Scientist, Research Scientist

Position: Scientist I
Job Title:

Scientist I Contract Wet Lab Scientist, Discovery Biology

Job Description

This onsite role in San Diego, CA seeks a highly motivated and detail-oriented Contract Wet Lab Scientist to join a Discovery Biology team focused on a high-priority binder screening campaign. You will play a central role in executing bench-level assays that identify and validate novel therapeutic candidates for T-cell-based therapies, driving the transition from binder discovery to functional validation. This 612 month contract position is ideal for a scientist who thrives at the bench, enjoys a fast-paced drug discovery environment, and is passionate about characterizing the potency, specificity, and safety of candidate binders such as scFvs or VHHs in engineered T-cell responses.

Responsibilities

+ Serve as a core operator within the screening funnel, focusing on the transition from binder discovery to functional validation for T-cell-based therapies.

+ Perform non-viral engineering of primary human T cells by delivering genetic material such as mRNA or transposon-based DNA systems using advanced electroporation or nucleofection platforms.

+ Monitor T-cell viability and recovery following transfection, ensuring high-efficiency expression of synthetic receptors prior to functional testing.

+ Execute high-throughput screening assays to assess binder affinity and functionality in the context of engineered T-cell responses.

+ Maintain and expand primary human T cells and Jurkat cell lines using rigorous aseptic techniques to ensure culture integrity and reproducibility.

+ Perform multi-color flow cytometry and fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) to evaluate surface expression levels and phenotypic markers.

+ Analyze and interpret flow cytometry data using software such as Flow Jo, generating clear, data-driven conclusions to support decision-making.

+ Run functional assays to measure T-cell activation, including cytotoxicity assays using Incu Cyte live-cell imaging or LDH release methodologies.

+ Conduct cytokine profiling using ELISA, MSD, or Luminex platforms to characterize T-cell functional responses.

+ Track T-cell proliferation using appropriate dyes and analytical methods to quantify cellular expansion and activation.

+ Record all experimental procedures, protocol deviations, and raw data meticulously in an Electronic Lab Notebook (ELN) to maintain data integrity and support potential regulatory filings.

+ Use liquid-handling robotics, where applicable, to scale and streamline high-throughput screening efforts.

+ Communicate results effectively and present clear, data-driven updates during weekly campaign sprint meetings.

+ Collaborate with cross-functional team members to refine assays, troubleshoot experiments, and optimize workflows in a fast-paced discovery environment.

Essential Skills

+ Bachelors or Masters degree in Immunology, Molecular Biology, Bioengineering, or a related biological science.

+ At least 2 years of hands-on wet lab experience, preferably in an industry setting.

+ Strong proficiency in molecular biology and wet lab techniques relevant to T-cell engineering and functional assays.

+ Mastery of aseptic technique, including consistent maintenance of sterile conditions for cell culture work.

+ Experience isolating primary T cells from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs).

+ Expertise in flow cytometry acquisition and analysis, including multi-color panel design and data interpretation.

+ Demonstrated ability to maintain and expand primary human T cells and Jurkat cell lines.

+ Hands-on experience performing and analyzing functional T-cell assays such as cytotoxicity, proliferation, and cytokine profiling.

+ Proficiency in using software such as Flow Jo for flow cytometry data analysis.

+ Ability to document experiments thoroughly and accurately in an Electronic Lab Notebook (ELN).

+ Strong communication skills, with the ability to present clear, data-driven updates in team meetings.

+ Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced drug discovery environment and manage multiple experiments in parallel.

Additional

Skills & Qualifications

+ Direct experience with non-viral transfection methods, including electroporation and nucleofection of primary human T cells.

+ Familiarity with transposon-based DNA delivery systems and mRNA-based engineering approaches.

+ Experience using Incu Cyte or similar live-cell imaging platforms to perform cytotoxicity and cell tracking assays.

+ Hands-on experience with cytokine profiling technologies…