Principal Scientist, Early Discovery & Immune Cell Engineering
About The Position
BeOne Institute is seeking a strategic and highly adaptive Principal Scientist to lead early discovery programs in a fast-paced biotech environment. The position combines hands-on laboratory execution, matrix leadership, and a drug-development mindset to shape BeOne’s early discovery pipeline and evaluate therapeutic opportunities across Immuno-Oncology (IO) and Immunology & Inflammation (I&I). The scientist will balance literature research with bench work, develop independent hypotheses, and help determine promising therapeutic approaches and modalities. The role focuses on advancing immune cell engineering platforms, building screening capabilities, developing quantitative cell-based immunology assays, and producing decision-enabling data. The Principal Scientist will collaborate across the organization, mentor junior scientists, communicate complex findings, and contribute to operational and management activities at the San Carlos site. The role is onsite in San Carlos, California, and may include direct management of scientists and/or matrix leadership of project teams. Travel is not required.
Requirements
- Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent advanced degree in Immunology, Molecular Biology, Bioengineering, or a related scientific discipline.
- At least 5 years of dedicated biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry experience.
- Extensive hands-on molecular biology expertise, including cloning, construct design, and IVT mRNA synthesis.
- Deep proficiency modifying primary immune cells using viral methods such as lentivirus and non-viral methods such as electroporation, CRISPR/Cas9, and transposons.
- Track record navigating drug discovery programs and prioritizing actionable, milestone-moving data over open-ended academic exploration.
- Demonstrated success designing and executing complex cell-based immunology assays and managing pooled or arrayed genetic or chemical screens.
- Proven experience leading or driving progress within matrixed, multidisciplinary project teams in a fast-paced environment.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to challenge assumptions, debate technical strategies transparently, and introduce innovative concepts.
- Ability to work onsite in San Carlos, California.
Nice To Haves
- Strong portfolio of peer-reviewed publications or patent filings in immunology, cell engineering, or oncology discovery.
- Experience mentoring, training, or supervising junior scientists and research associates.
- Hands-on experience working across multiple immune cell types, such as T cells, NK cells, macrophages, or B cells.
Responsibilities
- Drive early discovery strategy and evaluate scientific opportunities and literature to guide internal pipeline decisions.
- Advance immune cell engineering platforms to develop novel cell therapies for oncology and immunology indications.
- Build, optimize, and deploy high-throughput screening platforms using pooled and arrayed approaches.
- Develop robust, quantitative cell-based immunology assays to characterize therapeutic potency.
- Lead hands-on execution of in vitro and ex vivo studies to generate decision-enabling data packages.
- Lead cross-functional matrix teams and collaborate with experts across the organization.
- Mentor junior scientists to foster technical excellence, scientific rigor, and professional growth.
- Distill and present complex biological data packages.
- Contribute to operational and management activities supporting objectives at the San Carlos site.
- May directly manage scientists and/or provide matrix leadership for project teams.
Benefits
- Annual bonus plan eligibility for non-commercial roles; incentive compensation plan eligibility for commercial roles.
- Opportunity for all employees to receive discretionary equity awards and voluntarily participate in the Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
- 401(k).
- FSA/HSA.
- Life insurance.
- Paid time off.
- Wellness benefits.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
