Scientist II

Position Title: Scientist II

Work Location: 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA, 94080

Assignment Duration: 12 Months with a possible extension

Work Schedule: M-F 9am-5pm

Work Arrangement: Onsite, Laboratory-based (hands-on)

Position Summary:

The gRED Cell Therapy Department at our organization is seeking a motivated and scientifically curious Scientist for a contingent position supporting in vivo cell therapy research. This hands-on, laboratory-based role will focus on research-scale lentiviral vector production, vector characterization, and analytical assay development.

Background & Context:

The Scientist may also generate and characterize materials for use in preclinical in vivo studies conducted by collaborating teams. This position does not involve conducting animal studies. The successful candidate will bring strong experimental judgment, technical expertise in vector production and cell-based analytics, and a collaborative approach to advancing research programs.

Key Responsibilities:

* Execute and optimize research-scale lentiviral vector production workflows, including approaches that support increased production capacity and transition to suspension culture.

* Produce and characterize research-grade lentiviral vectors for in vitro evaluation and, as needed, to support preclinical in vivo studies.

* Develop, optimize, and execute molecular and cell-based assays to assess vector quality, titer, gene delivery, CAR expression, and functional activity.

* Perform primary human cell culture and engineering studies to support evaluation of delivery platforms for in vivo cell therapy applications.

* Apply flow cytometry to assess transduction efficiency, CAR expression, and cell phenotype.

* Collaborate with project teams to define material requirements, coordinate production timelines, and provide supporting analytical data.

* Independently plan experiments, troubleshoot technical challenges, and interpret results in collaboration with project team members.

* Analyze and communicate findings through clear experimental summaries and presentations at internal scientific meetings.

* Maintain accurate and timely electronic laboratory records, document methods, and contribute to reproducible workflows.

* Support laboratory operations, including equipment onboarding and maintenance, and adhere to applicable biosafety, laboratory safety, and training requirements.

Qualification & Experience:

* A self-motivated candidate with a (BS/ MS) + 5 years industry experience, or PhD in Immunology, Virology, Molecular Biology, Bioengineering, Cell Biology, or a related discipline.

* Hands-on experience with lentiviral vector production and characterization.

* Strong proficiency in aseptic mammalian cell culture and experience working with primary human immune cells, preferably T cells.

* Experience developing, optimizing, and troubleshooting molecular or cell-based analytical assays.

* Technical proficiency in flow cytometry and at least one quantitative molecular assay platform, such as qPCR or ddPCR.

* Demonstrated ability to independently design experiments, critically interpret data, and resolve technical challenges.

* Strong organizational, documentation, and communication skills, with the ability to manage concurrent experiments and collaborate effectively.

Preferred Qualifications:

* Three or more years of relevant post-graduate research experience in biotechnology, pharmaceutical research, or an academic setting.

* Experience producing or characterizing gene delivery vectors for in vivo CAR T or related preclinical research programs.

* Experience with suspension-based lentiviral vector production, scale-up, or process development.

* Experience with CAR T-cell functional assays and multiparameter flow cytometry.

* Experience with nonviral delivery platforms, genome engineering, or next-generation sequencing.

* Familiarity with automation, liquid handling, and high-throughput analytical workflows.

* Proficiency with relevant analysis and documentation tools, such as FlowJo, GraphPad Prism, and Benchling.