SCIENTIST III

Planet Pharma; South San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 135,000 - 156,000; Full time

Job summary

Planet Pharma is seeking a Scientist III in South San Francisco to advance in vivo CAR-T platforms from concept to preclinical development. You will design CAR constructs, perform cell-based assays, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to generate robust data supporting pipeline programs.

The role requires deep CAR-T biology expertise, T-cell functional assays, and a track record in immuno-oncology, with opportunities to mentor scientists and contribute to strategic project milestones.

Qualifications

• BS or MS with 5+ years; or PhD with CAR-T/immuno-oncology experience.
• Demonstrated ability to design, perform, and interpret key experiments and learn new techniques.
• Extensive experience in CAR-T assay development and evaluation.
• Experience in CAR-T construct design, production, and T cell function assessment.
• Deep expertise in primary T cell isolation, activation, transduction, cytotoxicity, cytokine profiling, and multi-color flow cytometry.
• Experience leading preclinical cell therapy projects and mentoring scientists is a plus.
• Experience with high-throughput workflows and semi-automated liquid handling is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Apply expertise in T cell and synthetic biology for next-generation in vivo CAR-T therapies.
• Independently establish and deliver on project milestones and timelines.
• Design and execute in vitro CAR-T assays assessing cytotoxicity and T-cell function.
• Organize and present complex data to stakeholders via presentations and reports.
• Maintain thorough ELN records and ensure data integrity.

Skills

CAR-T biology

T-cell assays

data analysis

scientific writing

cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher

Master's degree or higher

PhD

Tools

Flow cytometry

ELISA/Luminex

Cell culture

Job description

Scientist III

Location: South San Francisco, California

Category: Scientific

Salary: Apply for details

Country: United States

Employment: Contract

Worksite: On-Site

Target PR Range: 65-75/hr

Depending on experience

Job Description

The CAR-T Biology team in South San Francisco, part of the Immuno-Oncology Organization, is seeking a Scientist III to support the development of in vivo CAR-T platforms from concept through preclinical development. The candidate will work at the intersection of synthetic biology and immune modulation. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in CAR-T biology, T-cell functional assays, and therapeutic development. The role includes designing CAR constructs, executing advanced cell-based assays and collaborating with cross-functional teams to generate high-quality data that support pipeline programs.

Key Responsibilities

• Apply subject matter expertise in T cell and synthetic biology approaches toward the development of the next-generation in vivo CAR-T cell therapies, and the ability to translate evolving scientific and intellectual property insights into impactful therapeutic programs.
• Independently establish, track, and deliver on project milestones and experimental timelines, ensuring alignment with program objectives and organizational priorities, while adapting to evolving scientific needs.
• Design and execute in vitro assays to evaluate CAR-T biology, including assessment of cytotoxicity, T-cell effector function, and immune cell phenotyping.
• Organize, analyze, and synthesize complex scientific data, and effectively communicate experimental strategies, results, and interpretations to internal and external stakeholders through clear and impactful presentations and scientific reports.
• Maintain comprehensive and well-documented records in an Electronic Lab Notebook (ELN).

Qualifications

• BS, or equivalent education, with typically 7 or more years of experience; or MS, or equivalent education, with typically 5 or more years of experience; or PhD level with experience in CAR-T, genetic medicine, or immuno-oncology.
• Demonstrated ability to independently design, perform, and interpret key experiments to address scientific questions. Proven capacity to quickly learn and apply new laboratory techniques. Able to manage multiple tasks efficiently while meeting deadlines. Strong skills in scientific writing and verbal communication.
• Extensive experience in assay development for CAR-T candidate generation and assessment
• Previous experience in chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) construct design, CAR-T production, and T cell function evaluation.
• Deep expertise in primary T cell isolation, activation, transduction, T cell cytotoxicity, proliferation, cytokine profiling, multi-color flow cytometry, and immunological assays (e.g., ELISA, Luminex, cytotoxicity assays) is required.
• Previous experience in leading preclinical cell therapy projects and mentoring scientists will be a plus
• Experience in cell-based in vitro assay development and semi-automated liquid handling systems for high-throughput workflows is a plus.

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 directly so that we can explore the appropriate arrangements.

We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.