Cell Biologist

Luna Labs USA•Charlottesville, VA

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

Luna Labs is a product development company working with leading organizations and key government agencies to create unique solutions for complex challenges in defense, industrial, and healthcare markets. We operate like a self-contained incubator for defense and biotech startups, taking solutions from concept through development to new products in the market. We leverage small business agility and large business capabilities to accelerate breakthrough solutions from concept to early-stage growth. Working with a robust global network of manufacturers, suppliers, licensees, and distributors, Luna Labs develops everything from small-scale prototypes to market-ready products. The Biotech Group is seeking a driven, creative, detail-oriented scientist to join our fast-paced research and development team. This position will focus on leading the design, development, and execution of novel in vitro assays and micro-physiological systems (MPS) to evaluate advanced therapeutic and vaccine delivery platforms. The ideal candidate will have experience in mammalian cell culture, immunology, and complex tissue culture models, with a passion for building innovative methods from the ground up in a highly collaborative team environment. The role will involve managing cell culture laboratory efforts at Luna Labs, including hands-on laboratory work across a range of currently funded programs and contributions to establishing new Biotech R&D initiatives.

Requirements

BS or MS in Immunology, Biomedical Engineering, Cell Biology, or a closely related discipline
Three or more years of laboratory-based industry or academic research experience
Extensive hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture, including mastery of sterile technique
Strong understanding of fundamental immunology principles
Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative R&D environment
Strong capability to work independently and effectively within multidisciplinary teams
High attention to detail and strong commitment to quality experimental work and documentation
Excellent communication skills, including technical writing, data analysis, presentation of results, and interpersonal collaboration
Ability to think outside the box to troubleshoot complex biological systems and pioneer new methodologies
Demonstrated ability to understand and evaluate technical approaches within the context of end-use applications
Ability to manage and contribute to multiple concurrent research programs
U.S. citizenship is required due to government contracting regulations

Nice To Haves

Experience developing and evaluating Transwell, co-culture, or organ-on-a-chip microfluidic systems
Experience working with primary human cells and blood components and/or immune cells
Experience conducting vaccine research or evaluating adjuvants and immune responses
Proven track record of developing, troubleshooting, and executing novel functional assays
Proficiency in fluorescence, confocal, and/or high-content microscopic imaging

Responsibilities

Design, optimize, and validate novel cell culture assays, functional readouts, and analytical methods to support pipeline discovery research efforts.
Establish and maintain advanced in vitro models, including Transwell culture systems, blood-brain barrier (BBB) models, and organ-on-a-chip platforms.
Isolate, expand, and maintain primary human immune cells (such as T-cells, B-cells, dendritic cells, or peripheral blood mononuclear cells and other immune subsets).
Design and conduct functional assays to assess immune responses to vaccine candidates, nanoparticle-based delivery systems, and therapeutic formulations.
Perform routine and complex downstream analyses, including multiplex ELISAs, flow cytometry-based immune phenotyping and activation marker analysis, antibody production and B-cell response assays, cytocompatibility assays, and hemolysis assays to evaluate the biocompatibility and safety of biomaterial prototypes.
Maintain, calibrate, and operate laboratory instrumentation and equipment to ensure reliable performance and data quality.
Conduct high-resolution microscopic imaging, flow cytometry, transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER), and quantitative image analysis to characterize cellular morphology, barrier integrity, and cellular localization.
Record, manage, summarize, and interpret experimental data, communicating technical findings clearly.
Maintain complete and accurate laboratory notebooks in accordance with established documentation practices.
Work closely with cross-functional teams, promoting and adhering to laboratory and office safety protocols/best practices and contributing to a fast-paced, high-performing research culture.