Research Associate (Contractor), Viral Vector Engineering and Production

The role

This person will support viral vector engineering through the generation of retroviral and lentiviral vector production, titration, and transduction of T cells. The role involves designing experiments, executing bench work, and maintaining cell banks.

What you will do

• Support designing experiments, execute bench work, analyze data, and troubleshoot assays.
• Maintain cell banks of packaging cells for retrovirus production.
• Help the team in preparing small and large scale of retrovirus-based vectors.
• Support the Cell Therapy research team in isolating, banking, and characterizing primary tumor and immune cells.
• Track and replenish critical cell stocks.
• Present results at internal meetings.

Required qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Virology, 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 maintaining mammalian cell cultures, including both adherent and suspension cell lines.
• 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

• Hands-on experience producing viral vectors and evaluating both functional and physical titers using established assay methods.
• Hands-on experience performing multicolor flow cytometry (three or more colors), including sample preparation, instrument operation, and data 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. The company applies cytoDRiVE® technology in Cell and Gene therapy products.