Senior Scientist, Immunology

About the role

This is a full-time, lab-based role based in Cambridge, MA. Only applicants currently living within commuting distance of Cambridge, MA will be considered.

Responsibilities

• Independently design, optimize, and execute in vitro and ex vivo cellular assays leveraging primary human, murine, and NHP immune cells to evaluate target engagement, immune cell activation, cytotoxicity, and mechanism of action.
• Build and run T cell engager–specific pharmacology assays — including T cell–dependent cellular cytotoxicity (TDCC), tumor cell co-culture killing across a range of target antigen densities, serial killing assays, cytokine release, and target-dependent versus target-independent activation — to define potency, selectivity, and therapeutic index for TriSTAR and related multi-specific molecules.
• Characterize Vβ-selective T cell activation, expansion, and memory/exhaustion phenotypes to connect molecular design and format to mechanism of action.
• Apply advanced flow cytometry and complementary immunoassay platforms (e.g., ELISA, MSD) to characterize immune cell function and biological activity.
• Analyze complex, multi-parameter datasets and communicate findings clearly through technical reports and presentations to scientific and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Proactively generate new experimental ideas and provide scientific input that impacts program strategy and decision-making.
• Contribute to the identification and validation of novel tumor targets for next-generation T cell engagers and immunotherapies.
• Support in vivo study activities, including murine tissue processing and downstream analysis, in collaboration with the broader research team.
• Mentor junior scientists on assay execution, data interpretation, troubleshooting, and laboratory best practices.
• Maintain rigorous laboratory practices, including accurate electronic lab notebooks.

Requirements

• PhD in Immunology, Cell Biology, or a related discipline with 4+ years of relevant experience, or MS with 8+ years of hands-on immunology experience.
• Demonstrated experience executing immunological assays with primary immune cells.
• Hands-on experience with T cell functional assays, including activation, proliferation, cytokine production, and cytotoxicity readouts.
• Strong data analysis and interpretation skills, with the ability to translate complex datasets into clear conclusions.
• Expertise with multi-parameter flow cytometry.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills, with the ability to drive cross-functional collaboration in a matrix environment.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office and standard scientific software.
• Direct experience supporting T cell engagers, bispecific or multi-specific antibodies, or other TCR-directed biologics, including TDCC and cytokine release assessment.
• Familiarity with TCR biology, Vβ repertoire analysis, or T cell memory and exhaustion differentiation.
• Expertise in immune cell isolation (including magnetic separation methods).
• Experience developing and validating primary and immortalized cell-based assays.
• Experience designing and implementing 3D culture models (e.g., organoids and/or spheroids), including tumor killing readouts.
• Experience with real-time cell analysis and imaging technologies such as IncuCyte.
• Experience with analytical tools such as FlowJo, OMIQ, and GraphPad Prism.
• Prior experience in biopharmaceutical R&D or drug development.
• Track record of scientific productivity and innovation as demonstrated through project outcomes and/or publications.

Qualifications

• Adaptability: Responds resourcefully, flexibly, and positively when faced with new challenges, transitions, and demands. Willingly and effectively deals with the stress and complexities of various situations. Moves forward productively and optimistically under conditions of change and uncertainty.
• Collaboration: Embodies and promotes collaboration and works effectively with others across the organization to achieve goals. Demonstrates proficient cross-company communication, cultural sensitivity, and partnership in interactions with others. Involves others in decisions and plans and credits them for their contributions and accomplishments.
• Execution: Drives execution of strategic and operating plans while maintaining operational effectiveness. Conveys a strong sense of urgency around continuous improvement, achieving high quality results, and accelerating business performance. Addresses problems directly and drives changes necessary to achieve business objectives.
• Relationship Building: Establishes and maintains strong relationships internally and externally. Respects and relates well to management, colleagues, peers, and direct reports. Champions a culture of respect, diversity, and inclusion that values and respects individuals. Earns the respect of others through principled leadership, sound business ethics, and authenticity.