Cell Therapy Research Scientist

Job Description

Job Description

Cell Therapy Research Scientist / Senior Scientist

Location: Frederick, MD
Schedule: Full-Time
Contract: 6-Month Contract-to-Hire
Pay Rate: $45–$55/hour (commensurate with experience)
Travel: Occasional local travel to support CRO oversight and formulation activities may be required (21784 zip)

Kelly Science & Clinical is seeking a Cell Therapy Research Scientist / Senior Scientist to join an innovative and collaborative discovery research team focused on the development of next-generation cell-based therapies for autoimmune diseases. This position offers the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge preclinical research supporting both ex vivo and in vivo therapeutic development programs.
Responsibilities

• Conduct preclinical in vitro and in vivo evaluation of cell therapy candidates.
• Perform primary cell isolation from blood and maintain aseptic mammalian cell culture workflows.
• Execute functional cell-based assays and characterize therapeutic activity.
• Support development and optimization of electroporation-based workflows.
• Utilize flow cytometry and plate-based assays including ELISA, luminometric, and colorimetric methods.
• Establish and manage in vivo models, including handling and IVIS imaging.
• Maintain accurate, organized, and timely experimental documentation and records.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with research and development teams to support program objectives.
• Assist with additional operational and laboratory activities as needed.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or higher in Biology, Chemistry, Immunology, or related scientific discipline.
• Minimum 3+ years of hands-on experience in cell therapy or related preclinical research workflows.
• Strong experience with:
  • Primary cell isolation and cell culture
  • Functional assessment assays
  • Flow cytometry
  • In vivo model establishment and execution
  • Electroporation techniques
• Experience with CAR-T or related cell therapy platforms is strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with mRNA therapeutics, IVT workflows, and related applications is preferred.
• Experience supporting preclinical therapeutic development programs is highly desirable.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to work independently in a fast-paced research environment.
• Collaborative and solution-oriented mindset with excellent communication skills.

Preferred Experience

• CAR-T or related engineered cell therapy development
• mRNA therapeutic development and characterization
• IVIS imaging systems
• Preclinical autoimmune disease research models

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As part of our promise to talent, Kelly supports those who work with us through a variety of benefits, perks, and work-related resources. Kelly offers eligible employees voluntary benefit plans including medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, term life, whole life, accident insurance, critical illness, a legal plan, and short-term disability. As a Kelly employee, you will have access to a retirement savings plan, service bonus and holiday pay plans (earn up to eight paid holidays per benefit year), and a transit spending account. In addition, employees are entitled to earn paid sick leave under the applicable state or local plan. Click here for more information on benefits and perks that may be available to you as a member of the Kelly Talent Community.

Why Kelly® Science & Clinical?

Kelly Science & Clinical is your connection to premier scientific and clinical companies looking to hire industry experts just like you. Our team creates expert talent solutions to solve the world’s most critical challenges. Every day, we match science professionals with dream jobs that fit their skills, interests, and career goals-it’s the way we think job searching should be. Nearly 100 percent of our science recruiters have a professional background and education in science, so we know a thing or two about the science market and how to get your expertise noticed.

About Kelly

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