Cell Therapy Research Scientist / Senior Research

Kelly Services; Frederick (MD); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

Telemedicine

Life insurance

Short-term disability

Retirement plan

Paid holidays

Transit spending account

Job summary

Kelly Services is seeking a Cell Therapy Research Scientist / Senior Research Scientist in Frederick, MD to join a Discovery team developing next-generation cell therapies for autoimmune diseases.

The role emphasizes hands-on preclinical work, including in vitro and in vivo studies, aseptic culture, primary cell isolation, flow cytometry, ELISA, and IVIS imaging, plus collaboration with cross-functional partners.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or higher in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, cell biology, molecular biology, or related field.
• At least 3 years of hands-on preclinical cell therapy experience.
• Experience with aseptic cell culture, primary cell isolation, flow cytometry, ELISA, and in vivo models.

Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and analyze preclinical in vitro and in vivo studies for cell therapy programs.
• Perform hands-on lab work including aseptic culture, primary cell isolation, flow cytometry, and ELISA.
• Establish and monitor in vivo models, animal handling, and IVIS imaging.
• Support development and characterization of mRNA-based therapeutics and cell therapy candidates.
• Participate in LNP formulation, QC, and preclinical evaluation activities.
• Perform and optimize mRNA in vitro transcription and related QC activities.
• Analyze results, communicate findings, and maintain thorough records.
• Collaborate with cross-functional Discovery team and external partners.

Skills

Master’s degree or higher

3+ years hands-on experience in pre-cl

Education

Master’s degree or higher in biology/chemistry/biochemistry/cell biology/molecular biology or related discipline

Tools

LNP formulation

mRNA IVT

IVT QC

Job description

Cell Therapy Research Scientist / Senior Research Scientist

Location: Frederick, MD

Schedule: Full-Time | Monday-Friday | First Shift

Work Arrangement: Onsite

Salary: $100,000-$130,000/year

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly motivated Cell Therapy Research Scientist / Senior Research Scientist to join an innovative and collaborative Discovery team focused on developing next-generation cell-based therapies for autoimmune diseases.

This position will play an important role in the preclinical evaluation and development of novel ex vivo and in vivo cell therapy candidates , with a strong emphasis on hands-on laboratory research. The successful candidate will design and execute in vitro and in vivo studies, analyze experimental data, and contribute to the advancement of promising therapeutic programs.

The level of the position— Research Scientist or Senior Research Scientist —will be determined based on the candidate’s experience, technical expertise, and qualifications.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and analyze preclinical in vitro and in vivo studies supporting cell therapy and related therapeutic programs.

• Perform hands-on laboratory work including aseptic cell culture, primary cell isolation, flow cytometry, and plate-based assays such as ELISA.

• Establish, conduct, and monitor in vivo models , including animal handling and IVIS imaging.

• Support the development, characterization, and optimization of mRNA-based therapeutics and cell therapy candidates .

• Perform and/or support LNP formulation, characterization, quality control, and preclinical evaluation .

• Perform and/or support mRNA in vitro transcription (IVT), QC, application, and optimization .

• Analyze, interpret, and communicate experimental results to support research program decisions.

• Maintain accurate, complete, and timely experimental records and documentation.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional Discovery team members and external partners.

• Provide occasional oversight of formulation and related activities at local CRO facilities .

• Contribute to laboratory operations and other research activities as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree or higher in Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, or a related scientific discipline.

• At least 3 years of hands-on industry or academic research experience with preclinical cell therapy workflows.

• Demonstrated proficiency with:

• Aseptic cell culture

• Primary cell isolation and handling

• Flow cytometry

• Luminometric and colorimetric plate-based assays, including ELISA

• Establishment and execution of in vivo models

• Animal handling

• IVIS imaging

• Strong experimental design, data analysis, documentation, and problem-solving skills.

• Highly organized with exceptional attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple experiments and priorities.

• Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced research environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with LNP formulation, characterization, QC, and preclinical studies .

• Experience with mRNA IVT, QC, application, and optimization .

• Expertise in the development and characterization of mRNA therapeutics .

• Knowledge or experience with chimeric antigen receptor (CAR), T-cell engager (TCE), or related cell therapy platforms .

• Experience working with external CROs or other research partners.

• Experience in therapeutic development for autoimmune or immune-mediated diseases .

As part of our promise to talent, Kelly supports those who work with us through a variety of benefits, perks, and work-related resources. Please note: The following benefits reflect Kelly's general offerings. Eligibility may vary by assignment, location, and job type. Kelly offers eligible employees voluntary benefit plans including medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, term life, whole life, accident insurance, critical illness, a legal plan, and short-term disability. As a Kelly employee, you will have access to a retirement savings plan, service bonus and holiday pay plans (earn up to eight paid holidays per benefit year), and a transit spending account. In addition, employees are entitled to earn paid sick leave under the applicable state or local plan.

Why Kelly Science & Clinical?

Kelly Science & Clinical is your connection to premier scientific and clinical companies looking to hire industry experts just like you. Our team creates expert talent solutions to solve the world’s most critical challenges. Every day, we match science professionals with dream jobs that fit their skills, interests, and career goals—it’s the way we think job searching should be. Nearly 100 percent of our science recruiters have a professional background and education in science, so we know a thing or two about the science market and how to get your expertise noticed.

About Kelly

Work changes everything. And at Kelly, we’re obsessed with where it can take you. To us, it’s about more than simply accepting your next job opportunity. It’s the fuel that powers every next step of your life. It’s the ripple effect that changes and improves everything for your family, your community, and the world. Which is why, here at Kelly, we are dedicated to providing you with limitless opportunities to enrich your life—just ask the 300,000 people we employ each year.

Kelly is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants regardless of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and we take affirmative action to recruit, employ, and advance qualified individuals with disabilities and protected veterans in the workforce. Requests for accommodation related to our application process can be directed to the Kelly Human Resource Knowledge Center. Kelly complies with the requirements of California’s state and local Fair Chance laws. A conviction does not automatically bar individuals from employment. Kelly participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

Kelly may use AI-powered tools during the recruitment and hiring process. For full details, including how Kelly uses AI, your rights, and how to request a reasonable accommodation, visit the Recruitment Artificial Intelligence Notice (https://www.kellyservices.com/hubfs/myKelly/Resources/Employment_Policies/Recruitment-Artificial-Intelligence-Notice.pdf?hsLang=en) .

Kelly Services is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and affirmative action employer. We welcome, value, and embrace diversity at all levels and are committed to building a team that is inclusive of a variety of backgrounds, communities, perspectives, and abilities. At Kelly, we believe that the more inclusive we are, the better services we can provide. Requests for accommodation related to our application process can be directed to Kelly’s Human Resource Knowledge Center. Kelly complies with the requirements of California’s state and local Fair Chance laws. A conviction does not automatically bar individuals from employment.