Research Scientist

Job Title:

Research Scientist

Job Description

The Research Scientist will lead pre-clinical in vitro and in vivo evaluation of ex vivo and in vivo therapy candidates, supporting the development of novel cell-based therapies for autoimmune diseases. This role focuses on hands-on experimental work, including cell culture, primary cell isolation, flow cytometry, plate-based assays, and in vivo model studies, as well as related operational tasks as assigned. The position level will be commensurate with experience, and the scientist will contribute directly to cutting-edge discovery research in a highly innovative and collaborative environment.

Responsibilities

+ Design, plan, and execute pre-clinical in vitro and in vivo studies to evaluate ex vivo and in vivo therapy candidates.

+ Perform aseptic cell culture, including maintenance and expansion of cell lines and primary cells under BSL-2 conditions.

+ Isolate primary cells and prepare samples for downstream assays and analyses.

+ Conduct flow cytometry (FACS) experiments to characterize cells and analyze therapeutic effects.

+ Run luminometric and colorimetric plate-based assays, such as ELISA and related formats, to quantify biomarkers and functional readouts.

+ Establish, handle, and monitor in vivo models, including mouse models, to assess therapeutic efficacy and safety.

+ Perform IVIS imaging and related in vivo imaging procedures to track cells, agents, or disease progression.

+ Contribute to LNP formulation, quality control, and pre-clinical testing of LNP-based therapeutics, as applicable.

+ Support mRNA in vitro transcription (IVT), quality control, application, and optimization for pre-clinical studies.

+ Assist in the development and characterization of mRNA therapeutics and contribute to programs involving CAR or related cell therapies.

+ Maintain accurate, complete, and timely experimental records, including protocols, raw data, and reports.

+ Analyze and interpret experimental data, troubleshoot technical issues, and propose data-driven next steps.

+ Collaborate closely with a multidisciplinary discovery team to advance cell-based therapy programs.

+ Work independently on assigned experiments while proactively communicating progress, challenges, and results.

+ Follow all laboratory safety procedures and properly use required personal protective equipment.

+ Support general lab operations and other related operational tasks as assigned to ensure smooth R&D and manufacturing activities.

Essential Skills

+ Master's degree or higher in biology, chemistry, or a related discipline.

+ Minimum of three years of hands-on experience in common cell therapy pre-clinical workflows.

+ Strong proficiency in aseptic cell culture techniques.

+ Hands-on experience with primary cell culture and isolation of primary cells.

+ Demonstrated experience with flow cytometry (FACS) for cell characterization and analysis.

+ Proficiency with luminometric and colorimetric plate-based assays, including ELISA.

+ Experience establishing, handling, and working with in vivo models, including mouse models.

+ Ability to perform and interpret IVIS imaging in pre-clinical studies.

+ Strong organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail in experimental execution and documentation.

+ Ability to maintain accurate and timely experimental records and data.

+ Proven ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented research environment.

+ Capability to work independently, troubleshoot experiments, and develop solutions to technical challenges.

Additional

Skills & Qualifications

+ PhD in biology, chemistry, or a related discipline is preferred; academic experience is acceptable.

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Experience with lipid nanoparticle (LNP) formulation and related quality control methods is strongly preferred.

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Experience with LNP-based pre-clinical studies is strongly preferred.

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Experience with mRNA in vitro transcription (IVT), including quality control, application, and optimization, is preferred.

+ Expertise in the development and characterization of mRNA therapeutics is preferred.

+ Knowledge of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) or related cell therapies is preferred.

+ Experience working within BSL-2 laboratory environments.

+ Demonstrated solution-oriented mindset and ability to contribute to a highly innovative discovery setting.

+ Strong communication skills to effectively present data and collaborate with cross-functional teams.

+ Motivation to work on cutting-edge science that brings meaningful change to patients with autoimmune diseases.

Work Environment

This role is primarily laboratory-based in an R&D setting, with approximately 60-80% of time spent at the bench in BSL-2 labs and the remaining time at a desk for data analysis and documentation. Work involves hands-on setup and operation of laboratory and manufacturing-related equipment, including biosafety cabinets, flow cytometers, plate readers for ELISA and other assays, IVIS imaging systems, and equipment used for in vivo models and cell culture workflows.

The position…