Scientist I or II, Cellular & Functional Assay Development

SRT Therapeutics Inc.; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

SRT Therapeutics Inc. is seeking a Scientist I or II to lead design and execution of in vitro cellular and functional assays supporting immunotherapeutic programs.

The role focuses on human primary immune cells and established cell lines, with a strong emphasis on molecular mechanisms and functional readouts. The candidate will independently conceive experiments, document work precisely, and adapt quickly to a fast-paced biotech environment.

Qualifications

• PhD with 2–5 years biotech/pharma industry or postdoc experience.
• Hands-on experience culturing human primary cells (e.g., PBMCs) and cell lines.
• Proficiency in multi-parameter flow cytometry, intracellular staining, ELISA, and RT-PCR.
• Strong data analysis and documentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and analyze in vitro assays using human cells to evaluate pathway modulation and immune cell function.
• Utilize flow cytometry, ELISA, multiplex cytokine assays, imaging, RT-PCR, HTRF, and luminescence-based readouts.
• Interpret data and recommend next experiments to advance program goals.
• Develop, optimize, validate new cell-based assays and SOPs; transfer to teams/CROs.
• Present findings at team meetings and to collaborators.
• Provide day-to-day guidance to Research Associates; maintain accurate ELN records.
• Support lab operations, reagent stocks, equipment upkeep, and safety procedures.

Skills

Molecular biology

Immunology

Flow cytometry

ELISA

RT-PCR

Data analysis

Education

PhD in Molecular and Cellular Biology, Immunology, or related

Tools

FlowJo

Excel

GraphPad Prism

Job description

Cellular and Functional Assay Development

Department: Research & Development

Summary

SRT Therapeutics is seeking a highly motivated Scientist I or II to join our Research & Development team. The Scientist I or II will lead the design, development, execution, and analysis of in vitro cellular and functional assays that support the discovery and preclinical development of immunotherapeutic candidates. The ideal candidate brings expertise in the culture of human primary immune cells and cell lines and a strong command of molecular mechanisms, cellular and biochemical functional readouts.

The Scientist I or II will work with a high degree of scientific independence, conceiving and designing new experiments that answer key questions and enable critical program decisions. The ideal candidate is flexible and adaptable in a fast-paced, evolving environment and maintains accurate, complete documentation of all experimental work.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Independently design, execute, and analyze in vitro assays using human primary cells and established cell lines to evaluate pathway modulation, molecular mechanisms, and interrogate immune cell function.
• Execute on a broad range of cellular and molecular techniques, including multi-parameter flow cytometry, ELISA and multiplex cytokine assays, cell imaging, RT-PCR, HTRF, and luminescence-based reporter assays
• Analyze and interpret complex data sets, draw scientifically sound conclusions, and recommend next experiments to advance program goals.
• Develop, optimize, and validate new cell-based and functional assays, including documenting robust protocols as SOPs and transferring them to internal teams and external partners such as CROs.
• Present findings at project team meetings and to external collaborators.
• Provide day-to-day technical guidance to Research Associates as needed.
• Maintain accurate, timely records in the electronic laboratory notebook in line with data-integrity best practices.
• Support daily laboratory operations, including ordering and maintaining reagent stocks, equipment upkeep, and compliance with laboratory safety procedures.

Qualifications

Required

• PhD in Molecular and Cellular Biology, Immunology, or a related field with 2–5 years of relevant biotech/pharmaceutical industry or postdoctoral experience.
• Extensive hands-on experience with in vitro culture of human primary cells (e.g., PBMCs) and established human cell lines.
• Proficiency in multi-parameter flow cytometry, intracellular staining, and data analysis (e.g., FlowJo), as well as ELISA, and RT-PCR.
• Excellent aseptic technique and laboratory skills.
• Fluency with data analysis and visualization tools such as GraphPad Prism and Excel.
• Highly skilled in written and verbal communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt to changing timelines.

Preferred

• Experience with plate-based or higher-throughput assay formats and automated liquid handling.
• Experience supporting preclinical drug discovery programs in an industry setting, including compound or biologic characterization (e.g., dose response, mechanism of action, and selectivity studies).