In Vivo Scientist, Oncology/Immunology

Planet Pharma; South San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Planet Pharma in South San Francisco is seeking a PhD-level scientist to lead preclinical in vivo studies in oncology/immunology. You will design experiments, select models, and develop protocols to assess mechanism of action, efficacy, and safety, while performing hands-on procedures and data analysis.

The role requires 3+ years with murine tumor models, expertise in in vivo methods, flow cytometry and immune profiling, and strong collaboration across teams.

Qualifications

• PhD in Life Sciences with oncology or immunology focus.
• 3+ years hands-on murine tumor models in industry or academia.
• Independent design and interpretation of experiments.
• Experience in in vivo procedures (rodent surgery, IV dosing).
• Tissue handling, flow cytometry, immunoassays; IHC/ISH a plus.
• Mammalian cell/tissue culture proficiency.
• Detail-oriented with strong record-keeping and organization.
• Excellent collaboration in cross-functional teams.
• GLP or regulatory-experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute preclinical in vivo studies with timelines and action plans.
• Choose in vivo models and develop protocols with endpoints for efficacy and safety.
• Perform hands-on in vivo experiments including orthotopic implantation and injections.
• Collect and process samples; run MACS/FACS, immune profiling, ELISA/ELISPOT.
• Generate, analyze and interpret data to support critical decisions.
• Manage external laboratories and partners.

Skills

PhD Life Sciences

Murine tumor models

In vivo procedures

Flow cytometry

Cell culture

Cross-functional collaboration

GLP experience

Education

PhD Life Sciences

Job description

Primary Responsibilities

• Design and execute preclinical in vivo studies in collaboration with discovery and data scientists, develop timelines and action plans to meet company goals.
• Choose appropriate in vivo models and develop protocols with relevant endpoints for evaluating the mechanism of action, efficacy, and safety of therapeutic candidates.
• Perform hands-on in vivo experiments, including orthotopic tumor cell implantation, IV, IP and SC injections, in vivo imaging, and animal welfare monitoring.
• Perform biological sample collection and processing, MACS/FACS cell sorting, immune cell profiling using multicolor flow cytometry, immunogenicity testing using ELISA and ELISPOT, and cell-based functional assays.
• Generate, document, analyze and interpret experimental data to support critical decisions.
• Manage external laboratories and partners.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• PhD in Life Sciences with specialization in oncology or immunology.
• At least 3 years of hands-on experience working with murine tumor models in an industry and/or academic setting.
• Demonstrated independent ability to design, execute and interpret experimental data.
• Demonstrated experience in in vivo procedures, such as rodent surgery and IV dosing.
• Experience with tissue handling and processing, cell sorting, multi-color flow cytometry and cytokine profiling, experience with IHC and ISH is a plus
• Proficiency in mammalian cell and tissue culture.
• Detail-oriented, with strong organizational and record-keeping skills.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to collaborate effectively in a cross-functional team.
• Experience working in a GLP or regulatory-compliant environment is a plus.

Pay based on experience level, target $120-130K