T-Cell Biologist (Scientist/Sr. Scientist)

Oxford BioTherapeutics•San Jose, CA

About The Position

Oxford Biotherapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing antibody therapeutics for cancer treatment. They utilize their OGAP-verify® platform, a large cancer-specific membrane protein library, to identify novel, highly tumor-specific antigens for ADC, T-cell Engager (TCE), and Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR-T) targets. Their lead asset, OBT076, is an Antibody Drug Conjugate (ADC) in Phase 1b clinical development, with a pipeline balanced between internal programs (ADCs, checkpoint regulators) and external partnerships. The company is seeking a highly motivated T-Cell Biologist to join their discovery research organization. This individual will be crucial in advancing T-cell engagers from early discovery through IND by generating high-quality, decision-driving data. The role combines hands-on experimental expertise with scientific leadership, assay innovation, and cross-functional collaboration, and may be filled at the Scientist or Senior Scientist level depending on experience.

Requirements

Deep expertise in T‑cell immunobiology, with hands‑on experience working with T‑cell engagers and/or bispecific antibody formats.
Strong hands-on experience with core immunology techniques, including: PBMC and primary human T-cell isolation, culture, and functional assays
Multiparameter flow cytometry and panel design
Intracellular cytokine staining & other flow-based assays
Cell-based reporter assays
Demonstrated ability to design, analyze, and interpret complex datasets and translate results into clear scientific conclusions.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present data to multidisciplinary audiences.
Combines a humble, team‑oriented mindset with the ability to form and voice clear, independent viewpoints.
Scientist Level: PhD with 1–3 years of relevant post‑PhD experience, or MS with 5–7 years of relevant industry experience in immunology, cell biology, or biologics discovery
Senior Scientist Level: PhD with 4–6 years of relevant post‑PhD experience, or MS with 8–12 years of relevant industry experience demonstrating increasing scientific independence and technical leadership

Nice To Haves

Experience contributing to biologics discovery programs from early discovery through lead optimization and/or preclinical development.
Track record of scientific impact demonstrated through publications, patents, presentations, or program advancement.
Experience with both traditional and homogeneous ELISA‑derived platforms, including AlphaLISA and/or multiplex systems such as Luminex.

Responsibilities

Design, execute, and lead in vitro functional studies supporting target discovery, validation, lead selection and optimization, and preclinical development of T‑cell engagers.
Develop, optimize, and run T‑cell functional assays to inform potency, selectivity, and safety. (e.g., cytotoxicity, cytokine release, activation, immune profiling, reporter assays).
Design and run co‑culture assays to evaluate T‑cell–mediated tumor cell killing in response to T‑cell engagers.
Design and execute primary human T‑cell assays, including activation, cytokine release, T-cell exhaustion, mixed lymphocyte reaction assays and proliferation.
Generate and interpret complex datasets with a strong emphasis on scientific rigor, reproducibility, and data quality.
Build decision-focused data packages and communicate clear scientific conclusions and recommendations to project teams, management, and external collaborators.
Develop and execute multiparameter flow cytometry, including activation and intracellular cytokine staining.
Design and perform real-time cytotoxicity assays (e.g., IncuCyte, eSight) and other functional readouts relevant to T‑cell engager activity.
Characterize T‑cell engagers using cell‑based functional assays, including cytokine release and cytotoxicity.
Understand various TCE formats and improve tumor-specific killing efficacy.
Collaborate closely across teams to evaluate and optimize T-cell engager molecules.
Coordinate with external collaborators and CROs to deliver high quality, timely data.
Proactively identify project risks, propose mitigation strategies, and communicate progress and challenges clearly to stakeholders.
Monitor the scientific literature and competitive landscape relevant to T-cell engagers and emerging immune redirecting modalities.
Propose innovative experimental approaches to accelerate early-stage discovery.
Serve as an internal subject matter expert in T cell immunobiology and immune redirecting therapies.
Monitor the scientific literature and competitive landscape relevant to OGAP-selected targets.
Foster a culture of scientific rigor, learning, transparency, accountability, and inclusion.
Act as a scientific thought leader within the research organization.
Adhere to OBT’s Quality Management System (QMS), including SOPs, documentation standards, electronic lab notebooks, and required training.
Support audit readiness and contribute to continuous improvement of laboratory systems and workflows.