Research Associate (Contractor), Cell Therapy

The role

You will support discovery and translational research through in vitro experiments, cellular assays, and data analysis. This role involves performing mammalian cell culture and immune cell characterization to advance preclinical research objectives.

What you will do

• Perform routine and complex mammalian cell culture, including maintenance, expansion, cryopreservation, and characterization of cell lines and primary cells.
• Execute plate-based assays to assess cellular phenotype, viability, proliferation, activation, and function.
• Conduct laboratory experiments independently and accurately document procedures, observations, and results within an Electronic Laboratory Notebook (ELN) system.
• Analyze experimental data and present findings to project teams.
• Collaborate with scientists to support research activities, technology development, and assay optimization.
• Maintain laboratory inventory, equipment, and reagent stocks while adhering to laboratory safety procedures.
• Contribute to experimental troubleshooting and continuous improvement of laboratory workflows.
• Support generation of high-quality data under aggressive project timelines.

Required qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Immunology, Biotechnology, Cell Biology, Biomedical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline
• 1+ years of hands-on laboratory experience in an academic, biotechnology, or pharmaceutical research environment
• Skilled in mammalian cell culture techniques
• Skilled in performing plate-based assays (ELISA, viability, proliferation, cytokine detection, reporter assays, or similar)
• Experience using Electronic Laboratory Notebooks (ELN) for data recording and experiment documentation
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills
• Scientifically rigorous in executing experiments and record keeping
• Excellent planning, coordination, and time management skills
• Excellent oral, written, and visual communication skills
• Ability to build and maintain productive relationships across the organization

Nice to have

• Experience with ELISpot assays
• Experience with T-cell biology and functional immune assays
• Hands-on experience processing human tissue, whole blood, PBMCs, or other primary samples
• Experience with flow cytometry, including sample preparation, staining, acquisition, and analysis
• Familiarity with FlowJo software for flow cytometry data analysis
• Exposure to cell therapy, immuno-oncology, or translational research programs
• Primary cell isolation and tumor processing
• T-cell activation and functional assays
• Benchling platform
• MSD analysis

Benefits

• Medical coverage
• Dental coverage
• Vision coverage
• Basic time off programs
• Traditional retirement plans
• Potential for ownership through stock options

About the company

Obsidian Therapeutics is pioneering engineered cell and gene therapies to deliver transformative outcomes for patients. Their programs apply cytoDRiVE® technology to control protein expression for enhanced therapeutic efficacy and safety.