Scientist I, Immunology Discovery

ABOUT AVALON BIOVENTURES:

Avalon BioVentures is a biotech venture capital firm that builds on Avalon’s 40-year success in pursuing disruptive ideas to improve life. From its established offices and labs on the Torrey Pines Mesa, in La Jolla, California, Avalon BioVentures leverages its Accelerator, which provides operational infrastructure and support, and the team’s extensive experience to identify promising science, build agile companies, and advance breakthrough therapeutics.

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are seeking a Scientist I (Ph.D. or equivalent, with approximately 0-2 years of industry experience) to join our growing team of scientists focused on leveraging novel therapeutic protein platforms to discover new treatments for immune-mediated diseases. Working under the guidance of senior team members you will take ownership of functional assay development and screening. You will act as a lead who will convert the functional biology plans into optimized, reproducible workflows ready to test therapeutic molecules emerging from discovery biologics workstreams. You will closely collaborate with colleagues in protein sciences, analytics, and immunology to support lead discovery, characterization and optimization of new classes of therapeutics.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

- Conceptualize, develop and optimize cell-based functional assays (cell lines, primary cells, whole blood) to support target validation, antibody drug screening, mechanism of action studies, and biomarker identification .

- Order and qualify target-linked reagents, recombinant proteins, commercial benchmark antibodies, detection reagents and critical consumables.

- Generate benchmark pharmacology and reproducibility datasets before internal therapeutic test articles arrive.

- Lead day-to-day assay troubleshooting, protocol refinement, method documentation and transfer to additional team members/CROs.

- Independently run and coordinate functional screening of therapeutic test articles;
generate ranking datasets against benchmarks.

- Analyze results, critically interpret data, propose focused follow-up experiments and share results to project teams as required.

- Keep meticulous records of experiments performed and maintain ELN entries.

- Mentor junior team members in routine execution and good laboratory/data practices.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE

- Minimum of 8+ years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree;
or 6+ years and a Master’s degree;
or a PhD in cell or molecular biology, immunology or a closely related field with 0-2 years of experience.

- Experience and technical proficiency in cell-based assay development and optimization including in vitro cell line or reporter cell assays and ex vivo primary cell from human whole blood, PBMC, and various immune subsets.

- Hands-on experience with multi-color flow cytometry for immune cell phenotyping and functional immune cell analysis.

- Hands-on experience with immunoassay platforms such as ELISA, MSD, Luminex to measure analytes in serum, plasma, supernatant or cell lysates.

- Experience with Western Blots for samples generated from cell pellets and tissue.

- Proficiency in data analysis using Excel, GraphPad Prism, Flow Jo.

- Ability to work in fast-paced and matrix environment to meet project goals.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE

- Exposure to early/preclinical drug development processes and stages.

- Familiarity with Inflammation and Immunology biology (pathways and targets) and demonstrates understanding of autoimmune disease immunopathogenesis.

- Cross-functional collaborations.

- Lab management and operations to ensure a safe, efficient, and high-performing research environment.

- Molecular/ cell biology techniques such as CRISPR, RT-PCR, cell transfection, cell line generation.

- Tissue explants and organoid systems is a plus.

- Working with CRO, ensuring clear communication, timely execution, and high-quality deliverables.

PERSONAL QUALITIES

- Collaborative and team-oriented: shares information openly, seeks input from colleagues, and is comfortable working as part of a team to co-own data and decisions.

- Science-focused: grounded and focused on the quality and impact of the science rather than personal recognition;
gives credit generously.

- Systematic and methodical: plans experiments thoughtfully, uses appropriate controls, and follows established processes while learning to identify improvement opportunities.

- Organized and conscientious: manages multiple experiments in parallel, meets commitments reliably, and maintains excellent records.

- Open to feedback: actively invites critique of their designs and data, incorporates constructive feedback to continuously improve performance, collaboration and outcomes, and contributes to a psychologically safe lab environment.

- Eager to learn: demonstrates curiosity and willingness to expand technical skills and scientific knowledge in immunology discovery and therapeutic protein development.

- Agility and sense of urgency: adapts quickly to changing priorities and acts with urgency to drive timely, high-quality outcomes.

- Thrives in a fast-paced environment. Effectively balancing multiple priorities while maintaining high standards of quality and execution.

WHAT WE OFFER

In addition to a competitive compensation package with stock options, the company also offers a comprehensive benefits package for our employees and their families, which includes medical, dental, vision, and supplemental disability insurance.

Job Type: Full-time

Salary: $115,000 – 130,000

Supplemental pay types:

- Annual Bonus: 10%

Benefits:

- 401(k)

- Dental insurance

- Employee assistance program

- Flexible schedule

- Flexible spending account

- Flexible vacation

- Health insurance

- Life insurance

- Parental leave

- Paid holidays

- Relocation assistance (if eligible)

- Retirement plan

- Vision insurance

- Year-end shutdown

We are an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law. The above description is intended to describe the general nature of the job and may include other duties as assumed or assigned;
it is not intended to be all inclusive or limit the duties of the position.