Senior Researcher

BioPhase; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

BioPhase is seeking a Research Associate or Senior Research Associate to join the Research & Early Development team in Irvine, CA. This on-site role focuses on performing bench assays for T Cell Engager programs, with emphasis on immune-oncology and data quality.

The candidate will work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment, contributing from day one. Responsibilities include executing in vitro assays, cytotoxicity testing, PBMC/NK cell profiling, and data analysis using GraphPad Prism and

Qualifications

• BS degree in immunology, cell biology, biochemistry, or related field.
• 3–5 years of hands-on industry experience in biotech/pharma.
• Direct experience with T Cell Engager or immune-oncology programs and related assays.
• Proficiency in mammalian cell culture, ELISA, and multiplex cytokine assays.
• Strong TDCC, T cell activation, PBMC/NK cell-based assays, and flow cytometry profiling.
• Detail-oriented with good documentation and record-keeping.
• Collaborative, execution-focused mindset.

Responsibilities

• Execute a broad range of in vitro assays for screening and characterization of T Cell Engager candidates.
• Perform tumor-directed cytotoxicity assays, immune cell profiling by flow cytometry, cytokine analysis by ELISA and multiplex platforms.
• Conduct cell surface binding assays and support cell engineering efforts, including target antigen quantification, expression, and knockdown.
• Maintain routine mammalian cell culture of tumor cell lines and handle PBMCs, T cells, and NK cells.
• Support assay development and optimization and troubleshoot issues.
• Prepare clear data summaries for team meetings and contribute to slide decks.
• Support day-to-day lab operations, inventory management, equipment upkeep, and SOP compliance.

Skills

T Cell Engager

Immune-oncology

Flow cytometry

ELISA

Multiplex cytokine assays

Mammalian cell culture

GraphPad Prism

Excel

Cell engineering

PBMC/NK cells

Education

BS in immunology or related field

Tools

Benchling

ELISA kits

Job description

Research Associate / Senior Research Associate, Research & Early Development

Location: Irvine, CA (On-site)

We are seeking a highly motivated Research Associate or Senior Research Associate to join a Research & Early Development team. This is a hands‑on bench role for an experienced industry scientist who thrives in a fast‑paced environment, takes pride in data quality, and is ready to contribute from day one.

The ideal candidate will have direct industry experience in T Cell Engager or broader immune‑oncology programs and be highly proficient in assays used for screening and characterization. This is an execution‑focused role for someone who is technically sharp, detail‑oriented, reliable, and comfortable working collaboratively within a small team.

Responsibilities

• Execute a broad range of in vitro assays for screening and characterization of T Cell Engager candidates.
• Perform tumor‑directed cytotoxicity assays, immune cell profiling by flow cytometry, cytokine analysis by ELISA and multiplex platforms, and T cell proliferation and activation assays.
• Conduct cell surface binding assays and support cell engineering efforts, including target antigen quantification, expression, and knockdown.
• Maintain routine mammalian cell culture of tumor cell lines and handle primary immune cells as needed, including PBMCs, T cells, and NK cells.
• Support assay development and optimization.
• Troubleshoot experimental issues and communicate observations clearly and promptly.
• Perform routine data analysis using GraphPad Prism and Excel, including curve fitting and basic statistical analysis.
• Maintain accurate experimental records in an electronic lab notebook system.
• Prepare clear data summaries for team meetings and contribute to slide deck updates.
• Support day‑to‑day lab operations, including reagent and frozen cell inventory management, equipment upkeep, and SOP compliance.

Qualifications

• B.S. in immunology, cell biology, biochemistry, or a related field.
• 3–5 years of hands‑on industry experience in a biotech or pharma research setting.
• Direct experience with T Cell Engager or immune‑oncology programs and related assays.
• Proficiency in mammalian cell culture, ELISA, and multiplex cytokine assays.
• Strong experience with TDCC, T cell activation, PBMC/NK cell‑based assays, and flow cytometry‑based profiling.
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and record‑keeping habits.
• Collaborative mindset and comfort working in an execution‑focused role.
• Experience with BLI‑based binding assays, Benchling, or cell engineering techniques is a plus.
• Hands‑on mouse study experience is a plus, though in vivo work is not currently part of the role.

What We’re Looking For

• Someone who can contribute quickly without extensive ramp‑up.
• A humble team player who communicates openly and works well in a small, fast‑paced environment.
• A scientist who enjoys bench work and wants to directly support pipeline progress.