Research Associate; Contractor), Cell Therapy

Obsidian Therapeutics is pioneering engineered cell and gene therapies to deliver transformative outcomes for patients. Obsidian’s programs apply our cytoDRiVE® technology in Cell and Gene therapy products to control expression of proteins for enhanced therapeutic efficacy and safety. Obsidian’s lead program is currently in clinical development for the treatment of patients with metastatic melanoma and non‑small cell lung cancer.

Obsidian Therapeutics is pioneering engineered cell and gene therapies to deliver transformative outcomes for patients. Obsidian’s programs apply our cytoDRiVE® technology in Cell and Gene therapy products to control expression of proteins for enhanced therapeutic efficacy and safety. Obsidian’s lead program is currently in clinical development for the treatment of patients with metastatic melanoma and non‑small cell lung cancer.

We’re proud of our diverse talented team and committed to cultivating an environment of inclusion where each person feels a strong sense of belonging and is supported to continuously learn and contribute their best work. Our Research team is based in the heart of Cambridge, MA, and Technical Operations team is based in our purpose built facility in Bedford, MA. Obsidianites enjoy a highly collaborative culture, competitive salary and benefits, and potential for ownership through stock options.

We are looking for a highly motivated Research Associate (Contractor) with a strong background in mammalian cell culture, cellular assays, and immune cell characterization. As a part of our Cell Therapy Research Team, you’ll support discovery and translational research efforts through the execution of in vitro experiments, cellular assays, and data analysis to advance preclinical research objectives.

This position offers an opportunity to work in a fast‑paced, collaborative environment while developing expertise in mammalian cell culture and immune cell characterization.

As a member of our Cell Therapy Research Team, you will be a vital part of a highly collaborative group working to unlock the promise of precision cell therapy for patients. This is a opportunity to be a valuable contributor in a well‑funded clinical company with field‑leading advisors, best‑in‑class partners, and an experienced team currently advancing our lead program is amsoki‑cel (OBX‑115), a novel engineered tumor‑infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) cell therapy that uses our proprietary cytoDRiVE® platform.

As a lab‑based role; work is on‑site starting in our Cambridge, MA location until Q2, 2027 when the role will relocate to Bedford, MA where our office and lab space is expanding to become our single MA location

• Perform routine and complex mammalian cell culture, including maintenance, expansion, cryopreservation, and characterization of cell lines and primary cells.
• Execute plate‑based assays to assess cellular phenotype, viability, proliferation, activation, and function.
• Conduct laboratory experiments independently and accurately document procedures, observations, and results within an Electronic Laboratory Notebook (ELN) system.
• Analyze experimental data and present findings to project teams in a clear and organized manner.
• Collaborate with scientists to support research activities, technology development, and assay optimization.
• Maintain laboratory inventory, equipment, and reagent stocks while adhering to laboratory safety procedures.
• Contribute to experimental troubleshooting and continuous improvement of laboratory workflows.
• Support generation of high‑quality data under aggressive project timelines.

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Immunology, Biotechnology, Cell Biology, Biomedical…