Research Associate II, Translational Medicine

Tr1X•San Diego, CA

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The Research Associate II performs laboratory work supporting translational assay development and clinical sample analysis for current and future clinical trials. The role requires sound technical skills, discipline, attention to detail, and critical thinking to generate reproducible, high-quality data that informs the translational development of Tr1X cell therapy programs. The associate works with general knowledge and independence under oversight and guidance from Translational scientists. The position involves hands-on work with human blood and tissue specimens and is based on-site in San Diego, California. Responsibilities include processing clinical specimens, performing flow cytometry and other immunological and molecular assays, maintaining cell cultures, supporting assay development and troubleshooting, analyzing and documenting results, and helping manage clinical samples and laboratory operations. The associate also contributes to presentations, experimental summaries, SOPs, and controlled documentation.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in immunology, cell biology, or a related scientific field.
At least 2 years of industry or equivalent experience in assay development, immunology, cell biology, or a related field.
Hands-on experience with flow cytometry-based assays, including sample processing, instrument setup, data acquisition, data analysis, and troubleshooting.
Hands-on experience maintaining cell cultures on primary human cells.
Demonstrated ability to reproducibly conduct multiplex immunoassays, such as ELISA or MSD, and/or molecular assays.
Proficiency with analytical software programs such as Prism and FlowJo.
Strong attention to detail and ability to follow SOPs and maintain accurate, real-time ELN documentation.
Ability to prepare clear summaries of experimental design and data.
Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet project timelines.
Agile, flexible mindset and strong organizational skills; ability to thrive in a fast-paced start-up environment.
Ability to wear all required PPE and safely conduct experiments.
Must be legally authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.

Nice To Haves

Experience with flow cytometry panel design.
Experience executing cell-based assays such as mixed lymphocyte reactions (MLRs).
Familiarity with assay development, qualification, and validation workflows.
Knowledge of GxP principles or compliance expectations relevant to clinical sample handling and processing.
Experience in a translational or biomarker-focused setting.

Responsibilities

Process human blood and tissue samples according to SOPs and established workflows.
Perform weekly flow cytometry runs, including sample preparation, instrument setup, quality control, compensation, PMT adjustments, data acquisition, and troubleshooting.
Complete and deliver real-time data analysis while ensuring accuracy, reproducibility, and adherence to assay requirements.
Conduct MSD/ELISA and molecular assays, such as dPCR, as needed.
Maintain cell cultures and perform cell-based assays.
Support assay development, optimization, qualification, and troubleshooting in collaboration with scientists.
Prepare concise summaries of experimental design and results and present findings in team settings.
Document activities accurately and in real time using an electronic lab notebook.
Develop laboratory skills, troubleshooting capabilities, and scientific knowledge.
Contribute to SOP drafting and updates, method documentation, and controlled form revisions.
Manage clinical samples, including receipt, logging, storage, aliquoting, and preparation for downstream analyses.
Maintain detailed clinical-sample documentation, chain of custody, and compliance expectations.
Perform routine laboratory upkeep, such as reagent inventory.
Perform other responsibilities based on business needs.