Wet Lab Scientist - T-Cell Engineering & Flow Cytometry (San Diego)

BEPC is actively looking for Scientist I, in San Diego, CA area!

W2 Contract - 8 months with possible extensions!

Benefits include medical, dental, vision, and life insurance

Pay Rate: $40.00 - $47.59/ hour - Determined based on experience (Paid Weekly)

Work Model: Fully onsite in San Diego, CA. Candidates must be able to work onsite from the start of the assignment. Local candidates are preferred, and relocation assistance is not available for this position.

Note: This is a W2 only role — C2C, C2H will not be considered

Summary of the Role:

BEPC is seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Wet Lab Scientist to join our client’s site in San Diego, CA. This role will support the Discovery Biology team in a high-priority binder screening campaign, executing bench-level assays required to identify and validate novel therapeutic candidates for T-cell-based therapies.

The successful candidate will serve as a core operator within the screening process, focusing on the transition from binder discovery to functional validation. The primary objective is to characterize the potency, specificity, and safety of candidate binders, such as scFvs or VHHs, within the context of engineered T-cell responses.

This position is designed for a scientist who thrives in hands-on laboratory work and excels in the fast-paced environment of a drug discovery campaign.

Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:

T-Cell Engineering and Transfection

• Perform non-viral engineering of primary human T cells using advanced electroporation or nucleofection platforms.
• Deliver genetic material, including mRNA or transposon-based DNA systems, into primary human T cells.
• Monitor cell viability and recovery following transfection.
• Ensure high-efficiency expression of synthetic receptors before functional testing.

Cell Culture and Binder Screening

• Execute high-throughput screening assays to assess binder affinity and functionality.
• Maintain and expand primary human T cells and Jurkat cell lines using aseptic techniques.
• Support the transition from binder discovery to functional validation.

Flow Cytometry and Data Analysis

• Perform multi-color flow cytometry (FACS) to evaluate surface expression levels and phenotypic markers.
• Analyze and interpret flow cytometry data using software such as FlowJo.

Functional T-Cell Characterization

• Conduct cytotoxicity assays using IncuCyte live-cell imaging or LDH release methods.
• Perform cytokine profiling using ELISA, MSD, or Luminex.
• Measure T-cell activation and functional responses.
• Track T-cell proliferation using dyes such as CFSE.

Laboratory Documentation and Communication

• Maintain accurate and detailed experimental records in an Electronic Lab Notebook (ELN).
• Document experimental procedures, protocol deviations, and raw data to ensure data integrity for regulatory filings.
• Present clear, data-driven updates during weekly campaign sprint meetings.

Main Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Immunology, Molecular Biology, Bioengineering, or a related biological science.
• Minimum of 2 years of hands-on wet lab experience.
• Mastery of aseptic laboratory techniques.
• Experience isolating primary T cells from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs).
• Expertise in flow cytometry acquisition and analysis (mandatory requirement).
• Strong communication skills and ability to present data-driven experimental updates.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced drug discovery campaign.
• Ability to work fully onsite in San Diego, CA.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Direct experience with non-viral transfection methods.
• Experience using liquid-handling robotics to scale screening efforts.

About BEPC

BEPC Inc., founded in 2007, is a 100% employee-owned company providing top-tier consulting and staffing solutions across industries like technology, engineering, manufacturing, and project management. At BEPC, we are driven by innovation and a commitment to excellence. We take pride in fostering a collaborative and innovative environment where our team members thrive. With competitive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, BEPC is dedicated to supporting our employees' personal and professional growth.

Apply Now!

Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply by submitting an up-to-date resume that highlights how your experience aligns with the role. Please include specific examples that demonstrate your qualifications. We look forward to connecting with you!