Senior Scientist, Immunology & Inflammation

EnquBio Inc.; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

EnquBio Inc. in San Diego seeks a Senior Scientist with a strong background in immunology and ex vivo pharmacology to lead immunology-focused in vitro studies for preclinical drug discovery. You will design, optimize, and execute assays using primary cells and human tissues.

The role requires hands-on expertise in flow cytometry, cytokine analysis, and tissue processing, with the ability to troubleshoot and deliver high-quality data for client-sponsored projects in a fast-paced CRO environment.

Qualifications

• PhD in Immunology, Cell Biology, or related field.
• 3–5+ years postdoctoral or industry R&D experience preferred.
• Strong immunology background with autoimmune/inflammatory focus.
• Hands-on flow cytometry expertise with data analysis.
• Experience with human primary cells and tissue-based studies.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, optimize, and execute immunology-focused in vitro and ex vivo assays.
• Process autoimmune/inflammatory tissues and perform cell isolation and phenotyping.
• Develop immune cell function assays including activation, proliferation, cytokine production.
• Establish co-culture and immune cell-target systems; optimize assays.
• Perform multiparameter flow cytometry experiments and data interpretation.
• Conduct ex vivo studies on animal and human tissues; use ELISA and multiplex assays.

Skills

Immunology

Flow cytometry

Ex vivo assays

Tissue processing

Data analysis

Scientific communication

Education

PhD in Immunology or related field

Tools

Flow cytometer

ELISA & multiplex assays

Organoid/3D culture techniques

Job description

EnquBio is a technology-driven discovery and contract research organization (CRO) based in San Diego, providing biology-focused preclinical drug discovery services. We partner with biopharmaceutical companies to accelerate the development of novel therapeutics across a broad range of disease areas.

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Senior Scientist with a strong background in immunology, inflammation, and ex vivo pharmacology to join our scientific team. The successful candidate will play a key role in developing, optimizing, and executing immunology-focused in vitro and ex vivo studies, including immune profiling and functional analysis of tissues from preclinical disease models and human tissue-based research. The ideal candidate will bring deep scientific knowledge, strong hands-on laboratory expertise, and the ability to independently design, troubleshoot, and deliver high-quality studies in a fast-paced CRO environment.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, optimize, and execute immunology-focused in vitro and ex vivo assays supporting drug discovery and preclinical pharmacology studies.
• Process tissues from autoimmune and inflammatory disease models and perform immune cell isolation, phenotyping, and functional analysis.
• Develop and perform immune cell function assays, including activation, proliferation, differentiation, cytokine production, and cytotoxicity assays.
• Isolate, culture, and characterize primary immune cells; establish and optimize immune cell co-culture and immune cell-target cell systems.
• Design and execute multiparameter flow cytometry experiments, including panel design, staining optimization, data acquisition, analysis, and interpretation.
• Conduct ex vivo studies using animal tissues and, where applicable, primary human cells and fresh human tissue samples.
• Apply complementary immunological techniques, including ELISA and multiplex cytokine assays, to characterize immune responses.
• Contribute to the development of advanced tissue-based, 3D co-culture, or organoid-based assay capabilities as appropriate.
• Independently troubleshoot assays, analyze complex datasets, document results, and prepare study reports and scientific presentations.
• Collaborate with in vivo, project management, and other scientific teams to align study design, sample collection, timelines, and deliverables.
• Participate in client scientific discussions and contribute scientific input to study design and reporting.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior scientists and research associates.

Qualifications

• PhD in Immunology, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Pharmacology, or a closely related discipline is required.
• 3-5+ years of relevant postdoctoral or industry research experience; biotech, pharmaceutical, or CRO experience is preferred.
• Strong foundation in immunology, inflammation, immune cell biology, and immune-mediated disease mechanisms.
• Extensive hands-on experience with multiparameter flow cytometry, including panel design, assay optimization, and complex data analysis.
• Demonstrated experience isolating, culturing, and functionally characterizing primary immune cells and establishing co-culture assays.
• Experience with ex vivo tissue processing and immunological analysis of samples from preclinical disease models, preferably autoimmune or inflammatory models.
• Experience with cytokine assays, ELISA, multiplex immunoassays, and other relevant immunological methods.
• Experience with human primary cells, fresh human tissue-based studies, 3D co-culture systems, or organoids is highly desirable.
• Strong experimental design, troubleshooting, data interpretation, documentation and scientific communication skills.
• Ability to independently manage experiments and contribute effectively to multiple concurrent client-sponsored projects.

Physical Requirements

This role involves working in laboratory and office environments. Candidates must be able to:

• Work with biohazardous materials and chemicals in compliance with applicable safety standards.
• Perform laboratory procedures, including handling biological samples and research materials.
• Wear required PPE including gloves, lab coat, and eye/face protection.
• Stand, sit, and walk for extended periods; crouch, bend, twist, and reach as needed; perform tasks involving repetitive motions.
• Routinely lift, push, or pull up to 10 lbs.
• Possess visual acuity sufficient to perform detailed laboratory work and data review.

At EnquBio, we are dedicated to fostering a workplace that celebrates diversity and inclusivity. As an equal opportunity employer, we extend fair employment opportunities to all individuals, irrespective of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or other legally protected status.

Come join us in shaping the future of biotechnology through our commitment to operational excellence and innovation.