T-Cell Biologist (Scientist/Sr. Scientist)

Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and lead in vitro functional studies supporting target discovery, validation, lead selection and optimization, and preclinical development of T-cell engagers.
• Develop, optimize, and run T-cell functional assays to inform potency, selectivity, and safety (e.g., cytotoxicity, cytokine release, activation, immune profiling, reporter assays).
• Design and run co-culture assays to evaluate T-cell-mediated tumor cell killing in response to T-cell engagers.
• Design and execute primary human T-cell assays, including activation, cytokine release, T-cell exhaustion, mixed lymphocyte reaction assays, and proliferation.
• Generate and interpret complex datasets with a strong emphasis on scientific rigor, reproducibility, and data quality.
• Build decision-focused data packages and communicate clear scientific conclusions and recommendations to project teams, management, and external collaborators.
• Develop and execute multiparameter flow cytometry, including activation and intracellular cytokine staining.
• Design and perform real-time cytotoxicity assays (e.g., IncuCyte, eSight) and other functional readouts relevant to T-cell engager activity.
• Characterize T-cell engagers using cell-based functional assays, including cytokine release and cytotoxicity.
• Understand various TCE formats and improve tumor-specific killing efficacy.
• Collaborate closely across teams to evaluate and optimize T-cell engager molecules.
• Coordinate with external collaborators and CROs to deliver high quality, timely data.
• Proactively identify project risks, propose mitigation strategies, and communicate progress and challenges clearly to stakeholders.
• Monitor the scientific literature and competitive landscape relevant to T-cell engagers and emerging immune redirecting modalities.
• Propose innovative experimental approaches to accelerate early-stage discovery.
• Serve as an internal subject matter expert in T cell immunobiology and immune redirecting therapies.
• Monitor the scientific literature and competitive landscape relevant to OGAP-selected targets.
• Foster a culture of scientific rigor, learning, transparency, accountability, and inclusion.
• Act as a scientific thought leader within the research organization.
• Adhere to OBT’s Quality Management System (QMS), including SOPs, documentation standards, electronic lab notebooks, and required training.
• Support audit readiness and contribute to continuous improvement of laboratory systems and workflows.

Qualifications

• Deep expertise in T-cell immunobiology, with hands-on experience working with T-cell engagers and/or bispecific antibody formats.
• Strong hands-on experience with core immunology techniques, including: PBMC and primary human T-cell isolation, culture, and functional assays; multiparameter flow cytometry and panel design; intracellular cytokine staining & other flow-based assays; cell-based reporter assays.
• Demonstrated ability to design, analyze, and interpret complex datasets and translate results into clear scientific conclusions.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present data to multidisciplinary audiences.
• Combines a humble, team-oriented mindset with the ability to form and voice clear, independent viewpoints.
• Scientist Level: PhD with 1–3 years of relevant post-PhD experience, or MS with 5–7 years of relevant industry experience in immunology, cell biology, or biologics discovery.
• Senior Scientist Level: PhD with 4–6 years of relevant post-PhD experience, or MS with 8–12 years of relevant industry experience demonstrating increasing scientific independence and technical leadership.