UNIV - Staff Scientist I - Department of Pharmacology and Immunology

Duties/Responsibilities

• Cellular immunology and CAR-T workflows: Execute and optimize experiments involving T cell isolation, activation, genetic modification (viral transduction and/or mRNA electroporation), and functional characterization. Responsibilities include assessing CAR expression, proliferation, cytokine production, and cytotoxicity, as well as troubleshooting manufacturing workflows and quality control assays.
• Wet lab procedures and analytical assays: Perform and analyze experiments including multi-parameter flow cytometry, ELISA/Luminex cytokine assays, and immunophenotyping of lymphocyte populations. Support development of functional assays to evaluate engineered T cell activity. Maintain laboratory reagents, coordinate sample processing, and ensure proper documentation and reproducibility of experimental workflows.
• Scientific communication and reporting: Prepare figures, datasets, and draft sections of manuscripts, abstracts, and grant reports. Participate in lab meetings and collaborative discussions. Maintain familiarity with current literature in immunotherapy, CAR-T biology, and autoimmune disease.
• Laboratory operations and mentorship: Assist in training students and junior staff on experimental techniques. Maintain organized records, contribute to lab operations, and support a collaborative and compliant research environment.

Requirements

• PhD in immunology, molecular biology, bioengineering, or related biomedical field
• At least 2 years of postdoctoral or equivalent research experience
• Demonstrated ability to design and execute independent research projects
• Experience with flow cytometry, immune cell culture, and functional assays
• Experience with T cell engineering, CAR-T cell platforms, or adoptive cell therapy
• Familiarity with viral transduction and/or mRNA electroporation technologies
• Experience with murine models of disease and adoptive transfer experiments
• Exposure to translational or IND-enabling research workflows