Scientist, Cell Engineering

Scientist, Synthetic Immune Cell Engineering

SF Bay Area (Mid-Peninsula)

Our client is an early-stage biotech startup pioneering a next-generation platform for engineered cell therapies. They are building a proprietary receptor architecture designed to unlock previously inaccessible signaling pathways - enabling any cell type to be precisely programmed for therapeutic effect.

About the Role

Join the founding scientific team and help generate the core science underpinning a differentiated cell therapy platform. You will lead experimental workstreams end-to-end, from assay development through in vivo validation, working directly with leadership to shape both the research direction and company culture. This is a high-ownership, high-visibility role at a company where your contributions will have direct and lasting impact.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize immunological assays (e.g., ELISA, flow cytometry) and functional assays (e.g., proliferation, cytotoxicity) to support platform and program objectives.
• Validate and characterize novel molecular tools - including synthetic receptors, CRISPR constructs, and RNA-based modalities - in clinically relevant primary cell types.
• Lead experimental workstreams supporting cell therapy product development from concept through execution.
• Coordinate in vivo study execution with vivarium staff, including preparation of experimental materials and downstream sample analysis.
• Translate high-level program goals into detailed experimental plans in close collaboration with scientific leadership.
• Analyze and interpret multi-dimensional immunological datasets; use coding (e.g., Python) to support routine data analysis and visualization.
• Mentor junior scientists and research associates; contribute to building a rigorous, collaborative lab culture.

Qualifications

• PhD in immunology, gene editing, bioengineering, or a related field.
• 2+ years of direct industry experience preferred.
• 5+ years of hands-on experience with ex vivo immune cell culture and mouse tissue processing.
• Demonstrated experience developing immune cell-based methods to validate and optimize molecular tools (e.g., CRISPR, synthetic receptors, siRNA).
• Proficiency in Python or another coding language for data analysis and visualization.
• Proven track record of independently leading impactful research projects.
• Strong documentation practices and ability to troubleshoot and resolve technical problems quickly.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills across technical and cross-functional audiences.