Scientist, Immunogenicity Assay Development (Contractor)

Role Summary

Contract Scientist to develop in vitro immunogenicity assays for early-stage programs and support immunogenicity risk assessment. You will build and validate assays using HLA-typed PBMCs to measure T-cell activation and proliferation by flow cytometry, and collaborate across functions to drive data-driven decisions. You will document assay development with SOPs and electronic lab notebook entries. Location: Rockville, Maryland or Redwood City, California (onsite).

Responsibilities

• Build an in vitro immunogenicity assay using HLA-Typed PBMCs, assessing T-cell activation and proliferation as measured through flow cytometry. Through the use of clinical benchmarks and in-house data, build a relative risk assessment for clinical immunogenicity based on these in vitro.
• Careful documentation of assay development, including drafting SOPs and electronic lab notebook entries.
• Contribute to one or more pipeline programs, working collaboratively with cross-functional teams to ensure the timely generation and dissemination of critical program data to enable data-driven decisions.
• Design and execute experiments independently with minimal supervision, as well as effectively plan and organize work activities and prioritize task completion.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• BS and 5+ years or MS and 2+ years of assay development experience within the pharmaceutical industry setting.
• Expertise in cell culture with a focus on manipulating PBMCs and T-cells, including activation, purification, and cryopreservation.
• Working knowledge of immunology and a familiarity with markers of activation for phenotyping of T-cells by flow cytometry.
• Expertise in flow cytometry panel design and optimization.
• Expertise in immune cell assays including multiparameter flow cytometry and in vitro assays to determine T-cell activation or proliferation (e.g., BrdU incorporation). Preferably experience with BD instruments or Cytek Aurora for flow cytometry.
• Proficient in common software, including GraphPad Prism, FlowJo, and Office suite.
• Commitment to ethical scientific investigations and rigorous experimental methods.
• Ability and desire to multitask and function in a fast-paced environment.
• Interpersonal skills that promote a collaborative and productive lab environment.
• Effective and efficient written and oral communication skills.

Skills

• Flow cytometry and multiparameter data analysis
• PBMC and T-cell culture, activation, purification, and cryopreservation
• Design and optimization of flow cytometry panels
• Experience with BD instruments or Cytek Aurora (preferred)
• GraphPad Prism, FlowJo, and Office suite
• Strong written and verbal communication; ability to work in a collaborative environment