Scientist CAR-T Biology

Location: South San Francisco, CA 94080 – 100% onsite (local candidates only). Duration: 6-month contract with possibility of extension based on performance and business needs.

About the role

The CAR-T Biology team in South San Francisco, part of the Immuno-Oncology Organization, is seeking a Scientist III to support the development of in vivo CAR-T platforms from concept through preclinical development. The candidate will work at the intersection of synthetic biology and immune modulation.

Responsibilities

• Apply subject-matter expertise in T-cell and synthetic-biology approaches to develop next-generation in vivo CAR-T cell therapies, translating evolving scientific and intellectual-property insights into impactful therapeutic programs.
• Independently establish, track, and deliver project milestones and experimental timelines, ensuring alignment with program objectives and organizational priorities while adapting to evolving scientific needs.
• Design and execute in vitro assays to evaluate CAR-T biology, including assessment of cytotoxicity, T-cell effector function, and immune-cell phenotyping.
• Organize, analyze, and synthesize complex scientific data; communicate experimental strategies, results, and interpretations to internal and external stakeholders through clear presentations and scientific reports.
• Maintain comprehensive, well-documented records in an Electronic Lab Notebook (ELN).

Qualifications

• BS (or equivalent) with typically 7+ years of experience; MS (or equivalent) with typically 5+ years of experience; or PhD with experience in CAR-T, genetic medicine, or immuno-oncology.
• Demonstrated ability to independently design, perform, and interpret key experiments to address scientific questions.
• Proven capacity to quickly learn and apply new laboratory techniques.
• Able to manage multiple tasks efficiently while meeting deadlines.
• Strong scientific writing and verbal communication skills.
• Extensive experience in assay development for CAR-T candidate generation and assessment.
• Previous experience in chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) construct design, CAR-T production, and T-cell function evaluation.
• Deep expertise in primary T-cell isolation, activation, transduction, T-cell cytotoxicity, proliferation, cytokine profiling, multi-color flow cytometry, and immunological assays (e.g., ELISA, Luminex, cytotoxicity assays).
• Experience leading preclinical cell-therapy projects and mentoring scientists is a plus.
• Experience in cell-based in vitro assay development and semi-automated liquid-handling systems for high-throughput workflows is a plus.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Life insurance and long-term disability insurance
• Short-term disability insurance
• Paid parking/public transportation
• Paid time off, sick and safe time, and vacation time (hours/weeks vary by eligibility)
• Paid parental leave
• Paid holidays annually

Pay

$60.00 – $70.00 per hour