Principal Scientist, Immunology & Immuno-oncology

Valora Therapeutics, Inc.; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Stock options

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

Valora Therapeutics Inc. in San Diego, CA, is seeking a Principal Scientist for the R&D Operations team to advance next-generation antibody therapeutics.

This lab-based role focuses on antibody engineering, immunology, and immuno-oncology, contributing to groundbreaking drug discovery. You will design assays, analyze data with GraphPad Prism and FlowJo, collaborate across disciplines, support IND-enabling studies, and drive project success in a fast-paced biotech environment.

Qualifications

• PhD with 6+ years post-doc or MS with 9+ years in biopharma.
• Proven publications, patents, and conference presentations in immunology and immuno-oncology.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute immunological assays to evaluate antibody mechanisms, immune modulation, and effector cell engagement.
• Analyze complex datasets using GraphPad Prism, FlowJo, etc., and present findings to cross-functional teams.
• Propose novel immunological targets and mechanisms to expand Valora's R&D therapeutic development.
• Contribute to IND-enabling studies and filings.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to drive project success.

Skills

Immunology

Flow cytometry

Cell culture

Immunoassays

Antibody engineering

Data analysis

Experimental design

ELN documentation

Education

PhD in Immunology or related field

6+ years post-doctoral experience or MS with 9+ years

Tools

GraphPad Prism

FlowJo

MSD

Job description

Valora Therapeutics Inc., based in San Diego, CA, is a pre-clinical stage biopharmaceutical company revolutionizing antibody therapeutics. Founded on the pioneering platform invented by Nobel Laureate Dr. Carolyn Bertozzi (Stanford), our proprietary chimeric antibody technology unlocks novel immune signaling mechanisms, driving transformative therapies in oncology, autoimmune diseases, and beyond.

About the Opportunity

We are seeking a highly motivated Principal Scientist to join our R&D Operations team and advance our next-generation antibody therapeutics. This lab-based role offers the chance to work at the cutting edge of antibody engineering, immunology and immuno-oncology, contributing to groundbreaking drug discovery.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute immunological assays: Develop and optimize advanced in vitro and ex vivo assays to evaluate antibody mechanisms, immune modulation, and effector cell engagement.
• Data analysis and interpretation: Analyze complex datasets using tools like GraphPad Prism, FlowJo, etc., and present findings to cross-functional teams.
• Innovate and hypothesize: Propose novel immunological targets and mechanisms to expand Valora's R&D therapeutic development.
• Support regulatory milestones: Contribute to IND-enabling studies and filings.
• Collaborate: Work closely with interdisciplinary teams to drive project success.

About You

Education and Experience

• PhD in Immunology, Molecular Biology, or related field with 6+ years of relevant post-doctoral experience, or MS with 9+ years of experience in a biopharmaceutical setting.
• A proven track record of scientific productivity, including publications, patents, and presentations at scientific conferences in the areas of immunology and/or immuno-oncology.

Technical Skills

• Immunology: Advanced understanding of cellular and molecular immunology and immuno-oncology, with expertise in methods to enhance innate and adaptive immunity in immuno-oncology and reduce immune activity for autoimmunity.
• Advanced flow cytometry: Expertise in immune cell phenotyping and functional analysis.
• Primary immune cell systems: Deep experience with human and mouse immune cell culture and co-culture in translational cellular systems.
• Immunological assays: Expert-level proficiency in immunological assay design and execution with isolated primary human and mouse immune cells or PBMCs, including cytotoxicity assays, cytokine detection (e.g., MSD, multiplex bead assays), and functional assays (ADCC, ADCP, CDC).
• Antibody engineering: Familiarity with Fc engineering, bispecific/multispecific antibodies, or related technologies.
• Data analysis: Strong skills in statistical interpretation of scientific data.
• Experimental design: Ability to design well-controlled experiments, including power analysis for sample size determination.
• Literature review: Experience with systematic reviews and critical evaluation of scientific literature.
• Documentation: Excellent record-keeping using electronic lab notebooks (ELNs) and adherence to data integrity standards.

Personal Qualities

• Critical thinker: Hypothesis-driven with creative problem-solving skills.
• Self-driven: Highly self-motivated, taking personal accountability for outcomes and demonstrating pride in delivering excellence in execution.
• Communicator: Strong written and verbal skills to present complex data clearly.
• Collaborative: Thrives in cross-functional, fast-paced team environments.
• Adaptable: Quick to learn new techniques and concepts.
• Committed: Committed to scientific excellence, data integrity, and the success of the team and the company.
• Passionate: Driven by scientific innovation and a desire to impact patients' lives.

Why Join Valora?

• Pioneering science: Be at the forefront of antibody therapeutic development with a platform invented by a Nobel Laureate.
• Impactful work: Contribute to transformative therapies for oncology and immune diseases.
• Collaborative culture: Join a dynamic, entrepreneurial team that values innovation and scientific excellence.
• Career growth: Professional development in a rapidly growing biotech.

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive package: Includes salary, stock options, and performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive benefits: Medical, dental, vision, 401(k), life insurance, flexible vacation, parental leave, flexible spending accounts, and voluntary insurance coverage.
• Work environment: Full-time, on-site role in our state-of-the-art San Diego laboratories (not remote).

Are you legally authorized to work in the United States? *

Will you now or in the future require employer sponsorship for work authorization (e.g., H-1B)? *

Join Us

Valora Therapeutics Inc. is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion.