Research Associate/Associate Scientist/Scientist

Job Description

Job DescriptionBioPhase Solutions specializes in recruiting top talented professionals for Southern California's Scientific community. We are currently looking for a Research Associate/Associate Scientist/Scientist to work for a Greater Orange County area biotechnology company.
Pay Rate: $35-60+/hr depending on experienceDuration: 3-month contract-to-hire1st shift - flexible hours
Excellent opportunity to work directly with experienced and high-leveled researchers while growing with a strong company!Summary:The company is a small, focused team working on next-generation T Cell Engager candidates utilizing their platform. They are looking specifically for candidates with direct industry experience in the T Cell Engager or broader immune-oncology space — someone who is already fluent in the assays, familiar with the modality, and does not need to build foundational knowledge on the job.
The ideal candidate will be technically sharp, detail-oriented, reliable, and brings a humble, team-first attitude. This is is an execution role for someone who genuinely loves working at the bench and wants to do meaningful science in a collaborative, low-ego environment. Title will be commensurate with experience.Responsibilities:

• Execute a broad range of in vitro assays for the screening and characterization of T Cell Engager candidates, including:
  • Tumor-directed cytotoxicity (TDCC) assays using various techniques
  • Immune cell profiling and activation by flow cytometry
  • Cytokine analysis by ELISA and multiplex platforms
  • T cell proliferation and activation assays
  • Cell surface binding assays (flow cytometry, BLI)
  • Cell engineering (target antigen quantification, expression and knockdown)
• Perform routine mammalian cell culture of tumor cell lines and, as needed, primary immune cells handling, including but not limited to: cell isolation, expansion/activation (PBMCs, T cells, NK cells)
• Support assay development and optimization as directed
• Troubleshoot experimental issues methodically and escalate observations to senior scientists promptly
• Perform routine data analysis using GraphPad Prism and Excel, including curve-fitting (4PL/5PL) and basic statistical analysis
• Maintain meticulous, up-to-date experimental records in Benchling ELN/LIMS
• Prepare clear data summaries for team meetings and contribute to slide deck updates
• Communicate experimental progress, results, and any anomalies clearly and in a timely manner
• Actively contribute to day-to-day lab operations: reagent and frozen cell inventory management, equipment upkeep, and SOP compliance
• Work collaboratively within a lean team and maintain a reliable, consistent work cadence

Experience/Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in immunology, cell biology, biochemistry, or a related field
• 3–5+ years of hands-on industry experience in a biotech or pharma research setting
• Direct, hands-on experience with T Cell Engager or immune-oncology programs and related assays (TDCC, T cell activation, PBMC/NK cell-based assays, flow cytometry-based profiling)
• Proficiency in mammalian cell culture, ELISA, and multiplex cytokine assays
• Preferred, but not must-have experiences:
  • Experience with BLI-based binding assays
  • Hands-on mouse study experience (xenograft models, injections, blood collection)
    • Prior hands-on mouse study experience is a plus (handling, tumor monitoring, blood collection, i.p./i.v./s.c. injections, xenograft models), though in vivo work is not currently part of this role
  • Familiarity with Benchling ELN or similar electronic lab notebook systems
  • Experience with cell engineering techniques (lentiviral transduction, CRISPR knockdown)
• Demonstrated ability to execute experiments independently, consistently, and with high attention to technical detail
• Meticulous record-keeping habits and strong organizational skills
• Eager to learn, collaborative, and genuinely comfortable in an execution-focused role
• Humble team player who communicates openly and works well in a small, fast-paced environment
• Ready to contribute quickly without extensive ramp-up

Please send resumes to mia@biophaseinc.com and visit our website at www.biophaseinc.com for additional job opportunities!!!