Senior Research Associate

About the Company

Cabaletta Bio (Nasdaq: CABA) is a late-stage clinical biotechnology company focused on developing and launching curative targeted cell therapies designed specifically for patients with autoimmune diseases. The CABA™ platform encompasses two complementary strategies aimed at advancing the discovery and development of engineered T cell therapies with the potential to become deep and durable, perhaps curative, treatments for a broad range of autoimmune diseases.

The lead CARTA (Chimeric Antigen Receptor T cells for Autoimmunity) strategy prioritizes the development of rese-cel, a 4-1BB-containing fully human CD19-CAR T cell investigational therapy. Rese-cel is currently being evaluated in the RESET™ (REstoring SElf-Tolerance) clinical development program spanning multiple therapeutic areas, including rheumatology, neurology, and dermatology.

Cabaletta Bio’s headquarters and labs are located in Philadelphia, PA. The company is Great Place to Work-Certified™, fostering a culture grounded in team success, employee well-being, and continuous growth.

About the Role

Reporting to the Senior Scientist, Cellular Immunology, Preclinical Research, this position involves performing various cell-based assays and other in vitro and ex vivo assays to contribute to the discovery and development of novel therapeutics. The role includes cell line generation and maintenance to assist in developing novel cell-based assays for the Cellular Immunology team. The position offers potential impact in molecular biology, immunology, and cell therapy development.

Responsibilities

• Maintain, expand, bank, and manage various cell lines, including primary cells.
• Generate cell lines using lentivirus technology for suspension cell lines.
• Perform cytotoxicity and other cell-based assays.
• Perform IND-enabling assays following SOPs and proper documentation.
• Perform lab-associated tasks in accordance with cGLP and Cabaletta Bio lab safety policies and SOPs.
• Maintain accurate and well-organized records and electronic laboratory notebooks.
• Actively contribute to process improvements and the implementation of new technologies.
• Perform flow cytometry assays.

Requirements

• MS degree in Biology or Bioengineering (or related field) with 0-3 years of experience, or bachelor’s degree with 2-4+ years of experience in the biotechnology industry.
• General lab skills, including aseptic techniques and human tissue handling.
• Lab experience and expertise in mammalian cell husbandry, including maintaining cell cultures with good aseptic technique, media preparation, and generating/managing cell banks.
• High level of flexibility to support various activities and ability to learn new techniques outside of existing expertise.
• Highly organized with excellent attention to detail and ability to work independently with training.
• Excellent written communication and record-keeping skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in primary cell and iPSC-derived cell culture.
• Strong team orientation and passion for continuous self-development.
• Experience in industry or a startup industrial setting, including knowledge of good documentation practices.
• Previous experience with flow cytometry (not required but a plus).
• Desire to be part of a growing organization that uses cutting-edge science.

Benefits

• Competitive benefits.
• Paid time off (PTO).
• Stock option plans.