Scientist

Planet Pharma; South San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Planet Pharma is seeking a contract scientist to join our R&D imaging and image analysis team in South San Francisco. You will support research programs across multiple therapeutic areas, developing imaging-based assays and enabling quantitative cellular studies.

The role emphasizes bench work with mammalian cell culture, cellular assay development, and sample preparation, with focus on troubleshooting and learning new imaging approaches. Training on Opera Phenix systems will be provided.

Qualifications

• BS/MS/PhD in a relevant life science field with lab experience.
• Hands-on mammalian cell culture and cell-based assays experience.
• Experience with fluorescence microscopy and quantitative image analysis.
• Experience with immunofluorescence staining, live-cell imaging, or sample preparation techniques.
• Nice to have: experience with primary cells or co-culture assays.
• High-content imaging platform familiarity is a plus but not required.

Skills

Mammalian cell culture

Cell-based assays

Fluorescence microscopy

Quantitative image analysis

Immunofluorescence staining

Live-cell imaging

Image analysis software familiarity

Programming (Python/R/MATLAB)

Education

BS/MS/PhD in cell biology or related field

Tools

Opera Phenix

Fiji/ImageJ

Imaris

CellProfiler

Harmony

Job description

Target PR Range: 29-39/hr DOE

We are seeking a motivated and collaborative contract scientist to join an R&D imaging and image analysis team supporting research programs across multiple therapeutic and functional areas. Our group operates a high-content imaging core and partners with scientists throughout R&D to develop and execute imaging-based assays and enable quantitative cellular research.

The successful candidate will be a strong experimentalist with hands-on experience in mammalian cell culture, cellular assay development and sample preparation. Previous microscopy and image analysis experience is important, but extensive experience with high-content imaging or specialized imaging techniques is not required. We are particularly interested in candidates who are comfortable at the bench, enjoy troubleshooting biological assays, and are eager to learn new imaging and quantitative analysis approaches.

The scientist will contribute to both core imaging activities and collaborative research projects. Current research within the group includes quantitative imaging of immune synapse formation and other cell-cell interactions relevant to the development and characterization of T-cell engagers.

Our imaging core includes two automated Opera Phenix high-content imaging systems integrated with robotic plate handling, incubators, and scheduling software. Training on these systems and associated workflows will be provided.

Above all, we are looking for a strong experimental scientist who enjoys working at the bench, approaches experiments thoughtfully, and is curious about imaging and quantitative biology. The ideal candidate does not need to arrive as an expert in high-content imaging. We value someone who can generate high-quality biological samples and assays, troubleshoot experiments independently, collaborate effectively with other scientists, and is enthusiastic about developing deeper expertise in imaging and image analysis.

Preferred Qualifications

• BS or MS or Ph.D. in cell biology, immunology, bioengineering, biochemistry, biomedical sciences, or a related discipline, with relevant laboratory experience.
• Strong hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture and cell-based assays.
• Experience with fluorescence microscopy and quantitative image analysis.
• Experience with immunofluorescence staining, live-cell imaging, or other microscopy sample-preparation techniques.
• Experience with primary cells, immune cells, co-culture assays, or cell-cell interaction assays is a plus.
• Experience with high-content imaging platforms such as the Opera Phenix is a plus but is not required.
• Experience with automated laboratory workflows, robotic plate handling, or screening environments is beneficial but not required.
• Familiarity with Fiji/ImageJ, Imaris, CellProfiler, Harmony, or related image analysis tools is desirable.
• Programming experience in Python, R, MATLAB, or similar environments is a plus but is not required.