Senior Scientist

KellyOCG; Waltham (MA); On-site; USD 68,880 - 82,656; Full time

Job summary

KellyOCG is seeking a Senior Scientist to advance novel cell therapies for autoimmune indications in Waltham, MA. This role requires hands-on research, strong cross-functional communication, and efficient project planning.

Applicants should hold a PhD in immunology or cellular biology, or a BS/MS with relevant experience. Responsibilities include leading target validation, applying data-driven approaches, and collaborating cross-functionally. Competitive pay of $50-60 per hour is offered based on experience, with an opportunity for extension until the end of December 2026.

Qualifications

• PhD in immunology, cell biology, or related field with 0-5 years experience, or BS/MS with 5-10 years of industry experience.
• Experience with primary human cell culture and functional cell-based assays.
• Proven ability to communicate complex scientific concepts to diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead cell therapy target validation and characterize activity of engineered cell therapies.
• Apply a data-driven approach to experimental design and decision-making.
• Translate scientific plans and results into clear communication for stakeholders.

Skills

In vitro expertise

Cell therapy experience

Data proficiency

Communication

Leadership and collaboration

Education

PhD in immunology, cell biology, or related field

BS or MS with 5-10 years of experience in a related field

Tools

FlowJo

Prism

Job description

Location: Waltham, MA (moving to Cambridge, MA office in Sept/Oct)

Duration: Until end of December 2026 w/possibility of extension

Pay: $50-60 per hour based on experience

Description

We seek a curious, collaborative Senior Scientist to advance novel cell therapies for autoimmune and other immunology indications. This hands‑on research role requires efficient and competent experimental execution, strong cross‑functional communication, and proactive project planning to advance programs in a highly‑matrixed environment.

Role overview

You will plan and execute in vitro functional assays to identify and validate cell therapy targets and modalities. You will work with program and project teams to make data‑driven decisions to move programs from discovery toward translation. You will also help shape study plans, and ensure timely delivery of milestones across functions.

Key responsibilities

• In vitro discovery: Lead cell therapy target validation and characterize activity of engineered cell therapies using human primary cells and functional co‑culture assays; develop and optimize assays; preferred flexibility to additionally contribute to in vivo study design and execution in partnership with in vivo pharmacology.
• Data and analytics: Apply a rigorous, data‑driven approach to experimental design, mechanism‑of‑action studies, and decision‑making; use appropriate analytics and visualization; document work to high standards.
• Cross‑functional collaboration: Translate scientific plans and results into clear objectives, risks, and decision points for clear communication across groups and to leadership.
• Project planning and delivery: Collaborate maintain project plans and timelines; focus on experimental efficiency and track progress to milestones.
• Team and communication: Present results and recommendations to teams and leadership; foster a productive and collaborative lab environment.

Required qualifications and skills

• Education: PhD in immunology, cell biology, or related field with 0-5 years experience; or BS or MS with 5-10 years of experience in a related field (industry experience strongly preferred).
• In vitro expertise: Primary human cell culture and functional cell‑based assays; multi‑color flow cytometry; multiplex cytokine detection; assay development.
• Cell therapy experience: Work with engineered cell products (e.g., T cell subsets, CAR‑based modalities); familiarity with novel CAR or antibody target discovery; experience with CAR T transduction and/or gene editing.
• Data proficiency: Strong experimental design, analysis, and interpretation; proficiency with tools such as FlowJo and Prism.
• Communication: Proven ability to communicate complex scientific concepts clearly to technical and non‑technical stakeholders.
• Leadership and collaboration: Strong drive for discovery, scientific curiosity, collaborative mindset.

Desired qualifications and skills

• Advanced analytics: Experience integrating complex datasets to guide decis
• Autoimmune disease experience: Familiarity with in vitro and in vivo model systems for conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, etc.
• In vivo expertise a plus: Hands‑on planning, oversight, and execution of murine in vivo studies using autoimmune disease models; animal handling; standard dosing and engraftment; analysis of pharmacodynamic, immunophenotyping, and efficacy endpoints.