and broaden applicability to additional tumor types with low immune cell infiltration.
  • Treatment of the patient with oncolytic virus following treatment with TIDAL-01 to optimize TIL trafficking and infiltration into solid tumors and further deepen the response and durability of our Selected TIL therapies.

Pipeline

Designed to Shift the Paradigm
for the Treatment of Solid Tumors

Our Selected TIL approach has the potential to drive therapeutic benefit and curative outcomes across multiple challenging solid tumors. Leveraging our Selected TILs as well as our viral immunotherapy, we are advancing a broad pipeline aimed at overcoming limitations in existing treatments for cancer patients with critical unmet need.

Platform Program Overview Indication Discovery Preclinical Phase 1/2 Phase 3 Study Collaborator
Selected TILs
TIDAL-01 Neoantigen selected tumor-specific TILs to drive TIL product potency Cutaneous Melanoma
Uveal Melanoma
+
Moffitt Logo
Breast Cancer
Colorectal Cancer
+
Combination with proprietary oncolytic viral immunotherapy Colorectal Cancer
OV monotherapy dose escalation ongoing
NCI logo
TIDAL-02 Broad antigen selected tumor-specific TILs with streamlined manufacturing and TIL quality enhancements Cervical Cancer
Head & Neck Cancer
Lung Cancer
CRChum Logo
TIDAL-03 Engineered selected TILs optimized for functional persistence and elimination of IL-2 toxicities Solid Tumors
Viral Immunotherapy
RIVAL Discovery Takeda collaboration for novel viral immunotherapies Undisclosed
Takeda Logo
Selected TILs
DiscoveryPreclinicalPhase 1/2Phase 3

TIDAL-01
Neoantigen selected tumor-specific TILs to drive TIL product potency
Cutaneous Melanoma, Uveal Melanoma

Moffitt Logo
+

TIDAL-01
Neoantigen selected tumor-specific TILs to drive TIL product potency
Breast Cancer, Colorectal Cancer

+

TIDAL-01
Combination with proprietary oncolytic viral immunotherapy
Colorectal Cancer

NCI logo

TIDAL-02
Broad antigen selected tumor-specific TILs with streamlined manufacturing and TIL quality enhancements
Cervical Cancer, Head & Neck Cancer, Lung Cancer

CRChum Logo

TIDAL-03
Engineered selected TILs optimized for functional persistence and elimination of IL-2 toxicities
Solid Tumors

Viral Immunotherapy
DiscoveryPreclinicalPhase 1/2Phase 3

RIVAL Discovery
Takeda collaboration for novel viral immunotherapies
Undisclosed

Takeda Logo
TIDAL-01, TIDAL-02, TIDAL-03, and RIVAL-01 (proprietary oncolytic viral immunotherapy) are all Turnstone wholly owned programs
Takeda maintains right to license select RIVAL Discovery program candidates
OV (oncolytic viral) monotherapy dose escalation trial ongoing – Clinical trial identifier: NCT04301011

Partners

Optimizing Technological Innovations
Through Strategic Partnerships

We are backed by successful top-tier life science and biotech investors committed to Turnstone’s growth, and have forged select collaborations with key academic institutions, major biopharmaceutical companies, elite researchers and prominent international cancer medical centers to accelerate the development of our next-generation Selected TIL and immunotherapy pipeline.

Together with our strategic partners, we are devoted to delivering transformative therapies to the millions of cancer patients underserved by current treatment options.

Key Collaborators

National Cancer Institute (NCI)

In November 2022, Turnstone announced a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement with the National Cancer Institute (NCI) to study TIL therapy in novel combinations with viral immunotherapy.

Moffitt Logo

In July 2022, Turnstone announced a first-of-its-kind broad strategic alliance with Moffitt Cancer Center focused on the development of Turnstone’s pipeline of tumor-reactive selected TILs targeting solid tumors.

CRCHUM Logo

In April 2022, Turnstone announced a TIL therapy research collaboration with CRCHUM to develop novel strategies for tumor-reactive T-cell selection in Turnstone’s TIL therapy candidates against solid tumor indications.

Takeda Logo

In December 2019, Turnstone announced a global collaboration and license agreement with Takeda to develop novel viral immunotherapies from Turnstone’s proprietary vaccinia virus platform for a broad range of cancer indications.

Select Investors

News

Careers

Empowering Our People
to Drive Science Forward

Turnstone is committed to true innovation, fearless execution and operational excellence. Our team work with an unrelenting sense of urgency to fulfill our mission. Our decision-making is driven by bold science and our therapeutics are designed with the patient at the forefront of our thoughts.

We continue to build a values-driven organization that embraces diversity, equity, and recognizes that the sum of our parts drives more success than any single individual. Our talented people and deeply ingrained culture are vital elements in maintaining our competitive edge in the vast biotech universe and key to unlocking the full potential of cancer immunotherapy.

If you are passionate about making a difference for patients and are excited by our mission and science, Turnstone might just be for you.

Team Opportunities

Turnstone Biologics is a clinical stage biotechnology company developing new medicines to treat and cure solid tumors by pioneering a differentiated approach with a clinically validated technology, tumor infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy. Turnstone’s innovative TIL therapy, which is designed to extend the efficacy of TILs to multiple solid tumor indications by selecting and manufacturing the most potent tumor-reactive T-cells (Selected TILs) for tumor eradication, represents the Company’s foundational therapeutic modality driving its cancer immunotherapy pipeline. The Company recently commenced two clinical trials in various solid tumor types with its lead Selected TIL therapy candidate, TIDAL-01, one of which is in collaboration with Moffitt Cancer Center. Turnstone is developing additional strategies to further potentiate the clinical benefit of Selected TILs, including use in combination with their novel viral immunotherapy.

At Turnstone, the science drives decision-making and our therapeutics are designed with the patient foremost in mind. We continue to build a world-class, high-performing company that embraces being a learning organization with a sense of urgency. Imagine coming to work every day where over-communication, transparency, teaching, listening, asking, thinking, working hard, and having fun are normal – actually, expected? Imagine having a coach, mentor, peers, and partners where candid feedback, self-improvement, risk taking, failing, learning from that failing, and succeeding thereafter are what we call ‘another day at Turnstone’. If you are a passionate person, and our science excites you – this opportunity may be for you.

What would the role be like?
Turnstone Biologics is seeking a Senior Scientist to join the Translational Medicine team to play a key role in defining the kinetics and mechanisms of action of our TIL therapy. Turnstone’s T cell therapy platform generates an exciting new selected TIL drug product that revolutionizes the generation of tumor-targeted T cells for adoptive cell therapy. We track engraftment of the drug and dive deep into the mechanism of action in the periphery and in the tumor. This is an exciting opportunity to work alongside the clinical team and senior scientists in Discovery Research, Process Development, and T cell manufacturing to perform translational research that will deepen our understanding of mechanisms of action of our novel TIL therapy.

We have an open, transparent and dynamic culture that embraces scientific excellence, integrity, urgency, partnerships with key stakeholders and continuous learning/improvements. If you are passionate about immunology with experience in T cell biology, flow cytometry, cell-based and co-culture assays, and are looking to make an impact on behalf of patients, then this opportunity is just what you are looking for.

What’s in it for you?
In this role, you will work closely with Translational Medicine leadership to develop and execute plans for clinical sample analysis. Explore T cell phenotypes and mechanisms of action that correlate with response using blood and tissue samples from patients treated with our cutting-edge therapies. We want you to develop your ability to think strategically and mentor others while driving fast-paced execution in a highly collaborative and cross-functional environment.  With our company size and growth you will have plenty of opportunities to be an inspirational and collaborative leader.

 The Responsibilities include the following:

  • Design, develop, and optimize flow cytometry and cell-based in vitro assays to determine pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, safety, and efficacy of our TIL therapy products.
  • Work closely with manufacturing to characterize tumor-reactivity of drug product and on-treatment samples.
  • Understand on-treatment T cell activity, function, cell states, activation and exhaustion phenotypes.
  • Generate data, create figures, and communicate translational results and future plans with key stakeholders.
  • Collaborate with clinical, discovery research, process development, and manufacturing teams to determine therapeutic mechanisms of action.
  • Ensure high ethical standards and that study reports are accurately generated in a timely manner .
  • Supervise and/or mentor team members.
  • Contribute meaningfully to a team-centric culture that embraces scientific excellence, integrity, and urgency.

 How do you know if you’re the right fit?

  • Ph.D. in Immunology/Oncology (research primarily focused in immunology) with multiple years post graduate experience and/or biotech or pharmaceutical industry experience.
  • Expert knowledge of cell-based in vitro assays, multi-parameter flow cytometry, and common molecular techniques.
  • Robust understanding of innate and adaptive immune cells in anti-tumor responses is required.
  • Deep knowledge and experience in T cell function/differentiation/signaling/regulation, metabolism/phenotypic analysis, understanding of inhibitory and costimulatory targets and pathways and/or neoantigen biology and vaccines is highly preferred.
  • People management and project leadership experience is preferred.

The anticipated salary range for this role is $120,000 – $145,000.

To Apply:

Please click here to apply!

Turnstone Biologics welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.  We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected will be invited for an interview.

 

Turnstone Biologics is a clinical stage biotechnology company developing new medicines to treat and cure solid tumors by pioneering a differentiated approach with a clinically validated technology, tumor infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy. Turnstone’s innovative TIL therapy, which is designed to extend the efficacy of TILs to multiple solid tumor indications by selecting and manufacturing the most potent tumor-reactive T-cells (Selected TILs) for tumor eradication, represents the Company’s foundational therapeutic modality driving its cancer immunotherapy pipeline. The Company recently commenced two clinical trials in various solid tumor types with its lead Selected TIL therapy candidate, TIDAL-01, one of which is in collaboration with Moffitt Cancer Center. Turnstone is developing additional strategies to further potentiate the clinical benefit of Selected TILs, including use in combination with their novel viral immunotherapy.

At Turnstone, the science drives decision-making and our therapeutics are designed with the patient foremost in mind. We continue to build a world-class, high-performing company that embraces being a learning organization with a sense of urgency. Imagine coming to work every day where over-communication, transparency, teaching, listening, asking, thinking, working hard, and having fun are normal – actually, expected? Imagine having a coach, mentor, peers, and partners where candid feedback, self-improvement, risk taking, failing, learning from that failing, and succeeding thereafter are what we call ‘another day at Turnstone’. If you are a passionate person, and our science excites you – this opportunity may be for you.

What would the role be like?

We are looking for a Research Associate to join our Translational Medicine team of immunologists and support the analysis of clinical samples. You will work alongside senior researchers and supporting technical colleagues within project teams at our state-of-the-art facilities in San Diego. Your role would be to perform cell-based translational immunology studies, scrutinize your data, and present your results in a collaborative team setting. This is an exciting opportunity to help us understand the qualities of our TILs and their mechanism of action in samples from our patients treated in clinical trials.

What’s in it for you?

This is a chance to develop your skills and gain experience by working closely with a strong team of immunologists. We are exploring T cell phenotypes that correlate with response using blood and tissue samples from our patients. We want you to learn from our established procedures and develop your experimental abilities to contribute to the understanding of our cutting-edge therapies. If you are passionate about immunology with experience in T cell biology, flow cytometry, cell-based and co-culture assays, and are looking to make an impact on behalf of patients, then this opportunity is just what you are looking for.

The Responsibilities include the following:

  •  Characterization of TIL drug products for tumor-reactivity and cytotoxic potential by co-culturing TILs with tumor antigen-pulsed antigen presenting cells.
  • Use flow cytometry to measure T cell differentiation, cytotoxicity, expansion, cytokine seceretion, and activation and exhaustion phenotypes.
  • Isolate and cryopreserve immune cells from patients’ blood samples.
  • Explore additional characterization of human blood and tumor samples to support development of novel biomarker assays.
  • Generate data, create figures, and communicate results with Translational Medicine leadership.
  • Ensure high ethical standards and that study reports are accurately generated in a timely manner.
  • Work closely with other team members to learn from and share knowledge.
  • Contribute meaningfully to a team-centric culture that embraces scientific excellence, integrity, and urgency.

How do you know if you’re the right fit?

  • B.S or M.S in Biology with previous experience in immunology is required.
  • Must have extensive experience with mammalian and immune cell culture with excellent sterile technique.
  • Experience with multi-parameter flow cytometry, ELISA, nucleic acid extraction, and sequencing, is preferred.
  • Experience with molecular biology techniques and cellular transfection is preferred.
  • Strong work ethic, positive team-oriented attitude is a must!

The anticipated salary range for this role is $70,000 – $85,000.

To Apply:

Please click here to apply!

Turnstone Biologics welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.  We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected will be invited for an interview.

Turnstone Biologics is a clinical stage biotechnology company developing new medicines to treat and cure solid tumors by pioneering a differentiated approach with a clinically validated technology, tumor infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy. Turnstone’s innovative TIL therapy, which is designed to extend the efficacy of TILs to multiple solid tumor indications by selecting and manufacturing the most potent tumor-reactive T-cells (Selected TILs) for tumor eradication, represents the Company’s foundational therapeutic modality driving its cancer immunotherapy pipeline. The Company recently commenced two clinical trials in various solid tumor types with its lead Selected TIL therapy candidate, TIDAL-01, one of which is in collaboration with Moffitt Cancer Center. Turnstone is developing additional strategies to further potentiate the clinical benefit of Selected TILs, including use in combination with their novel viral immunotherapy.

 

At Turnstone, the science drives decision-making and our therapeutics are designed with the patient foremost in mind. We continue to build a world-class, high-performing company that embraces being a learning organization with a sense of urgency. Imagine coming to work every day where over-communication, transparency, teaching, listening, asking, thinking, working hard, and having fun are normal – actually, expected? Imagine having a coach, mentor, peers, and partners where candid feedback, self-improvement, risk taking, failing, learning from that failing, and succeeding thereafter are what we call ‘another day at Turnstone’. If you are a passionate person, and our science excites you – this opportunity may be for you.

 

Position overview:

We are seeking an enthusiastic and driven Scientist with a strong background in immunology and genomics to join our team of immunologists driving the development of Selected-TIL therapies for the treatment of cancer. The successful candidate will deploy functional genomics, single cell sequencing and cellular immunology to support preclinical programs advancing our TIL platform. In this role, you will have the opportunity to develop your ability to think strategically, drive fast-paced execution, and collaborate with team members across the research department.

 

The Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

  • Contribute to target evaluation and validation for select TIL improvement using in vitro assays such as cytotoxicity, expansion, and cytokine secretion.
  • Genetically engineer immune cell populations and screen for novel targets.
  • Contribute to product characterization and target identification using gene expression profiles, genome annotation, TCR sequencing and single cell RNA sequencing data.
  • Independently design, execute, analyze, and troubleshoot experiments to support preclinical discovery in discovery in immunology therapeutic areas.
  • Communicate and collaborate effectively with colleagues to drive progression of the project.

 

Experience:

  • Ph.D. with a strong background in Immunology and bioinformatics or computational biology.
  • Experience with current NGS platforms including single-cell analysis algorithms.
  • Advanced immunology laboratory skills, with demonstrated proficiency in multi-parameter flow cytometry biochemical, immunological and cell biology techniques.
  • Proficiency in R or Python is highly preferred.
  • Prior experience in analyzing and integrating TCR-seq or CITE-seq datasets is preferred.
  • Experience with genetically engineering primary immune cells using CRISPR-based approaches is preferred.
  • Experience with guide-seq, circle-seq or site-seq is a plus.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills, including an ability to explain complex ideas to other team members.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and a communication style that matches the Turnstone style: respectful, transparent, and constant.

 The anticipated salary range for this role is $100,000 – $125,000.

To Apply:

Please click here to apply!

Turnstone Biologics welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.  We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected will be invited for an interview.

 

Turnstone Biologics is a clinical stage biotechnology company developing new medicines to treat and cure solid tumors by pioneering a differentiated approach with a clinically validated technology, tumor infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy. Turnstone’s innovative TIL therapy, which is designed to extend the efficacy of TILs to multiple solid tumor indications by selecting and manufacturing the most potent tumor-reactive T-cells (Selected TILs) for tumor eradication, represents the Company’s foundational therapeutic modality driving its cancer immunotherapy pipeline. The Company recently commenced two clinical trials in various solid tumor types with its lead Selected TIL therapy candidate, TIDAL-01, one of which is in collaboration with Moffitt Cancer Center. Turnstone is developing additional strategies to further potentiate the clinical benefit of Selected TILs, including use in combination with their novel viral immunotherapy.

At Turnstone, the science drives decision-making and our therapeutics are designed with the patient foremost in mind. We continue to build a world-class, high-performing company that embraces being a learning organization with a sense of urgency. Imagine coming to work every day where over-communication, transparency, teaching, listening, asking, thinking, working hard, and having fun are normal – actually, expected? Imagine having a coach, mentor, peers, and partners where candid feedback, self-improvement, risk taking, failing, learning from that failing, and succeeding thereafter are what we call ‘another day at Turnstone’. If you are a passionate person, and our science excites you – this opportunity may be for you.

Position Overview:

We are seeking a passionate and driven Research Technician/Associate to join our team of immunologists driving the development of Selected-TIL therapies for the treatment of cancer. The successful candidate will provide support and assistance to senior researchers at our San Diego site using state-of-the-art instrumentation and following established laboratory standard operating procedures (SOPs).  In this role, you will have the opportunity to develop your ability to think strategically, drive fast-paced execution, and collaborate with team members across the research department.

 

The Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

  • Molecular editing of immune cell populations and rapid expansion.
  • Validation of editing using PCR and western blot or flow cytometry.
  • Assessment of TIL phenotype using flow cytometry.
  • Isolation of tumor and immune cells from patient samples.
  • Assessment of TIL functionality using in vitro assays to measure cytotoxicity, expansion, and cytokine secretion.
  • Support other team members by preparing reagents and materials.
  • Generate quality data and study summary reports in a timely manner.
  • Contribute to a team-centric culture that values transparency, innovation, integrity, and purpose.

 

Experience:

  • B.S in Biology with previous experience in immunology is required.
  • Must have experience with immune cell culture with excellent sterile technique.
  • Experience with multi-parameter flow cytometry is preferred.
  • Experience with lentiviral and/or CRISPR-CAS9 techniques for editing and engineering immune cells is a plus.
  • Experience with DNA isolation, PCR, and western blot analysis is a plus.
  • Experience with tumor digestion and cell sorting is a plus.
  • Strong work ethic, positive team-oriented attitude is a must.

The anticipated salary range for this role is $70,000 – $85,000.

Turnstone Biologics welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.  We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected will be invited for an interview.

To Apply:

Please click here to apply!

Turnstone Biologics welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.  We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected will be invited for an interview.

Turnstone Biologics is a clinical stage biotechnology company developing new medicines to treat and cure solid tumors by pioneering a differentiated approach with a clinically validated technology, tumor infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy. Turnstone’s innovative TIL therapy, which is designed to extend the efficacy of TILs to multiple solid tumor indications by selecting and manufacturing the most potent tumor-reactive T-cells (Selected TILs) for tumor eradication, represents the Company’s foundational therapeutic modality driving its cancer immunotherapy pipeline. The Company recently commenced two clinical trials in various solid tumor types with its lead Selected TIL therapy candidate, TIDAL-01, one of which is in collaboration with Moffitt Cancer Center. Turnstone is developing additional strategies to further potentiate the clinical benefit of Selected TILs, including use in combination with their novel viral immunotherapy.

At Turnstone, the science drives decision-making and our therapeutics are designed with the patient foremost in mind. We continue to build a world-class, high-performing company that embraces being a learning organization with a sense of urgency. Imagine coming to work every day where over-communication, transparency, teaching, listening, asking, thinking, working hard, and having fun are normal – actually, expected? Imagine having a coach, mentor, peers, and partners where candid feedback, self-improvement, risk taking, failing, learning from that failing, and succeeding thereafter are what we call ‘another day at Turnstone’. If you are a passionate person, and our science excites you – this opportunity may be for you.

Position Overview:
Turnstone is seeking a Research Associate to join our team of immunologists driving the development of TIL therapies for the treatment of cancer. This successful candidate will drive various aspects of in vitro by designing and executing experiments, analyzing data and presenting results in a collaborative team setting. This is an exciting opportunity to work alongside senior researchers and project teams to perform discovery and development research that will ultimately create new medicines for cancer patients at our state of the art facilities in San Diego. We have an open, transparent and dynamic culture that embraces scientific excellence, integrity, urgency, partnerships with key stakeholders and continuous learning/improvements.

The Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

  • Perform isolation, expansion and phenotyping of various immune cell populations (T cells, DCs and B cells) for use in immunologic assays.
  • Design, execute and analyze in vitro studies to assess TIL expansion, phenotype and functionality.
  • Assessment of TIL phenotype using flow cytometry (from simple to complex panels, including spectral cytometry)
  • Assessment of TIL functionality using in vitro assays to measure cytotoxicity, expansion, and cytokine secretion.
  • Generate quality data and study summary reports in a timely manner.
  • Prepare data/figures to present to senior research staff.
  • Contribute to a team-centric culture that values transparency, innovation, integrity, and purpose.

 Preferred Experience:

  • B.S or M.S in Biology with previous experience in immunology.
  • Extensive experience with mammalian cell culture with excellent sterile technique.
  • Experience with multi-parameter flow cytometry.
  • Experience with Immune cell culture and functional assays.
  • Experience with cell sorting is a plus.
  • Strong work ethic, attention to details and positive team-oriented attitude is a must.

The anticipated salary range for this role is $70,000 – $85,000.

To Apply:

Please click here to apply!

Turnstone Biologics welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.  We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected will be invited for an interview.

Turnstone Biologics is a clinical stage biotechnology company developing new medicines to treat and cure solid tumors by pioneering a differentiated approach with a clinically validated technology, tumor infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy. Turnstone’s innovative TIL therapy, which is designed to extend the efficacy of TILs to multiple solid tumor indications by selecting and manufacturing the most potent tumor-reactive T-cells (Selected TILs) for tumor eradication, represents the Company’s foundational therapeutic modality driving its cancer immunotherapy pipeline. The Company recently commenced two clinical trials in various solid tumor types with its lead Selected TIL therapy candidate, TIDAL-01, one of which is in collaboration with Moffitt Cancer Center. Turnstone is developing additional strategies to further potentiate the clinical benefit of Selected TILs, including use in combination with their novel viral immunotherapy.

At Turnstone, the science drives decision-making and our therapeutics are designed with the patient foremost in mind. We continue to build a world-class, high-performing company that embraces being a learning organization with a sense of urgency. Imagine coming to work every day where over-communication, transparency, teaching, listening, asking, thinking, working hard, and having fun are normal – actually, expected? Imagine having a coach, mentor, peers, and partners where candid feedback, self-improvement, risk taking, failing, learning from that failing, and succeeding thereafter are what we call ‘another day at Turnstone’. If you are a passionate person, and our science excites you – this opportunity may be for you.

Position Overview:

Turnstone’s T cell therapy technology is based on a Selected-TIL process that revolutionizes the generation of tumor targeted T cells for adoptive cell therapy. We are looking for a passionate and driven team player with experience in molecular biology, cell culture, flow cytometry and immunologic assays to help develop these next gen T cell products for preclinical and clinical evaluation. You will work alongside senior researchers at our Ottawa research facility (located at Carleton University), designing and executing cell-based immunology studies following established standard operating procedures (SOPs). In this role, you will have the opportunity to develop your ability to think strategically, drive fast-paced execution and collaborate with team members across the research department.

 Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

  • Design, execute and analyze in vitro studies to assess TIL expansion, phenotype and functionality.
  • Co-culture of TIL and tumor cells for assessment of T cell reactivity by cytokine secretion, proliferation and cell killing.
  • Generate quality data and study summary reports in a timely manner.
  • Communicate findings to senior research staff.
  • Contribute to a team-centric culture that embraces scientific excellence, collaboration, innovation, integrity and hard-work.

 Requirements:

  • Scientific degree with Immunology experience is required.
  • Multi-parameter flow cytometry experience is required.
  • Must have experience with mammalian cell culture, experience with immune cell culture is preferred.
  • Strong work ethic with a positive team-oriented attitude.
  • Ability to effectively multi-task and adapt in a fast-paced environment.

To Apply:

Please click here to apply!

Turnstone Biologics welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected will be invited for an interview.

Turnstone Biologics is a clinical stage biotechnology company developing new medicines to treat and cure solid tumors by pioneering a differentiated approach with a clinically validated technology, tumor infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy. Turnstone’s innovative TIL therapy, which is designed to extend the efficacy of TILs to multiple solid tumor indications by selecting and manufacturing the most potent tumor-reactive T-cells (Selected TILs) for tumor eradication, represents the Company’s foundational therapeutic modality driving its cancer immunotherapy pipeline. The Company recently commenced two clinical trials in various solid tumor types with its lead Selected TIL therapy candidate, TIDAL-01, one of which is in collaboration with Moffitt Cancer Center. Turnstone is developing additional strategies to further potentiate the clinical benefit of Selected TILs, including use in combination with their novel viral immunotherapy.

At Turnstone, the science drives decision-making and our therapeutics are designed with the patient foremost in mind. We continue to build a world-class, high-performing company that embraces being a learning organization with a sense of urgency. Imagine coming to work every day where over-communication, transparency, teaching, listening, asking, thinking, working hard, and having fun are normal – actually, expected? Imagine having a coach, mentor, peers, and partners where candid feedback, self-improvement, risk taking, failing, learning from that failing, and succeeding thereafter are what we call ‘another day at Turnstone’. If you are a passionate person, and our science excites you – this opportunity may be for you.

Job Summary

The Director, Clinical Data Management & Biostatistics will take the data management lead on outsourced Phase I/II/III studies. Since the studies are outsourced, the individual will provide vendor management oversight including biostatistics services and strategic biostatistics consultants as well as review of DMPs, CRFs, DVS, perform UAT, etc. The individual must be an experienced Data Manager who is able to work independently and cross functionally. This individual must be self-motivated and collaborative amongst internal stakeholders as well as external and CRO partners as appropriate.

Responsibilities

  • Responsible for assessing in house data management needs and driving the selection and implementation of any in-house data management solutions including developing policies and procedures
  • Responsible for clinical data management activities for outsourced studies
  • Ensures data management activities for clinical trials within assigned research program(s) are completed in a timely and accurate manner
  • Leads statistical and programming vendors to plan and implement statistical and programming project plans
  • Develops proposal requests to service providers; evaluates and approves service level agreements
  • Oversees service providers to perform core data management functions including IWR/IVRS, CRF, edit check and CRF completion guidelines development, user acceptance testing, data cleaning, reviewing listings, and database locking procedures
  • Works collaboratively with Biostatistics and Programming during data integration leading up to a regulatory filing
  • Establish inter- and intradepartmental processes to improve the efficiency and quality of data processing
  • Leads and manages DM tasks outsourced to external vendors and ensures that milestones, deliverables, quality and timelines are met within budget and in accordance with regulatory requirements.
  • Develops positive partnerships with CROs and ensure a high standard of deliverables are maintained.
  • Serves as the DM focal point on assigned studies for all local interfaces and preserves a fluent workflow with the other interfacing departments and local procedures and processes.
  • Prepares and maintains timelines for the assigned studies and communicates to management any issues so that appropriate actions can be taken.
  • Prepares status reports and updates for data management as required
  • Collects and monitors study metrics
  • Plans and oversees preparation of safety committee data management as well as annual report data management Approves data management plans for completeness and accuracy of required documentation
  • Oversees, review of the DMP and other pertinent documents for all assigned studies.
  • Oversees and performs UAT on CDMS components as needed.
  • Provides input into CDMS requirements, assuring protocol requirements are met.
  • Supports validation efforts to minimize the company’s exposure to regulatory risk by validating all electronic data streams and systems in support of organizational objectives

Skills, Qualifications, And Requirements

  • BS Life Sciences or Computer Science
  • 8-10 years of data management experience in a clinical research setting
  • Strong working knowledge and prior experience directly managing/overseeing service providers and CRO’s is required
  • Prior experience managing clinical data for multiple studies at one time
  • Experience with computerized clinical data management systems is required
  • Knowledge of SAS and database programming
  • Systems integration experience
  • Understanding of CDASH and CDISC standards
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, matrixed team environment consisting of internal and external team members
  • Analytical thinker with excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt to changing priorities and deadlines

The anticipated salary range for this role is $175,000 – $210,000

To Apply:

Please click here to apply!

Turnstone Biologics welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.  We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected will be invited for an interview.

Turnstone Biologics is a clinical stage biotechnology company developing new medicines to treat and cure solid tumors by pioneering a differentiated approach with a clinically validated technology, tumor infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy. Turnstone’s innovative TIL therapy, which is designed to extend the efficacy of TILs to multiple solid tumor indications by selecting and manufacturing the most potent tumor-reactive T-cells (Selected TILs) for tumor eradication, represents the Company’s foundational therapeutic modality driving its cancer immunotherapy pipeline. The Company recently commenced two clinical trials in various solid tumor types with its lead Selected TIL therapy candidate, TIDAL-01, one of which is in collaboration with Moffitt Cancer Center. Turnstone is developing additional strategies to further potentiate the clinical benefit of Selected TILs, including use in combination with their novel viral immunotherapy.

At Turnstone, the science drives decision-making and our therapeutics are designed with the patient foremost in mind. We continue to build a world-class, high-performing company that embraces being a learning organization with a sense of urgency. Imagine coming to work every day where over-communication, transparency, teaching, listening, asking, thinking, working hard, and having fun are normal – actually, expected? Imagine having a coach, mentor, peers, and partners where candid feedback, self-improvement, risk taking, failing, learning from that failing, and succeeding thereafter are what we call ‘another day at Turnstone’. If you are a passionate person, and our science excites you – this opportunity may be for you.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Vice President, Clinical Development, the Director, Clinical Science will be a key contributor to Turnstone’s clinical development programs. The Director is supporting the planning and execution of clinical studies in a timely manner, in adherence with GCP, appropriate SOP’s and government regulations. He / She also conducts ongoing medical/safety data reviews, plans and supports study reporting and acts as a primary point-of-contact for site specific clinical questions.

Responsibilities

  • Under the direction and oversight of the VP, Clinical Development, design, oversee and/or execute, as needed and as appropriate, key clinical deliverables including document development necessary for study design, activation, conduct and reporting (protocols, ICFs, IBs, CRFs, SAPs, Clinical study reports (CSRs).
  • Assume a lead role in clinical study data review and interpretation and contribute to the development of deliverables required for ongoing study data review process.
  • Work closely with individuals in other functional areas (e.g., clinical operations, project and program management, safety and pharmacovigilance, regulatory affairs and quality, pre-clinical and research, manufacturing, finance, contract resources, vendors etc.) in the creation, management, and execution of the clinical development plans, in developing innovative and efficient solutions to medical and scientific clinical trial issues, and ensuring the successful execution and completion of Turnstone’s clinical trials.
  • Contribute content to regulatory submissions (INDs, NDAs, MAA etc.) as well as to documents to support Regulatory Authority interactions (briefing books, response documents etc.).
  • Provide medical and scientific input and generate content for abstracts, posters, presentations and manuscripts.
  • Contribute medical and scientific input into the Clinical Development Plans for preclinical and early-stage clinical assets.
  • Identify risks, develop risk mitigation plans, and escalate risk mitigation strategies as appropriate.
  • Contribute to and optimize an effective KOL and investigator communication strategy, interacting with investigators as warranted to obtain necessary information before, during and after the study.
  • Working with other departments, create functional policies and procedures to provide strong and efficient clinical development processes that are appropriate for a matrixed environment.
  • Ensure that relevant SOPs are current and complete.
  • Assess, recommend, track functional budgetary and staffing needs for medical/clinical aspects of clinical trials
  • May also assist with other broad or diverse activities as needed, and when appropriate, including Clinical Development activities (e.g., contributing to the development of an IND for a preclinical asset, etc), Business Development activities (e.g., contributing to Search and Evaluation efforts, Diligence, etc), or other non-clinical departmental activities.
  • Other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

  • Advanced degree such as PhD, Pharm D, MD or equivalent is preferred and +5 years directly related experience in a clinical development-biopharmaceutical environment, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Demonstrated skills and understanding in Phase 1-3 clinical trial design and data interpretation; experience with oncology clinical trials is required.
  • Knowledge of applicable FDA Code of Federal Regulations, Good Clinical Practices (GCP), ICH Guidelines, is required.
  • Familiarity with the drug approval process through NDA or BLA or ex-US drug approval process is preferred.
  • Sufficient content expertise and prior experience to be able to be a key contributor to document development such as INDs, Protocols, ICFs, IBs and regulatory submission package (NDA/MAA), under the direction and oversight of the VP, Clinical Development.
  • Sufficient scientific knowledge and prior experience to play a lead role in the process of clinical study data review and interpretation.
  • Proven track record of successfully delivering projects on time, to budget and the required quality.
  • Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.
  • Team player, with the ability to move in a fast paced and dynamic environment.
  • Ability to build and maintain effective internal and external professional relationships.
  • Ability to travel approximately 25% of the time.

 The anticipated salary range for this role is $160,000 – $200,000

To Apply:

Please click here to apply!

Turnstone Biologics welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.  We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected will be invited for an interview.

Contact

General Inquiries

info@turnstonebio.com

 

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with Us

bd@turnstonebio.com

 

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hr@turnstonebio.com

 

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ir@turnstonebio.com

 

Clinical Trial Inquiries

ct@turnstonebio.com