Senior Research Associate

Job Title:  Senior Research Associate  

Job Duties:  

Contribute to the discovery and development of CAR-based cellular therapies, including autologous and allogeneic cell products targeting solid brain tumors. Design, generate, and evaluate next-generation CAR cellular therapies incorporating novel signaling elements or co-expressed molecules aimed at enhancing therapeutic efficacy. Perform laboratory techniques, including primary human cell culture, viral transduction, electroporation, and gene editing to generate and evaluate CAR cellular therapies containing potency enhancer modules. Characterize engineered products through flow cytometry, live-cell imaging, cytokine release assays, and other functional and molecular analyses. Interpret complex datasets to evaluate therapeutic potential, guide preclinical strategy, and advance research programs. Collaborate closely with senior scientists to support project goals and timelines.  

Job Requirements:    

• Bachelor’s or foreign equivalent degree in Biology, Immunology, Cell Biology or a related life sciences field or foreign degree equivalent  

• 5 years of progressive, post-baccalaureate research experience, including: 

• 2 years of experience generating and evaluating CAR products from primary human T cells and allogeneic in vitro differentiated effector cells using viral transduction, electroporation, and gene editing. 

• 5 years of experience Engineering CARs to incorporate solid tumor-targeting constructs with potency enhancer transgenes, regulatory elements, or safety modules. 

• 5 years of experience designing and optimizing multiparameter spectral flow cytometry panels to characterize multi-specific CAR effector products for transduction efficiency and cell phenotype, including activation, exhaustion and proliferation markers. 

• 5 years of experience conducting in vitro functional assays, including cytokine release, proliferation, and cytotoxicity assays, to evaluate CAR functionality and the impact of potency enhancers and regulatory elements.  

• 5 years of experience generating tumor cell lines and creating cell banks using cell sorting and clonal selection techniques.  

• 3 years of experience characterizing CAR-based products by Western blotting, and droplet digital PCR (ddPCR). 

• 3 years of experience applying molecular biology techniques including PCR/ddPCR, molecular cloning, CRISPR-based gene editing, and viral vector construction.  

• 2 years of experience utilizing cell line-based reporter assays and primary cells to understand the underpinnings of molecular signaling pathways utilized by CAR and CAR augmenting modules.  

Experience may be gained concurrently. 

Location:  Full-time employment in Seattle, WA.  

Salary:          The compensation range of $105,000 to $120,000 per year for this position was calculated based on FTE. Full benefits incl. medical/dental/vision, HSA, FSA, 401k, FTO, disability, and parental leave. 

Apply to:       careers@brainchildbio.com