Senior Research Associate – Single B Cell Screening & Functional Antibody Discovery

Kiso Ji Biotech is advancing next-generation antibody therapeutics through the integration of proprietary transgenic heavy chain-only antibody (HCAb) platforms, AI-guided discovery, functional screening technologies, and high-throughput single-cell screening systems.

We are currently expanding our antibody discovery capabilities and are seeking two Senior Research Associates to lead and support our single B cell screening and functional antibody discovery workflows using advanced technologies including the Cell Celector platform and potentially droplet microfluidics-based screening systems.

This is a highly hands-on laboratory role focused on screening plasma B cells following immunization campaigns to identify antibodies with desirable binding and/or functional activity. The position will involve close collaboration with multidisciplinary teams spanning molecular biology, protein engineering, AI-guided discovery, and functional assay development.

The successful candidates will thrive in a fast-paced biotech environment, demonstrate strong experimental rigor, work independently, and contribute scientifically to the development of next-generation antibody discovery technologies.

Senior Research Associate

San Deigo, California

Assay Development

• Plan and execute single B cell and plasma cell screening workflows following animal immunization campaigns
• Operate and optimize the Cell Celector platform for single-cell isolation, imaging, clone recovery, and antibody discovery applications
• Develop and execute screening assays for:
• Cell-based functional activity
• Support the implementation and optimization of droplet microfluidics-based screening technologies for high-throughput functional antibody discovery
• Perform mammalian cell culture and support functional screening workflows using reporter assays, flow cytometry, imaging systems, and cell-based assays
• Troubleshoot methods, improve workflows, and contribute to the development of new antibody discovery technologies
• Maintain accurate experimental records and clearly communicate results through reports, presentations, and team discussions
• Assist in SOP development, workflow standardization, and laboratory organization
• Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams across discovery, assay development, computational biology, and protein engineering
• Participate in project planning, prioritization, and technology evaluation discussions

• M.Sc. in Immunology, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Bioengineering, or a related field with at least 5–7 years of industry experience
• Minimum 3 years of hands-on experience in antibody discovery or single-cell screening workflows
• Experience with mammalian cell culture and cell-based functional assays
• Experience operating advanced screening or cell handling instrumentation such as:
• Cell Celector
• FACS / flow cytometry systems
• Experience with one or more of the following:
• Single B cell screening
• Functional antibody screening
• Reporter-based functional assays
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills with the ability to independently optimize assays and workflows
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to work independently while effectively collaborating within cross-functional teams
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Legally authorized to work in Canada

• Experience with droplet microfluidics systems for single-cell or functional screening
• Experience with flow cytometry assay development and cell sorting
• Experience with reporter assays, imaging-based screening, or phenotypic screening
• Familiarity with automation and high-throughput screening systems
• Experience in oncology or GPCR-focused therapeutic discovery programs