Research Associate (Contractor), Cell Therapy

Obsidian Therapeutics, Inc.; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 48,000 - 59,000; Full time

Job summary

Obsidian Therapeutics, Inc. seeks a motivated Research Associate (Contractor) to support discovery and translational research in our Cambridge, MA cell therapy group. You'll perform mammalian cell culture, execute cellular assays, and document results to advance preclinical goals.

This on-site role relocates to Bedford, MA in Q2 2027 as our MA footprint expands. Candidates should have a biology-related degree and hands-on lab experience, with collaborative teamwork and strong data recording

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Immunology, Biotechnology, Cell Biology, Biomedical Engineering or related field with 1+ years lab experience.
• Skilled in mammalian cell culture techniques and plate-based assays.
• Experience with ELN for data recording and documentation.
• Strong organization, independence, and teamwork abilities.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine and complex mammalian cell culture, including maintenance, expansion, cryopreservation, and characterization.
• Execute plate-based assays to assess phenotype, viability, proliferation and function.
• Document procedures and results in ELN with accuracy.
• Analyze data and present findings to project teams clearly.
• Collaborate with scientists to support research and assay optimization.
• Maintain inventory, equipment and reagents, adhering to safety protocols.
• Contribute to troubleshooting and improvement of lab workflows.
• Support generation of high-quality data under tight timelines.

Skills

Mammalian cell culture

ELISA

Cytokine detection

ELN data recording

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Biology or related field

Tools

ELN software

Flow cytometry

Benchling

Incucyte

GraphPad Prism

Job description

About Us…

Obsidian Therapeutics is pioneering engineered cell and gene therapies to deliver transformative outcomes for patients. Obsidian’s programs apply our cytoDRiVE® technology in Cell and Gene therapy products to control expression of proteins for enhanced therapeutic efficacy and safety. Obsidian’s lead program is currently in clinical development for the treatment of patients with metastatic melanoma and non‑small cell lung cancer.

About Us…

Obsidian Therapeutics is pioneering engineered cell and gene therapies to deliver transformative outcomes for patients. Obsidian’s programs apply our cytoDRiVE® technology in Cell and Gene therapy products to control expression of proteins for enhanced therapeutic efficacy and safety. Obsidian’s lead program is currently in clinical development for the treatment of patients with metastatic melanoma and non‑small cell lung cancer.

We’re proud of our diverse talented team and committed to cultivating an environment of inclusion where each person feels a strong sense of belonging and is supported to continuously learn and contribute their best work. Our Research team is based in the heart of Cambridge, MA, and Technical Operations team is based in our purpose built facility in Bedford, MA. Obsidianites enjoy a highly collaborative culture, competitive salary and benefits, and potential for ownership through stock options.

Our Opportunity......

We are looking for a highly motivated Research Associate (Contractor) with a strong background in mammalian cell culture, cellular assays, and immune cell characterization. As a part of our Cell Therapy Research Team, you’ll support discovery and translational research efforts through the execution of in vitro experiments, cellular assays, and data analysis to advance preclinical research objectives.

This position offers an opportunity to work in a fast‑paced, collaborative environment while developing expertise in mammalian cell culture and immune cell characterization.

As a member of our Cell Therapy Research Team, you will be a vital part of a highly collaborative group working to unlock the promise of precision cell therapy for patients. This is a opportunity to be a valuable contributor in a well‑funded clinical company with field‑leading advisors, best‑in‑class partners, and an experienced team currently advancing our lead program is amsoki‑cel (OBX‑115), a novel engineered tumor‑infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) cell therapy that uses our proprietary cytoDRiVE® platform.

As a lab‑based role; work is on‑site starting in our Cambridge, MA location until Q2, 2027 when the role will relocate to Bedford, MA where our office and lab space is expanding to become our single MA location

You Will....

Core responsibilities

• Perform routine and complex mammalian cell culture, including maintenance, expansion, cryopreservation, and characterization of cell lines and primary cells.
• Execute plate‑based assays to assess cellular phenotype, viability, proliferation, activation, and function.
• Conduct laboratory experiments independently and accurately document procedures, observations, and results within an Electronic Laboratory Notebook (ELN) system.
• Analyze experimental data and present findings to project teams in a clear and organized manner.
• Collaborate with scientists to support research activities, technology development, and assay optimization.
• Maintain laboratory inventory, equipment, and reagent stocks while adhering to laboratory safety procedures.
• Contribute to experimental troubleshooting and continuous improvement of laboratory workflows.
• Support generation of high‑quality data under aggressive project timelines.

Core Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Immunology, Biotechnology, Cell Biology, Biomedical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline, with 1+ years of hands‑on laboratory experience in an academic, biotechnology, or pharmaceutical research environment.
• Skilled in mammalian cell culture techniques.
• Skilled in performing plate‑based assays (ELISA, viability, proliferation, cytokine detection, reporter assays, or similar).
• Experience using Electronic Laboratory Notebooks (ELN) for data recording and experiment documentation.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Scientifically rigorous inexecuting experiments and record keeping.
• Excellent planning, coordination, and time management skills
• Excellent oral, written, and visual communication skills. You listen to understand and communicate effectively with colleagues, and leadership.
• Ability to build andmaintainproductive relationships across the organization
• Collaborative and accountable – recognizes success requires teamwork and interdisciplinary thinking; shares feedback and ideas to facilitate better outcomes.
• Self‑motivated, with a proven ability to meet objectives, timelines, and high standards managing multiple responsibilities in parallel.
• Flexible - adapts to change in a fast paced, rapidly developing environment.
• Curious and humble – seeks and welcomes input/expertise of others, continuous learner.
• Tenacious and resilient – is not easily overwhelmed by challenges, delivers on commitments, operates with urgency.

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience with ELISpot assays.
• Experience with T‑cell biology and functional immune assays.
• Hands‑on experience processing human tissue, whole blood, PBMCs, or other primary samples.
• Experience with flow cytometry, including sample preparation, staining, acquisition, and analysis.
• Familiarity with FlowJo software for flow cytometry data analysis.
• Exposure to cell therapy, immuno‑oncology, or translational research programs is highly desirable.
• Preferred experience with primary cell isolation and tumor processing, T‑cell activation and functional assays, Benchling platform, MSD analysis, Incucyte analysis, and GraphPad Prism.

Obsidian is committed to equitable and transparent pay practices.

The anticipated hourly rate range for this role is below. The actual hourly rate offered will be determined based on a combination of factors, including applicable qualifications, level of education, the depth of experience, unique skills, geographic location, internal equity, and/or business needs. The actual hourly rate offered will be in accordance with federal, state, and/or local wage requirements for the role’s location.

Our external partners serve as the employer‑of‑record and offer essential medical, dental, and vision coverage; basic time off programs; and traditional retirement plans.

Anticipated Hourly Rate Range

$35—$43 USD

Obsidian is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, cultivating a welcoming and diverse environment. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status or any other applicable legally protected characteristics.