Wet Lab Scientist

Contract Wet Lab Scientist – Discovery BiologyPosition SummaryWe are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Contract Wet Lab Scientist to join our Discovery Biology team. This role is central to a high-priority binder screening campaign, where you will execute bench-level assays to identify and validate novel therapeutic candidates for T-cell-based therapies.Role OverviewThe successful candidate will serve as a core operator within our screening funnel, focusing on the transition from binder discovery to functional validation. This contract position, typically lasting 6–12 months, is ideal for a scientist who thrives at the bench and excels in a fast-paced drug discovery environment.The primary objective is to characterize the potency, specificity, and safety of candidate binders, such as single-chain variable fragments (scFvs) and VHHs, within the context of engineered T-cell responses.Key ResponsibilitiesT-Cell Engineering: Deliver genetic material, including mRNA or transposon-based DNA systems, into primary human T cells using electroporation or nucleofection platforms. Cell Recovery and Expression: Monitor cell viability and recovery following transfection and evaluate the expression of synthetic receptors before functional testing. Cell Culture: Maintain and expand primary human T cells and Jurkat cell lines using appropriate aseptic techniques. Binder Screening: Execute high-throughput screening assays to assess binder affinity and functionality. Flow Cytometry: Perform multicolor flow cytometry (FACS) to evaluate surface expression levels and phenotypic markers. Analyze and interpret data using FlowJo or similar software. Functional Assays: Perform T-cell activation and cytotoxicity assays using techniques such as IncuCyte live-cell imaging or LDH release assays. Cytokine Profiling: Measure cytokine production using ELISA, MSD, or Luminex platforms. Cell Proliferation: Assess T-cell proliferation using fluorescent dyes such as CFSE. Documentation and Data Integrity: Record experimental procedures, protocol deviations, and raw data accurately in an Electronic Lab Notebook (ELN) to support data integrity and regulatory filings. Team Collaboration: Present clear, data-driven updates during weekly campaign sprint meetings and collaborate with cross-functional team members. Qualifications and RequirementsEducation: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Immunology, Molecular Biology, Bioengineering, or a related biological science. Wet Lab Experience: At least 2 years of hands-on wet-lab experience, preferably in an industry setting. Primary T-Cell Expertise: Experience isolating primary T cells from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Aseptic Technique: Strong expertise in aseptic technique, cell culture, and maintenance of primary human T cells. Flow Cytometry: Demonstrated hands-on expertise in flow cytometry acquisition and analysis. This is a mandatory requirement. Data Analysis: Experience using FlowJo or comparable flow cytometry analysis software. Preferred SkillsHands-on experience with non-viral transfection methods, including electroporation or nucleofection. Experience with mRNA delivery, transposon-based DNA systems, or synthetic receptor expression in primary T cells. Experience with CAR-T, engineered T-cell therapies, binder screening, scFv, or VHH-based therapeutic candidates. Experience with cytotoxicity assays, cytokine profiling, and cell proliferation assays. Familiarity with liquid-handling robotics and automated high-throughput screening workflows. Strong organizational, communication, and data presentation skills. Experience maintaining detailed ELN records in a drug discovery or biotechnology environment.