Associate Scientist (BS/MS) contractor – Lentiviral Vector Research & Early Process Development (100% Bench)

Adicet Bio•Redwood City, CA

38d•Onsite

About The Position

This role accelerates cell and genome therapy research by enabling reliable generation, characterization, and improvement of lentiviral vectors used in discovery and preclinical studies. We are seeking a highly motivated Senior Research Associate / Associate Scientist (BS/MS) to advance lentiviral vector research with some early process development. This is a 100% bench-based, hands-on laboratory role focused on running, troubleshooting, and improving upstream and downstream LVV workflows to enable discovery and preclinical studies.

Requirements

B.S. with 4+ years, or M.S. with 2+ years of relevant industry or academic experience in molecular biology, bioengineering, cell biology, biochemistry, or related field.
Demonstrated hands-on experience producing and concentrating viral vectors and/or biologics; familiarity with at least one downstream method (TFF/UF-DF, chromatography, or ultracentrifugation).
Expertise in mammalian cell culture (aseptic technique, cell counting/viability, expansion, banking) with comfort working in BSL-2 environments.
Ability to execute experiments with minimal supervision, troubleshoot process/assay issues, and communicate results clearly in a fast-paced R&D environment.
Must be comfortable spending the majority of work time performing hands-on, bench-level laboratory work (e.g., tissue culture, transfection, purification/TFF, and assays).
Strong documentation skills using ELNs (e.g., Benchling) and proficiency with standard data tools (Excel/GraphPad or equivalent).
Able to work effectively both independently and collaboratively, with strong planning, organization, and cross-functional communication.

Nice To Haves

Experience with scalable unit operations for viral vector production (single-use stirred-tank or wave bioreactors, cell factories, TFF/UF-DF) and associated sampling/monitoring.

Responsibilities

Design and execute iterative LVV experiments in adherent and/or suspension HEK293T-based systems (cell expansion, transfection, harvest, and in-process sampling) to evaluate and improve performance.
Execute and optimize downstream processing, including clarification/filtration and concentration/buffer exchange using TFF/UF-DF; assess recovery, scalability, and robustness.
Support early scale-up/scale-down studies (e.g., shake flasks, cell factories, wave or single-use stirred-tank bioreactors), including setup, sterile connections, sampling plans, and data-driven comparisons across scales.
Quantify and interpret vector yield and quality using standard assays (e.g., qPCR/ddPCR titers, p24/ELISA, infectivity/functional readouts as applicable); communicate findings, hypotheses, and recommended next experiments.
Maintain rigorous documentation in an electronic lab notebook (ELN) and author/refresh protocols and SOPs that improve reproducibility, safety, and throughput for R&D and early PD workflows.
Collaborate with scientists to prioritize experiments, troubleshoot process/assay issues, and ensure safe handling of viral vectors and human-derived materials in accordance with BSL-2/EHS requirements.