Scientist

R&D Partners; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 125,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

R&D Partners in San Jose, CA seeks aScientist to advance discovery and optimization of multi-specific T Cell Engagers. The role combines hands-on experiments with leadership and cross-functional collaboration to deliver decision-ready data from early discovery through IND-enabling studies.

The successful candidate will design, execute, and lead in vitro studies, generate complex datasets, and communicate clear scientific conclusions to project teams.

Qualifications

• PhD with 1–3 years post-PhD experience or MS with 5–7 years in immunology or biologics.
• Experience with T-cell engagers and immune redirecting biologics.
• Experience with stable cell line generation.
• Experience with antibody binding assays.
• Track record of data-driven decision making.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to design of multi-specific antibodies and oversee production/purification.
• Lead in vitro functional studies for target validation and lead selection.
• Develop and perform functional assays for potency, selectivity, and safety.
• Generate and interpret complex datasets with rigor.
• Communicate conclusions to project teams and management.
• Adhere to QMS, SOPs, documentation standards and training.

Skills

T-cell biology

Data analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Scientific leadership

Experiment design

Education

PhD in Immunology or related field

Tools

Lentiviral transduction

CRISPR KO

Flow cytometry

ELISA

IncuCyte

eSight

Job description

We are seeking a highly motivated and intellectually curious Scientist to support the discovery and optimization of multi-specific T Cell Engagers. The successful candidate will generate high-quality, decision-enabling data across early discovery through IND-enabling studies. This role combines deep hands-on experimental expertise with scientific leadership, assay innovation, and cross-functional collaboration to advance organization's multi-specific pipeline.

This is a full time position based in San Jose, California.

Responsibilities:

• Contribute to the design of multi-specific antibodies and oversee their production/purification.
• Design, execute, and lead in vitro functional studies supporting the validation of target combinations, lead selection, and preclinical development of multi-specific TCEs.
• Develop, optimize, and perform functional assays to inform potency, selectivity, and safety. (e.g., cytotoxicity, cytokine release, reporter assays).
• Generate and interpret complex datasets with a strong emphasis on scientific rigor, reproducibility, and data quality.
• Build decision-focused data packages and communicate clear scientific conclusions and recommendations to project teams and management.
• Familiarity with diverse antibody platforms and strategies for the design and production of multi-specific antibodies.
• Optimize and characterize binding properties of multi-specific antibodies (ELISA, flow cytometry, cell bridging assays).
• Develop and execute multiparameter flow cytometry to assess T-cell activation.
• Design and perform real-time cytotoxicity assays (e.g., IncuCyte, eSight) and other functional readouts relevant to T-cell engager activity (e.g., reporter assays).
• Design and generate engineered cell systems, including overexpression and CRISPR-based knockout models.
• Isolation and maintenance of primary immune cell populations (e.g., PBMCs, T-cells).
• Proactively identify project risks, propose mitigation strategies, and communicate progress and challenges clearly to stakeholders.
• Adhere to Quality Management System (QMS), including SOPs, documentation standards, electronic lab notebooks, and required training.

Qualifications:

• PhD with 1-3 years of relevant post-PhD experience, or MS with 5-7 years of relevant industry experience in immunology, cell biology, or biologics discovery.
• Experience supporting the discovery, characterization, and optimization of T-cell engagers, bispecific antibodies or other immune redirecting biologics.
• Experience with stable cell line generation (Lentiviral transduction, CRISPR KO).
• Expertise with antibody binding assays (ELISA, flow cytometry).
• Immune cell co-culture cytotoxicity assays with live readouts (Incucyte, eSight).
• Multiparameter flow cytometry and panel design.
• T-cell activation assays (Reporter assays, immune-profiling and cytokine secretion).
• Demonstrated ability to design, analyse, and interpret complex datasets and translate results into clear scientific conclusions.
• Experience with affinity tuning/detuning and epitope selection to achieve logic-gated targeting
• Hands on experience with complex co-culture systems (e.g., organoids)
• Experience managing cross-functional/CRO studies related to in vivo cancer models
• Experience contributing to biologics discovery programs from early discovery through lead optimization and/or preclinical development.
• Track record of scientific impact demonstrated through publications, patents, presentations, or program advancement.
• $125,000-$145,000

R&D Partners is a global functional service provider and strategic staffing resource specializing in scientific, clinical research & engineering. We provide job opportunities within major pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device companies.

R&D Partners is an equal-opportunity employer.