Scientist I, In Vivo CAR-T

Aera Therapeutics Inc.; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 112,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Aera Therapeutics Inc. is seeking a Scientist I, In Vivo CAR‑T to join the Therapeutic Discovery team in Cambridge, MA. You will design and execute in vivo studies, evaluate gene delivery and immune responses, and collaborate with molecular biology, pharmacology, and nonclinical groups to generate data guiding next‑generation genetic medicines.

This role is onsite five days a week. You will work hands-on with CAR constructs, RNA payloads, and immune cell models, contributing to biodistribution

Qualifications

• PhD in immunology or closely related discipline with postdoc/industry experience.
• Hands-on expertise in multicolor flow cytometry: panel design, optimization, data analysis.
• Experience designing, generating, and optimizing CAR constructs including expression and function.
• Experience with in vitro and ex vivo immunology assays using human/mouse cells.
• Experience with large animal models and processing animal-derived samples.
• Experience with multiplex protein quantification platforms (MSD, Luminex, or CBA).
• Hands-on, collaborative approach to independently execute experiments and manage multiple studies.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and optimize CAR constructs and RNA payloads for in vivo tLNP programs.
• Execute in vitro and ex vivo studies in immune cells to assess delivery, expression, potency, and function.
• Develop and apply multicolor flow cytometry panels and analysis strategies for immune cell profiling.
• Perform hands-on lab work with human and mouse cells, primary immune cells, and in vitro models.
• Support in vivo studies and analyze animal samples for biodistribution and immune responses.
• Collaborate with DMPK to design studies and interpret pharmacology data.
• Troubleshoot experiments, optimize workflows, and generate high-quality data for program advancement.

Skills

Multicolor flow cytometry

CAR constructs design

In vivo immunology

PBMCs & primary cells

Data analysis

T-cell biology

In vitro/ex vivo assays

Immune cell profiling

Education

Ph.D. in immunology or related field

Tools

MSD

Luminex

CBA

Job description

Scientist I, In Vivo CAR‑T

Cambridge, MA

ABOUT US

Aera Therapeutics was founded by a world‑class team of scientists, investors, and company builders with a shared vision to unlock the potential of genetic medicines across a broad range of modalities and therapeutic areas. We strive for excellence and an industry‑leading position in our chosen delivery platforms, while aggressively hunting for opportunities where enabling delivery technologies can unlock applications of high, unmet medical need.

Leveraging deep expertise in the space, Aera has a leading LNP platform that enables today’s applications, while investing in and developing a potentially disruptive antibody oligonucleotide conjugate platform to enable tomorrow’s applications.

How will your role make an impact at Aera Therapeutics?

We are looking for a Scientist to join our Therapeutic Discovery team who will advance discovery programs using Aera’s tLNP platform by designing and executing in vitro and in vivo studies to evaluate gene delivery, immune responses, and therapeutic efficacy. Working closely with cross‑functional teams, including molecular biology, pharmacology and nonclinical, you will generate critical data to characterize platform performance and guide the development of next‑generation genetic medicines. You will be reporting into our VP of Therapeutic Discovery and will be expected to work onsite 5 days per week.

You will be responsible for:

• Designing, building, and optimizing CAR constructs and RNA payloads for in vivo targeted lipid nanoparticle (tLNP) programs
• Execute in vitro and ex vivo studies in immune cells to characterize delivery, expression, potency, and cell function
• Developing and applying multicolor flow cytometry (FACS) panels and analysis strategies to deeply characterize immune cell populations, transfection efficiency, activation, and functional responses
• Performing hands‑on laboratory studies using human and mouse cells, primary immune cells, and relevant in vitro models
• Supporting in vivo studies and analyzing animal‑derived samples to evaluate biodistribution, pharmacology, immune responses, and tolerability
• Partnering closely with the DMPK team to design studies, identify assay needs, and interpret pharmacology data
• Troubleshooting experimental challenges, optimizing workflows, and generating high‑quality data to advance tLNP program development

Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in immunology or a closely related discipline, with 0-3 years of postdoctoral or industry experience with formal training in immunology and experience in human and/or mouse immunology
• Strong, hands‑on expertise in multicolor flow cytometry, including panel design, assay optimization, data analysis, and interpretation
• Experience designing, generating, and optimizing CAR constructs, including evaluating construct design, expression, and function
• Demonstrated proficiency in in vitro and ex vivo immunology assays using primary cells, including PBMCs and other relevant immune cell populations
• Experience working with large animal models and processing and analyzing animal‑derived samples including evaluation of immune responses across tissues
• Experience with multiplex protein quantification platforms such as MSD, Luminex, or CBA
• A highly hands‑on, collaborative approach, with the ability to independently execute experiments, troubleshoot, document, and manage multiple studies in a fast‑paced research environment
• Experience with T‑cell biology, CAR‑T cell engineering, in vivo CAR‑T or other immune cell engineering approaches
• Commitment to our Core Values: Respect, Integrity, Excellence, Impact

The approximate salary range for this role is $112,000-$125,000

Our salary ranges are determined by job scope, level, and location. The range displayed on this job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target for new hire salaries for the position as posted. Within the range, individual pay is determined by a variety of factors, including job‑related skills, experience, relevant education or training, and business need. In addition to the base salary, eligible employees will have an opportunity to participate in an annual cash bonus, equity incentives, and a robust benefits offering that includes health insurance, 401k retirement plan with company match, paid sick and vacation time, life and disability insurance, and commuting expense reimbursement.

Aera Therapeutics is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.