Scientist I

Apollopros; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Apollopros is seeking a Contract Scientist I for Discovery Biology (Immunology) to support a high-priority T-cell program. The role involves hands-on wet-lab work, T-cell engineering, and functional screening in a fast-paced team environment.

You will perform non-viral transfections in primary human T cells, execute flow cytometry assays, and contribute to data-driven decisions for candidate selection. 6–12 month contract in San Diego, CA.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's in Immunology, Molecular Biology, Bioengineering, Cell Biology, Biotechnology or related life sciences field.
• Minimum 2 years of hands-on wet lab experience in biotech/pharma/industry settings.
• Strong expertise in cell culture and aseptic techniques.
• Experience isolating and handling primary human T cells from PBMCs.
• Proficiency in flow cytometry acquisition, analysis and interpretation.
• Experience maintaining detailed scientific records in ELNs.
• Excellent organizational, communication and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• T-Cell engineering and cell culture: non-viral methods to deliver genetic material into primary T cells; monitor transfection efficiency and viability.
• Functional screening and assay execution: high-throughput assays to evaluate affinity, potency, and functionality; cytokine profiling.
• Flow cytometry and data analysis: multi-color FACS; analyze data and present summaries to teams.
• Documentation and collaboration: maintain ELNs; present updates and work with cross-functional teams.

Skills

Cell culture

Flow cytometry

T-cell biology

PBMC isolation

Non-viral transfection

Data analysis

Documentation (ELN)

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Immunology, Molecular Biology, Bioengineering, Cell Biology, Biotechnology

Tools

FlowJo

ELISA

Luminex

Job description

Scientist I - Discovery Biology (Wet Lab / Immunology)

Advance the development of next-generation T-cell therapies. We are seeking a highly motivated Contract Scientist I to join a dynamic Discovery Biology team focused on identifying and validating novel therapeutic candidates for T-cell-based immunotherapies. This is an exciting opportunity for a hands-on scientist who enjoys working at the bench, driving experimental execution, and contributing to cutting-edge drug discovery programs. This contract position is ideal for professionals who thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative research environment and have a passion for translating innovative biological discoveries into potential therapeutic solutions.

What You\'ll Do

As a key contributor to a high-priority binder screening and validation program, you will support the transition of novel binders from discovery through functional characterization. Your responsibilities will include:

• T-Cell Engineering & Cell Culture Perform non-viral engineering of primary human T cells using advanced electroporation and nucleofection technologies. Deliver genetic material, including mRNA and transposon-based DNA systems, into primary cells. Monitor transfection efficiency, cell viability, recovery, and expression of engineered receptors. Culture, maintain, and expand primary human T cells and Jurkat cell lines using strict aseptic techniques. Isolate primary T cells from PBMCs when required.
• Functional Screening & Assay Execution Execute high-throughput screening assays to evaluate binder affinity, specificity, potency, and functionality. Conduct T-cell activation and characterization studies to support therapeutic candidate selection. Perform cytotoxicity assays utilizing platforms such as IncuCyte live-cell imaging and LDH release methods. Measure cytokine production using ELISA, MSD, and Luminex-based assays. Assess T-cell proliferation using CFSE and related cell-tracking methodologies.
• Flow Cytometry & Data Analysis Perform multi-color flow cytometry (FACS) experiments to evaluate receptor expression and cellular phenotypes. Analyze and interpret flow cytometry data using FlowJo and related software tools. Generate clear, data-driven summaries and recommendations for project teams.
• Documentation & Collaboration Maintain accurate experimental records, raw data, and protocol documentation within Electronic Lab Notebooks (ELNs). Ensure data integrity and compliance with established research documentation standards. Present project updates, results, and insights during team meetings and campaign review sessions. Collaborate closely with scientists and cross-functional research teams to support program objectives.

Qualifications

• Required Bachelor's or Master's degree in Immunology, Molecular Biology, Bioengineering, Cell Biology, Biotechnology, or a related life sciences field.
• Minimum 2 years of hands-on wet lab experience, preferably within biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or industry-based research settings.
• Strong expertise in cell culture and aseptic laboratory techniques.
• Experience isolating and handling primary human T cells from PBMCs.
• Proficiency in flow cytometry acquisition, analysis, and interpretation.
• Experience maintaining detailed scientific records and documentation.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred

• Hands-on experience with non-viral transfection technologies, including electroporation or nucleofection.
• Familiarity with engineered T-cell platforms and immunotherapy research.
• Experience with liquid-handling automation or robotics for high-throughput screening.
• Background in functional immunology assays, cytokine profiling, and cell-based screening workflows.

What Makes This Opportunity Unique

• Work on innovative T-cell therapy and immuno-oncology research.
• Gain experience with advanced cell engineering and screening technologies.
• Collaborate with a high-performing discovery biology team.
• Make a direct impact on therapeutic candidate identification and development.

Position Type: Contract (6-12 Months)

Job Category Keywords: Contract Scientist, Scientist I, Discovery Biology, Immunology, T-Cell Therapy, Cell Therapy, Wet Lab Scientist, Flow Cytometry, FACS, Molecular Biology, Bioengineering, Drug Discovery, Biotechnology, Immuno-Oncology, Research Scientist, Cell Culture, ELISA, Luminex, T-Cell Engineering.