Wet Lab Scientist

Contract Wet Lab Scientist – Discovery Biology

Position Summary

We 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 Overview

The 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 Responsibilities

• T-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 Requirements

• Education: 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 Skills

• Hands-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.