Senior Associate Scientist, Cell Therapy

PharmaEssentia Innovation Research Center; Bedford (MA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

PharmaEssentia Corporation is seeking a Senior Associate Scientist to join the Cell Therapy team and contribute to the development of novel immunotherapies for immunology and oncology. The role centers on mRNA-based CAR T cell engineering and immunoassay characterization.

You will generate data to support key project decisions, interpret results, and design experiments. Working at PharmaEssentia Innovation Research Center (PIRC), you will collaborate across multidisciplinary teams in a

Qualifications

• BS/MS in immunology, biology, oncology or related discipline with 6+ years (BS) or 4+ years (MS) of industry experience.
• Hands-on experience with primary human immune cells and cancer cell lines.
• T cell transfection via mRNA electroporation.
• Immunophenotyping using flow cytometry (multicolor).
• Cytotoxicity assays, multiplex ELISA, live-cell analysis.
• Proficiency with FlowJo, GraphPad Prism, and related software.

Responsibilities

• Perform primary immune cell isolation and culture, and cancer cell line culture.
• Conduct mRNA-based CAR T cell engineering using electroporation and tLNP.
• Lead functional characterization of CAR T cells with immunoassays.
• Analyze data and document work in ELN system.
• Present results at team meetings and external conferences.
• Collaborate with cross-functional project teams.
• Maintain a clean, safe BSL2/BSL2+ lab environment.

Skills

Primary immune cell culture

T cell transfection

Flow cytometry

ELISA

Live-cell imaging

Data analysis (FlowJo)

Data analysis (GraphPad Prism)

Immunophenotyping

Multicolor flow cytometry

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in immunology/biology/oncology

Tools

BD Fortessa flow cytometer

Lonza 4D-Nucleofector

Meso Scale Discovery plate reader

xCELLigence RTCA

Job description

Job summary: Senior Associate Scientist, Cell Therapy

PharmaEssentia Corporation is seeking a Senior Associate Scientist to join the Cell Therapy team and contribute to the development of novel immunotherapies for immunology and oncology. The successful candidate will be responsible for mRNA-based CAR T cell engineering and characterization. The successful candidate will be a highly motivated bench scientist and will be responsible for immuno‑assay execution for discovery projects and technology evaluations. They will generate data to support key decisions for project teams and actively participate in the interpretation of data and design of experiments. They will have the opportunity to work independently and collaboratively to advance portfolio programs in a dynamic and fast‑paced environment.

The Company

It’s not often you get the chance to make a real impact on the lives of others, while expanding your own possibilities. You’ll find that rare opportunity at PharmaEssentia. Join us, and let’s transform lives, together.

PharmaEssentia Corporation is a rapidly growing biopharmaceutical innovator. We are leveraging deep expertise and proven scientific principles to deliver effective new biologics for challenging diseases in the areas of hematology and oncology, with one approved product and a diversifying pipeline. We believe in the potential to improve both health and quality of life for patients with limited options today through the combination of rigorous research and innovative thinking.

Founded in 2003 by a team of Taiwanese‑American executives and renowned scientists from U.S. biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, today we are listed on the Taipei Exchange (TPEx: 6446) and are expanding our global presence with operations in the U.S., Japan, China and Korea, along with a world‑class biologics production facility in Taichung, Taiwan.

Our new research center, PharmaEssentia Innovation Research Center (PIRC), will build upon our invention and discovery‑based innovation efforts originally established in Taiwan that led to a transformative advancement for treating polycythemia vera (one of the myeloid proliferative neoplasms). At PIRC, we aim to expand our current expertise in related therapeutic areas and identify novel therapeutic approaches in early to mid‑stage discovery and development.

Summary Of Key Responsibilities

• Perform primary immune cell isolation and culture, as well as cancer cell line culture.
• Perform mRNA-based CAR T cell engineering using electroporation and tLNP.
• Lead functional characterization of CAR T cells with immunoassays.
• Data analysis and thorough documentation of work in the Company’s ELN system.
• Present results at team meetings, in other group settings, and at external scientific conferences.
• Work cross‑functionally as part of internal multi‑disciplinary project teams.
• Maintaining a safe and clean laboratory environment following all precautions required for a BSL2/BSL2+ setting.

Essential Qualifications

• Senior Associate Scientist: B.S./M.S. in immunology, biology, oncology or related discipline with BS 6+ years or MS 4+ years of relevant industry experience.
• Strong hands‑on experience with primary human immune cell and cancer cell line culture, T cell transfection via mRNA electroporation, cell immunophenotyping using multicolor flow cytometry, cytotoxicity assays, multiplex ELISA, live‑cell analysis using Incucyte system.
• Proficiency in operating instruments like BD Fortessa flow cytometer, Lonza 4D‑Nucleofector, Meso Scale Discovery plate reader, xCELLigence RTCA.
• Working knowledge of CAR T cell therapy discovery.
• Ability to follow defined procedures and protocols, and strong attention to detail.
• Proficiency with data analysis software such as FlowJo, GraphPad Prism, etc.
• Willingness to learn new research methods and a desire for continued learning and development.
• Excellent organization and record‑keeping skills.
• Collaborative, flexible, and team‑oriented mindset, with the ability to contribute effectively within a dynamic research environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct experiences with mRNA/tLNP CAR T engineering and characterization.
• Knowledge of building high‑throughput T cell engineering and characterization workflow.
• Track record of assay development and optimization in an in vitro pharmacology setting.
• Knowledge of molecular biology techniques, including mRNA IVT, real‑time PCR, and ddPCR.
• Experience in immunophenotyping tumor‑infiltrating T cells in CDX/PDX mouse model.

EEO Statement

At PharmaEssentia Innovation Research Center (PIRC), we are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth and related medical conditions), national origin, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information (including characteristics and testing), military and veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law. PIRC believes that diversity and inclusion among our team are critical to our success as a global company, and we seek to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool. PIRC does not accept unsolicited agency resumes. Staffing agencies should not send resumes to our HR team or to any PIRC employees. PIRC is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes from staffing agencies.

At PharmaEssentia, our goal is to treat as many people with cancer as possible. That means challenging the status quo with better science that leads to better lives. By joining our team, you will not only expand your own possibilities, but you will contribute to expanding options for people with cancer.

https://us.pharmaessentia.com/careers/