Research Associate (Contractor), Cell Therapy

obsidiantherapeutics; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and benefits

Stock options

Job summary

Obsidian Therapeutics, based in Cambridge, MA, is seeking a Research Associate (Contractor) to support discovery and translational research in mammalian cell culture and immune cell characterization. The role focuses on in vitro experiments, cellular assays, and data analysis to advance preclinical objectives in a fast-paced team.

Ideal candidates have a strong background in mammalian cell culture, ELISA and related assays, ELN documentation, and collaborative communication skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biology or related field with 1+ years in a lab environment.
• Mammalian cell culture techniques demonstrated.
• Plate-based assays (ELISA, viability, proliferation, cytokine detection, reporter assays) experience.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine and complex mammalian cell culture and characterization.
• Execute plate-based assays to assess phenotype, viability, proliferation, activation, and function.
• Document procedures and results in ELN with accuracy and clarity.
• Analyze data and present findings to project teams.
• Collaborate with scientists to support research activities and assay optimization.
• Maintain inventory, equipment, and reagents; follow safety practices.
• Contribute to troubleshooting and workflow improvements.
• Support generation of high-quality data under tight timelines.

Skills

Mammalian cell culture

Plate-based assays (ELISA, viability,

ELN data recording

Data analysis

Independence & prioritization

Communication & teamwork

Rigorous record keeping

Time management

Adaptability

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biology/Immunology/ Biotechnology or related field

Tools

ELN software

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.

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.

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.

A s a lab-based role; w ork 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 expand ing to become our single MA location

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.

You Bring

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 in executing 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 and maintain productive 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 as

Benefits

• competitive salary and benefits, and potential for ownership through stock options.