Target Discovery – Target Validation Associate Scientist

Planet Pharma; South San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Planet Pharma in South San Francisco is seeking a Target Discovery – Target Validation Associate Scientist to advance immunotherapy research. You will design and execute discovery-stage studies using primary human samples and cell lines to identify and validate novel targets.

You will perform tissue dissociation, staining, flow cytometry, and cell line screening; collaborate with computational and translational teams; and contribute to publications and presentations.

Qualifications

• B.S./M.S. degree with 4+ years (B.S.) or 2+ years (M.S.) in relevant field.
• Proven ability to design and analyze complex experiments.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Experience with flow cytometry, cell culture, and data analysis tools.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute discovery-stage research to identify and validate novel targets using primary human samples.
• Process primary samples, including tissue dissociation, staining, and flow sorting/cytometry.
• Design, optimize, and perform cell line screening workflows using flow cytometry, ELISA, and Western blot.
• Collaborate with computational and translational teams to interpret findings and advance candidate targets.
• Independently conduct experiments and maintain detailed records of outcomes.
• Present data and strategic updates to internal teams and external collaborators; contribute to scientific direction.
• Contribute to presentations (slides, white papers, publication) as needed.

Skills

Experiment design

Flow cytometry

Cell culture

Data analysis

Communication

Education

B.S./M.S. in immunology, molecular/cell biology, genomics, bioengineering, or related field

Tools

FlowJo

GraphPad Prism

R

Python

Benchling

Job description

Target Discovery – Target Validation Associate Scientist

Responsibilities:

• Design and execute discovery-stage research to identify and validate novel immunotherapy targets using primary human samples and cell lines.
• Engage in processing of primary samples including tissue dissociation, antibody staining, and flow sorting/cytometry.
• Design, optimize, and perform cell line screening workflows using flow cytometry, ELISA, Western, and other methods.
• Collaborate closely with computational and translational teams to interpret findings and advance candidate targets into development.
• Independently conduct experiments; maintain detailed records of experiments and outcomes; and work in collaboration with other team members.
• Present data and strategic updates to internal teams and external collaborators; contribute to scientific direction and project planning.
• Contribute to the presentation of findings (slide deck, white paper, publication) as needed.

Qualifications, Skills, Knowledge & Abilities:

• B.S./M.S. in immunology, molecular/cell biology, genomics, bioengineering, or a related field with 4+ (B.S.) or 2+ (M.S.) years of hands‑on, progressively independent industry experience in target discovery and validation or related research.
• Proven track record of independently designing, executing, and analyzing complex biological experiments.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills with a demonstrated ability to work as part of a team.
• Strong working knowledge of key experimental approaches and tools including:
  • Primary cell and tissue processing (e.g., mammalian cell culture, tissue dissociation, and staining)
  • Advanced flow cytometry and cell sorting (e.g., multiparameter panels, spectral flow cytometry)
  • Ability to analyze and visualize data using common bioinformatics tools (e.g., FlowJo, Prism, R, or Python)
  • Experience using electronic notebooks (e.g. Benchling)