Senior Research Associate or Associate Scientist, Translational Medicine

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 which aim to advance 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, Translational Medicine, this position is for an experienced, motivated, detail-oriented, and highly skilled Senior Research Associate/Associate Scientist within the Translational Medicine team. The role involves developing and performing autoantibody evaluation assays (MSD, Luminex, ELISA) and other molecular-based assays such as dPCR, with a focus on clinical trial participant materials while adhering to internal compliance standards.

Responsibilities

• With guidance from a Senior Scientist, perform assays on clinical and potentially pre-clinical samples.
• Perform qualified or validated molecular-based assays (Luminex, dPCR, MSD, ELISA, etc.) on clinical samples to inform on cell product persistence and efficacy in humans.
• Participate in generating, qualifying, and validating GLP-like assays and contribute to the development of corresponding SOPs.
• Interface heavily with the electronic lab notebook (eLN) system and sample management system; accurately capture data in a timely manner, ensuring data integrity and protocol compliance.
• Maintain GDP-compliant and detailed records for clinical sample lifecycle (receipt, usage, inventory, etc.).
• Assist in clinical sample accessioning with close attention to metadata entry.
• Opportunities to learn and perform cell-based assays such as flow cytometry and cell killing assays.
• Manage multiple internal projects/workstreams simultaneously.
• Perform lab-associated tasks in accordance with GLP and Cabaletta Bio lab safety policies and SOPs.
• General maintenance of laboratory space and contribution to weekly activities.

Requirements

• MS degree in Biology, Immunology, Engineering, or related field, or a Bachelor’s degree with 2+ years of experience in an academic laboratory or the biotechnology industry.
• Experience with molecular-based assays such as ELISA, MSD, Luminex, and/or dPCR platforms.
• Significant lab experience including aseptic technique, mammalian cell culture, and DNA extraction.
• Ability to follow SOPs and adhere to good documentation practices.
• Highly organized, efficient, and able to work independently.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Clear verbal and written communication skills.
• Desire to be part of a growing organization using cutting-edge science.
• Strong team orientation and passion for continuous self-development.
• Comfortable in a fast-paced small company environment and able to adjust workload based on changing priorities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in protocol design, qualification, and SOP generation.
• Experience with qPCR/dPCR platforms.
• Experience with autoantibody evaluation assays.
• Experience with clinical sample handling and inventory management.
• Experience troubleshooting, qualifying, or validating molecular-based assays.
• Experience in the biotechnology industry or in a startup industrial setting.
• Previous experience with GLP/GCP & ICH regulations.
• Prior use of an electronic laboratory notebook system; involvement in system development is a plus.

Benefits

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