Senior Scientist, Immunology

Description

Location: On-site – Cambridge, MA

This is a full-time, lab-based role based in Cambridge, MA. Only applicants currently living within commuting distance of Cambridge, MA will be considered.

Marengo Therapeutics is developing first-in-class bi‑specific T cell activators that stimulate and expand anti‑tumor T cells to generate deep, durable anti‑tumor immunity. Our lead program is in Phase 2 clinical trials, currently being evaluated across multiple solid tumor indications, backed by an advanced antibody discovery platform and a growing pipeline of multi‑specific immune‑modulating therapeutics.

Building on that clinical foundation, our TriSTAR™ platform is enabling the development of a new generation of precision T cell engagers (TCEs). TriSTAR molecules are multi‑specific antibody fusions that pair our proprietary antibodies against germline‑encoded Vß regions of the TCR with a T cell co‑stimulatory moiety and a tumor‑associated antigen binder — selectively activating and expanding memory Vß T cell subsets while redirecting them to the tumor in a single molecule.

This differentiated, built‑in‑costimulation mechanism is designed to overcome the poor T cell quality and exhaustion that limit conventional CD3‑based T cell engagers, particularly in immunologically "cold" tumors.

We're looking for a Senior Scientist with deep in vitro immunology expertise to help drive our next generation of T cell engagers and immune‑modulating biologics. You will design and lead cell‑based assays using primary human, NHP and rodent immune cells — generating mechanistic data that shapes program strategy — while serving as a subject matter expert on program teams.

• Independently design, optimize, and execute in vitro and ex vivo cellular assays leveraging primary human, murine, and NHP immune cells to evaluate target engagement, immune cell activation, cytotoxicity, and mechanism of action.
• Build and run T cell engager‑specific pharmacology assays — including T cell‑dependent cellular cytotoxicity (TDCC), tumor cell co‑culture killing across a range of target antigen densities, seria killing assays, cytokine release, and target‑dependent versus target‑independent activation — to define potency, selectivity, and therapeutic index for TriSTAR and related multi‑specific molecules.
• Characterize Vß‑selective T cell activation, expansion, and memory/exhaustion phenotypes to connect molecular design and format to mechanism of action.
• Apply advanced flow cytometry and complementary immunoassay platforms (e.g., ELISA, MSD) to characterize immune cell function and biological activity.
• Analyze complex, multi‑parameter datasets and communicate findings clearly through technical reports and presentations to scientific and cross‑functional stakeholders.
• Proactively generate new experimental ideas and provide scientific input that impacts program strategy and decision‑making.
• Contribute to the identification and validation of novel tumor targets for next‑generation T cell engagers and immunotherapies.
• Support in vivo study activities, including murine tissue processing and downstream analysis, in collaboration with the broader research team.
• Mentor junior scientists on assay execution, data interpretation, troubleshooting, and laboratory best practices.
• Maintain rigorous laboratory practices, including accurate electronic lab notebooks.

• PhD in Immunology, Cell Biology, or a related discipline with 4+ years of relevant experience, or MS with 8+ years of hands‑on immunology experience.
• Demonstrated experience executing immunological assays with primary immune cells.
• Hands‑on experience with T cell functional assays, including activation, proliferation, cytokine production, and cytotoxicity readouts.
• Strong data analysis and interpretation skills, with the ability to translate complex datasets into clear conclusions.
• Expertise with multi‑parameter flow cytometry.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills, with the ability to drive cross‑functional collaboration in a matrix environment.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office and standard scientific software.