Research Associate (Contractor), Viral Vector Engineering and Production
About The Position
Obsidian Therapeutics is seeking a highly motivated Research Associate (Contractor) to support viral vector engineering as part of its Cell Therapy Research Team. The role focuses on generating retroviral and lentiviral vectors, performing related titration, and transducing T cells. The successful candidate will contribute to a collaborative team advancing precision cell therapy, including the clinical-stage amsoki-cel (OBX-115) program, which uses Obsidian’s cytoDRiVE® platform. This is a lab-based, on-site position initially located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. In Q2 2027, the role will relocate to Bedford, Massachusetts, as the company expands its office and laboratory space into a single Massachusetts location.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Virology, Immunology, Biotechnology, Cell Biology, Biomedical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline.
- At least 1 year of hands-on laboratory experience in an academic, biotechnology, or pharmaceutical research environment.
- Skill maintaining mammalian cell cultures, including adherent and suspension cell lines.
- Scientific rigor in executing experiments and maintaining records.
- Excellent planning, coordination, and time-management skills.
- Excellent oral, written, and visual communication skills, including the ability to listen and communicate effectively with colleagues and leadership.
- Ability to build and maintain productive relationships across the organization.
Nice To Haves
- Hands-on experience producing viral vectors and evaluating functional and physical titers using established assay methods.
- Hands-on experience performing multicolor flow cytometry with three or more colors, including sample preparation, instrument operation, and data analysis.
Responsibilities
- Support experimental design, execute bench work, analyze data, and troubleshoot assays.
- Maintain packaging-cell banks for retrovirus production.
- Help prepare small- and large-scale retrovirus-based vectors.
- Support isolation, banking, and characterization of primary tumor and immune cells.
- Perform or support methods including flow cytometry, immunofluorescence microscopy, cell preparation for gene sequencing and expression analysis, TIL expansion, cell engineering, and functional analysis.
- Track and replenish critical cell stocks.
- Present results at internal meetings.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage through the external employer-of-record.
- Basic time-off programs.
- Traditional retirement plans.
- Potential for ownership through stock options.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
