Cell Culture Biologist

About Cerus

Cerus aims to be the global leader and trusted partner of blood centers and hospitals whose technology, services, and commitment are the lifeblood of safe and accessible blood for patients around the world.

Location: onsite at Concord, CA

Schedule: 5 days per week

Duration: 2–3 months

Position Summary

We are seeking a motivated and independent summer intern to support research evaluating the potential of alternative human plasma sources as supplements for cell culture media. This project will focus on assessing how different plasma-derived materials perform in primary cell culture systems relevant to CAR-T cell and gene therapy workflows, as well as other cell-based applications.

The intern will design and execute cell culture experiments, compare cell growth and performance across media supplement conditions, analyze experimental results, and summarize findings to help guide future development decisions. This is a hands-on laboratory role well suited for a candidate with strong cell culture experience, scientific curiosity, and the ability to conduct research with minimal day-to-day guidance.

Key Responsibilities

• Culture and maintain primary human cells relevant to CAR-T and other cell therapy applications.
• Evaluate alternative human plasma sources as potential media supplements in cell culture systems.
• Design and execute experiments comparing cell expansion, viability, phenotype, and functional performance across culture conditions.
• Perform cell culture experiments using appropriate aseptic technique
• Conduct cell-based assays, which may include cell counting, viability analysis, flow cytometry sample preparation, activation/expansion assessments, or other relevant analytical methods.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and well-organized laboratory records.
• Analyze experimental data and present findings to project stakeholders.
• Conduct literature and technical research to support experimental design and interpretation.
• Work independently while seeking input appropriately from scientific mentors and cross-functional team members.
• Follow laboratory safety, biosafety, and quality expectations.

Qualifications

Required:

• Current enrollment in an undergraduate or graduate program in biology, bioengineering, immunology, cell biology, biomedical sciences, or a related field.
• Strong hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture and preferably primary human cell types.
• Demonstrated ability to plan and conduct research with minimal guidance.
• Experience working aseptically in a biological safety cabinet.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accurate documentation.
• Ability to analyze data, troubleshoot experiments, and communicate results clearly.
• Comfortable working with primary human cells or human-derived biological materials.

Preferred:

• Experience with cell proliferation assays, cell activation assays, or flow cytometry.
• Experience comparing serum, plasma, platelet lysate, or other biological media supplements.
• Familiarity with statistical analysis or graphing tools such as Excel, GraphPad Prism.

Desired Attributes

• Highly self-motivated and intellectually curious.
• Able to work independently while remaining collaborative and communicative.
• Comfortable operating in an exploratory research environment where protocols may evolve.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple experimental conditions.
• Scientifically rigorous, safety-conscious, and dependable.

Project Outcome

By the end of the internship, the intern is expected to generate a summary data package. The intern will present results, key conclusions, and recommendations for follow-up studies to the research team.

Pay: $23/hr