Scientist III

Spectraforce Technologies, Inc.; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Spectraforce Technologies, Inc. is seeking a Scientist III for our South San Francisco site to advance in vivo CAR-T therapies.

The role focuses on designing and executing innovative experiments, including CAR and lentiviral vector design, while coordinating with cross-functional teams to drive translational development. The position requires a PhD with 3+ years in immunology/biotech, expertise in mammalian culture, flow cytometry, and immunoassays.

Qualifications

• PhD in immunology, oncology, cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, or related field with minimum 3 years of postdoctoral or industry experience.
• Synthetic biology/molecular biology skills including viral/non-viral vector design, and fusion protein (CAR) design is required.
• Experience with mammalian primary cell and cell line culture, multi-color flow cytometry, and immunological assays (ELISA, Luminex, cytotoxicity assays) is required.
• Experience in cell-based in vitro assay development and semi-automated liquid handling systems for high-throughput workflows is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead research efforts, design and execute in vitro studies and collaborate with in vivo pharmacology group for in vivo studies.
• Design and engineer fusion protein receptors (such as CAR) and lentiviral vectors; deliver lentiviral production.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to advance lentiviral-based in vivo CAR-T programs from discovery to translational development.
• Maintain rigorous documentation in ELN and ensure safety in a BSL-2 environment.
• Mentor junior scientists and contribute to publications or patent filings.

Skills

CAR-T design

multicolor flow cytometry

lentiviral vector design

immunoassays (ELISA/Luminex)

in vitro assay development

high-throughput workflows

team collaboration

Education

PhD in immunology/biotech

Tools

ddPCR

flow cytometer

lentiviral production

cell culture (T cells, PBMCs)

Job description

Position Title: Scientist III

Length of Assignment: 1 yr (Potential Extension)

Location/Site: South San Francisco - ABA - 100% Onsite

Our mission is to develop and deliver advanced therapeutics that change lives. We are looking for talented, passionate, and driven individuals to join our Biotherapeutics and Genetic Medicine (BGM) team. As a Senior Scientist in our Genetic Medicine group, you will be part of an innovative team focused on advancing in vivo CAR-T therapies that have the potential to revolutionize patient care.

Position Overview:

We are looking for a Contractor- Scientist III to join our Genetic Medicine in vivo CAR-T group within the Biotherapeutics and Genetic Medicine (BGM) department. This role will involve designing and executing innovative experimental approaches to address key scientific challenges related to in vivo lentiviral delivery platforms. The successful candidate will drive scientific innovation, identify and implement new methods and techniques, and collaborate cross-functionally to advance our pipeline of novel in vivo CAR-T therapies.

Responsibilities:

• Lead research efforts, design and execute in vitro studies (multi-color flow cytometry, ELISA, luciferase, ddPCR, etc.) and collaborate with in vivo pharmacology group for in vivo studies.
• Design and engineer fusion protein receptors (such as CAR) and lentiviral vectors. Deliver lentiviral production by leveraging internal capabilities and external CRO partnerships.
• Partner with cross-functional and therapeutic area teams to advance lentiviral-based in vivo CAR-T pipeline programs from early discovery through translational development.
• Uphold company culture, teamwork, and safety standards, including appropriate handling of materials in a BSL-2 environment.
• Work independently with minimal supervision while maintaining a high level of productivity, efficiency, and scientific rigor.
• Maintain comprehensive and well-documented records in an Electronic Lab Notebook (ELN).
• Analyze and interpret multidisciplinary data to generate actionable conclusions, identify key risks, and guide future experimental directions.
• Collaborate and effectively communicate results with key stakeholders and cross-functional teams throughout the organization.
• Contribute as a primary author to scientific publications, presentations, and/or as a primary inventor of patent applications.
• Demonstrate a proactive, solutions-oriented mindset and take ownership of additional responsibilities as needed.
• Mentor and support junior scientists within the team.

Skills and Requirements:

• PhD in immunology, oncology, cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, or related field with minimum 3 years of postdoctoral or industry experience.
• Synthetic biology/Molecular biology skills including viral/non-viral vector design, and fusion protein (such as CAR) design is required.
• Expertise in mammalian primary cell and cell line culture (primary T cells, PBMCs, whole blood, suspension, and adherent cell lines), multi-color flow cytometry (panel design, acquisition, and analysis), and immunological assays (e.g., ELISA, Luminex, cytotoxicity assays) is required.
• Experience in cell-based in vitro assay development and semi-automated liquid handling systems for high-throughput workflows is highly preferred.
• Experience in lentivirus production, evaluating vector biodistribution, transduction specificity, or safety-related parameters is a plus.
• Experience in CAR-T cell therapy and/or in vivo targeted delivery is a plus.
• Proven ability to develop, troubleshoot and refine assays to enhance sensitivity, reproducibility, and throughput.
• Highly self-motivated and capable of thriving in a fast-paced, collaborative team environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with experience contributing to technical reports, publications, or regulatory documentation.
• Detail-oriented with a passion for delivering high-quality results.

What are the top 3-5 skills, experience or education required for this position:

1. PhD in immunology, oncology, cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, or related field with minimum 3 years of postdoctoral or industry experience.
2. Synthetic biology/Molecular biology skills including viral/non-viral vector design, and fusion protein (such as CAR) design is required.
3. Expertise in mammalian primary cell and cell line culture (primary T cells, PBMCs, whole blood, suspension, and adherent cell lines), multi-color flow cytometry (panel design, acquisition, and analysis), and immunological assays (e.g., ELISA, Luminex, cytotoxicity assays) is required.
4. Experience in cell-based in vitro assay development and semi-automated liquid handling systems for high-throughput workflows is highly preferred.