Research Associate II, Cell Therapy Platform

Tessera Therapeutics Co-op • Somerville, MA

8d

About The Position

Tessera Therapeutics is developing in vivo CAR-T therapies using targeted lipid nanoparticles to deliver CAR mRNA directly to T cells. The Research Associate II will join the Cell Therapy Platform team and run experiments that advance CAR-T programs, generate high-quality data, and build skills in experimental design and analysis with guidance from experienced scientists.

The role focuses on cell culture, flow-based, and functional assays that evaluate targeted LNP delivery of CAR mRNA to T cells. The Research Associate will execute established methods, plan experiments of basic to moderate complexity in consultation with a supervisor, assess and report data quality, maintain laboratory equipment and records, and contribute to project updates. The role also includes troubleshooting routine technical issues, adapting to changing project needs, and building working relationships while learning how individual work connects to broader program goals.

The position is suited to an early-career scientist with hands-on experience with mammalian or primary immune cells and flow cytometry who is eager to develop a career in cell therapy. The role includes close collaboration and hands-on mentorship from Florence Caro, Associate Director, Molecular Design & Screening.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, immunology, or a related field with at least 2 years of industry experience, or a master’s degree with 0–2 years of industry experience.
• Working knowledge of immune-cell biology.
• Hands-on experience in mammalian or primary cell culture and flow cytometry.
• Laboratory experience in an academic or industry setting.
• Ability to follow established protocols accurately and maintain thorough, organized records.
• Strong data analysis skills and attention to detail.
• Clear communication, a collaborative spirit, and a positive, flexible approach to changing priorities.

Nice To Haves

• Exposure to data analysis tools such as FlowJo.
• Experience with functional assays such as cytotoxicity, proliferation, or cytokine release.
• Experience with CAR-T or other engineered cell therapies.
• Experience with mRNA or lipid nanoparticle delivery and characterization, including dose-response studies.
• Familiarity with in vivo models for cell therapy, such as humanized mouse models.
• Experience with plate-based assays, ELISA, or qPCR.
• Familiarity with basic statistics or data tools.

Responsibilities

• Execute experiments using established methods and techniques, including cell culture and flow cytometry, with supervision and guidance from senior team members.
• Plan basic to moderately complex experiments for specific projects in consultation with a supervisor.
• Analyze data, evaluate its quality, recognize patterns, anomalies, or inconsistencies, and report unexpected results to a supervisor.
• Operate and maintain laboratory equipment.
• Document experiments and results accurately in the electronic lab notebook.
• Contribute data, analyses, and summaries to project team reports and meetings.
• Help troubleshoot routine technical issues and begin suggesting improvements or alternative approaches.
• Manage and prioritize work as project needs change.
• Build working relationships within the team and learn how the work connects to broader program goals.

Benefits

• Group medical coverage.
• Vision coverage.
• Dental coverage.
• Group life insurance.
• Disability insurance.
• 401(k) plan with company contribution.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Annual incentive bonus eligibility.
• Equity grants.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level