Wet Lab Scientist

Sharp Decisions; La Cañada Flintridge (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Sharp Decisions is seeking a Contract Wet Lab Scientist for Discovery Biology in the US. The role focuses on bench-level assays to identify and validate novel T-cell–based therapeutic candidates, with a 6–12 month contract.

The candidate will work as a core operator in binder discovery, performing transfections, cell culture, flow cytometry, and functional assays in a fast-paced drug discovery setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Immunology, Molecular Biology, Bioengineering, or related field.
• At least 2 years of hands-on wet-lab experience, preferably in industry.
• Experience isolating primary T cells from PBMCs.
• Strong aseptic technique and maintenance of primary human T cells.
• Flow cytometry acquisition and analysis experience is mandatory.
• Experience with FlowJo or similar software.

Responsibilities

• Deliver genetic material into primary human T cells using electroporation or nucleofection.
• Monitor cell viability and evaluate expression of synthetic receptors.
• Maintain and expand primary T cells and Jurkat lines.
• Perform high-throughput binder screening and flow cytometry analyses.
• Conduct functional assays and cytokine profiling.
• Document procedures and data in ELN for data integrity.
• Present data updates during weekly sprint meetings.

Skills

Flow Cytometry

Wet Lab Experience

Aseptic Technique

Data Analysis

Team Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's or Master’s degree

Immunology

Molecular Biology

Bioengineering

Tools

FlowJo

ELN

Job description

Contract Wet Lab Scientist – Discovery Biology

Position Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Contract Wet Lab Scientist to join our Discovery Biology team. This role is central to a high-priority binder screening campaign, where you will execute bench-level assays to identify and validate novel therapeutic candidates for T-cell-based therapies.

Role Overview

The successful candidate will serve as a core operator within our screening funnel, focusing on the transition from binder discovery to functional validation. This contract position, typically lasting 6-12 months, is ideal for a scientist who thrives at the bench and excels in a fast-paced drug discovery environment.

The primary objective is to characterize the potency, specificity, and safety of candidate binders, such as single-chain variable fragments (scFvs) and VHHs, within the context of engineered T-cell responses.

Key Responsibilities

• T-Cell Engineering: Deliver genetic material, including mRNA or transposon-based DNA systems, into primary human T cells using electroporation or nucleofection platforms.
• Cell Recovery and Expression: Monitor cell viability and recovery following transfection and evaluate the expression of synthetic receptors before functional testing.
• Cell Culture: Maintain and expand primary human T cells and Jurkat cell lines using appropriate aseptic techniques.
• Binder Screening: Execute high-throughput screening assays to assess binder affinity and functionality.
• Flow Cytometry: Perform multicolor flow cytometry (FACS) to evaluate surface expression levels and phenotypic markers. Analyze and interpret data using FlowJo or similar software.
• Functional Assays: Perform T-cell activation and cytotoxicity assays using techniques such as IncuCyte live-cell imaging or LDH release assays.
• Cytokine Profiling: Measure cytokine production using ELISA, MSD, or Luminex platforms.
• Cell Proliferation: Assess T-cell proliferation using fluorescent dyes such as CFSE.
• Documentation and Data Integrity: Record experimental procedures, protocol deviations, and raw data accurately in an Electronic Lab Notebook (ELN) to support data integrity and regulatory filings.
• Team Collaboration: Present clear, data-driven updates during weekly campaign sprint meetings and collaborate with cross-functional team members.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Immunology, Molecular Biology, Bioengineering, or a related biological science.
• Wet Lab Experience: At least 2 years of hands-on wet-lab experience, preferably in an industry setting.
• Primary T-Cell Expertise: Experience isolating primary T cells from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs).
• Aseptic Technique: Strong expertise in aseptic technique, cell culture, and maintenance of primary human T cells.
• Flow Cytometry: Demonstrated hands-on expertise in flow cytometry acquisition and analysis. This is a mandatory requirement.
• Data Analysis: Experience using FlowJo or comparable flow cytometry analysis software.

Preferred Skills

• Hands-on experience with non-viral transfection methods, including electroporation or nucleofection.
• Experience with mRNA delivery, transposon-based DNA systems, or synthetic receptor expression in primary T cells.
• Experience with CAR‑T, engineered T-cell therapies, binder screening, scFv, or VHH‑based therapeutic candidates.
• Experience with cytotoxicity assays, cytokine profiling, and cell proliferation assays.
• Familiarity with liquid-handling robotics and automated high-throughput screening workflows.
• Strong organizational, communication, and data presentation skills.
• Experience maintaining detailed ELN records in a drug discovery or biotechnology environment.

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