Research Associate/Associate Scientist, Molecular Analytics (Analytical & Product Sciences)

Dispatch Bio; Pennsylvania; On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Medical insurance

401(k)

Life insurance

Flexible PTO

Job summary

Dispatch Bio is seeking a Research Associate/Associate Scientist to advance analytical method development for viral vectors and CAR T cells. You will conduct PCR/qPCR, ddPCR, and NGS-based assays, build robust workflows, and collaborate across teams to ensure high-quality data and regulatory-ready documentation.

Join a mission-driven biotech focused on cellular therapies and viral vectors, with strong emphasis on scientific rigor, collaboration, and professional growth in a fast-paced setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s in Molecular/Cell Biology, Immunology, Biomedical Engineering, or related field with hands-on lab experience
• Foundational knowledge of molecular biology techniques (PCR/qPCR/ddPCR, nucleic acid extraction, electrophoresis, NGS)
• Ability to execute standard experiments accurately and document results per SOPs

Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and qualify analytical methods under senior guidance
• Design experiments with appropriate controls and increasing independence
• Perform routine testing (qPCR, ddPCR, NGS-based assays) to support release and characterization of CAR T cells and viral vectors
• Provide analytical support to cross-functional teams (process development, candidate development)
• Record data in ELN and maintain audit-ready documentation
• Troubleshoot routine technical issues and assist method transfer
• Communicate results clearly through summaries, presentations, and meetings
• Maintain lab equipment, supplies, and safety/quality compliance
• Participate in seminars, journal clubs, and ongoing professional development

Skills

Molecular biology techniques

PCR/qPCR/ddPCR

Data documentation

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Molecular/Cell Biology/Immunology/Biomedical Engineering

Tools

ELN systems

GraphPad Prism

JMP

Microsoft Excel

Job description

About us:

Our purpose at Dispatch is to help create a world where all cancer patients can be cured. We’re humbled by the opportunity to work together as a team on some of the most pressing medical challenges of our time.

To achieve our purpose, we are dedicated to engineering a universal treatment across solid tumors. We’re committed to the development of novel therapies, leveraging first-in‑class technologies in viral vectors, universal targets, and novel cytokine biology. Our therapeutic approach has the potential to enable us to treat significant numbers of cancer patients and make a real and lasting impact on the world.

Our company was founded on pioneering work carried out in the laboratories of Dr. Carl June (University of Pennsylvania), Dr. Kole Roybal (University of California, San Francisco), Dr. Christopher Garcia (Stanford University) and Dr. Andy Minn (Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center).

At our company, you would become one of our early team members— not only playing a role in meeting our ambitious mission but also building our thriving culture. We are determined to deliver with urgency to discover new solutions and we always stay dedicated to scientific rigor; we have an ownership mindset because each and every one of us is integral to our success. Collaboration is core for us because we believe that by bringing people together with diverse perspectives, we make a stronger whole. And, we show we care about our work and each other by sharing feedback - ultimately in service of our vision to empower people to continue forward with their lives – cancer free.

The role:

The Research Associate/Associate Scientist will support the development, qualification, tech transfer, and routine execution of analytical methods for Dispatch’s portfolio of product candidates, including therapeutic viruses, viral vectors, and autologous CAR T cells. Reporting into the Scientist III, Analytical & Product Sciences (APS), this individual will be focused on building foundational, and progressively expansive competency in experimental design and analytical development, with an emphasis on molecular and genomic techniques (e.g., PCR, qPCR, ddPCR, electrophoresis, NGS‑based assays) used to characterize viruses and cells. The incumbent will contribute to method development activities, execute routine sample testing to generate reliable and well‑documented data, and provide consistent analytical support to cross‑functional collaborators. Working under the guidance of senior level scientists, this individual is expected to progress from executing standard experiments toward greater independence in experimental design, data interpretation, and troubleshooting.

Key responsibilities:

• Contribute to the development, optimization, and qualification of new analytical methods under the guidance of senior level scientists.
• Build and demonstrate competency in experimental design, including selection of appropriate controls and study design, with increasing independence.
• Perform routine sample testing and execute established analytical methods (e.g., qPCR, ddPCR, NGS‑based assays) to support release, stability, and characterization testing of CAR T cells and therapeutic viruses.
• Provide reliable and timely analytical support to cross‑functional collaborators, including process development, candidate development, and platform research teams.
• Accurately and promptly record data in the electronic lab notebook (ELN) and maintain organized, audit‑ready documentation.
• Assist with troubleshooting of routine technical and instrument issues, and support method transfer activities, both internally and with external partners (e.g., CDMOs), as directed.
• Communicate experimental results clearly to supervisors and team members through data summaries, presentations, and team meetings.
• Maintain lab equipment, supplies, and inventory, and comply with all safety and quality requirements.
• Actively participate in seminars, journal clubs, and team meetings, and pursue ongoing scientific and professional development.

Required experience & skills:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree ideally in Molecular/Cell Biology, Immunology, Biomedical Engineering, or a related field with at least 6 months of hands‑on experience in the laboratory in an academic or industry setting
• Foundational knowledge of molecular biology techniques (e.g., PCR, qPCR, ddPCR, nucleic acid extraction and purification, electrophoresis, NGS)
• Ability to execute standard experiments accurately and reproducibly, following established protocols and SOPs
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accurate, timely documentation of experimental data
• Willingness to learn new techniques and receive instruction and guidance from senior team members
• Effective oral and written communication skills
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team‑based laboratory environment

Preferred experience & skills:

• Familiarity with GMP/GLP laboratory practices or a regulated laboratory environment
• Prior exposure to cell and gene or viral therapy drug development
• Experience using an electronic lab notebook (ELN) system
• Familiarity with data analysis software such as GraphPad Prism, JMP, and Microsoft Excel
• Familiarity with foundational concepts of CMC development and establishing, executing, and iterating analytical development is highly preferred
• Desire to learn, gain and grow new skills, and apply new and existing knowledge adaptability, in a fast‑paced and dynamic environment is highly preferred

Our values:

Our values guide everything we do. While capabilities and skills are vital, understanding how a potential new colleague would embody our values is central to our hiring decisions.

Determined to deliver:

By working with focus and passion, we can provide patients with the solutions they need.

Own every outcome:

We can reach new heights when we stay centered on our shared success.

Collaboration at the core:

When we band together, our work is better.

Feedback is fundamental:

Constructive and authentic positive feedback may be difficult to master but it is vital to our success.

Working here:

• We offer a highly competitive compensation package with meaningful ownership through equity
• Excellent coverage for medical, vision, and dental
• 401(k) with generous contribution
• Life insurance
• Flexible PTO policy
• Additional substantial benefits

We are an equal opportunity employer.

We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, national origin, or any characteristic protected under applicable law.