Scientist, Research Scientist

About This Role

This onsite contract role in San Diego, CA, seeks a highly motivated and detail-oriented wet lab scientist to join a Discovery Biology team. The focus is on a high-priority binder screening campaign, where 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 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

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Immunology, Molecular Biology, Bioengineering, or a related biological science