SCIENTIST

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

Job summary

Planet Pharma seeks a contract Scientist to collaborate on an R&D imaging team in South San Francisco. The role focuses on mammalian cell culture, imaging-based assays, and quantitative analysis to support multiple therapeutic programs. Training on Opera Phenix and related workflows will be provided.

The candidate should thrive at the bench, troubleshoot assays, and develop deeper expertise in imaging and image analysis. Prior microscopy and data analysis experience are valued.

Qualifications

• BS/MS/PhD in cell biology or related field with relevant lab experience.
• Strong hands-on mammalian cell culture and cell-based assays.
• Experience with fluorescence microscopy and quantitative image analysis.

Responsibilities

• Perform imaging-based assays and contribute to quantitative cellular analyses.
• Troubleshoot and optimize imaging workflows at the bench.
• Collaborate with R&D teams on imaging projects and data interpretation.

Skills

Mammalian cell culture

Cell-based assays

Fluorescence microscopy

Image analysis

High-content imaging

Opera Phenix

Image analysis tools

Python

R

MATLAB

Education

BS / MS / Ph.D. in cell biology or related field

Tools

Fiji/ImageJ

Imaris

CellProfiler

Harmony

Job description

Scientist

Location: South San Francisco, CA
Category: Scientific
Salary: Apply for details
Country: United States
Employment: Contract
Worksite: On-Site

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.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We welcome and encourage applications from all qualified candidates regardless of race, sex, gender identity or expression, disability, age, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws and regulations. It is our policy not to discriminate against any applicant or employee, and we are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful work environment across all locations in which we operate. We believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion are fundamental to our mission and enhance our ability to serve clients globally. If you have a disability or require any reasonable accommodations during the application or interview process, please inform your recruiter or contact us(opens in new tab) directly so that we can explore the appropriate arrangements.