Scientist, Multi-Specific T-Cell Engagers

R&D Partners; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 125,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

R&D Partners in San Jose, CA, seeks a Scientist to support discovery and optimization of multi-specific TCEs, generating data across early discovery through IND-enabling studies. The role blends hands-on experiments with scientific leadership and cross-functional collaboration to advance our multi-specific pipeline.

You will design and oversee production of multi-specific antibodies, run in vitro functional assays, analyze complex datasets, and communicate actionable conclusions to teams.

Qualifications

• PhD with 1–3 years post‑PhD experience or MS with 5–7 years in immunology, cell biology, or biologics discovery.
• Experience supporting discovery and optimization of T-cell engagers, bispecific antibodies or related biologics.
• Experience with stable cell line generation (Lentiviral transduction, CRISPR KO).
• Expertise with antibody binding assays (ELISA, flow cytometry).
• Immune cell co-culture cytotoxicity assays with live readouts (Incucyte, eSight).
• Multiparameter flow cytometry and panel design.
• T-cell activation assays (Reporter assays, cytokine profiling).
• Demonstrated ability to design and interpret complex datasets and translate results into conclusions.
• Experience with affinity tuning/detuning and epitope selection for logic-gated targeting.
• Hands-on experience with complex co-culture systems (organoids).
• Experience managing cross-functional/CRO studies related to in vivo cancer models.
• Experience contributing to biologics discovery programs from early discovery through lead optimization and/or preclinical development.
• Track record shown via publications, patents, or program advancement.
• $125,000-$145,000

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the design of multi-specific antibodies and oversee their production/purification.
• Design, execute, and lead in vitro functional studies supporting validation of target combinations, lead selection, and preclinical development of multi-specific TCEs.
• Develop, optimize, and perform functional assays to inform potency, selectivity, and safety (cytotoxicity, cytokine release, reporter assays).
• Generate and interpret complex datasets with emphasis on rigor, reproducibility, and data quality.
• Build data packages and communicate conclusions to project teams and management.
• Familiarity with diverse antibody platforms and multi-specific antibody design/production strategies.
• Characterize binding properties of multi-specific antibodies (ELISA, flow cytometry, cell bridging assays).
• Develop and execute multiparameter flow cytometry to assess T-cell activation.
• Design real-time cytotoxicity assays (IncuCyte, eSight) and other readouts for T-cell engagers.
• Design and generate engineered cell systems, including overexpression and CRISPR-based knockouts.
• Isolate and maintain primary immune cells (PBMCs, T-cells).
• Identify project risks, propose mitigations, and communicate progress to stakeholders.
• Adhere to QMS, SOPs, documentation standards, electronic lab notebooks, and training requirements.

Skills

Immunology

Cell biology

Biologics discovery

T-cell engagers

Data analysis

CRISPR KO

Organoids

Lentiviral transduction

Flow cytometry

T-cell assays

Education

PhD with 1–3 years post‑PhD experience

MS with 5–7 years in industry

Tools

ELISA

CRISPR KO

Lentiviral transduction

Flow cytometry

Job description

R&D Partners in San Jose, CA, seeks a Scientist to support discovery and optimization of multi-specific TCEs, generating data across early discovery through IND-enabling studies. The role blends hands-on experiments with scientific leadership and cross-functional collaboration to advance our multi-specific pipeline.

You will design and oversee production of multi-specific antibodies, run in vitro functional assays, analyze complex datasets, and communicate actionable conclusions to teams.