Senior Research Associate, Preclinical and Translational Sciences

Position Summary

We are seeking an outstanding, highly motivated Senior Research Associate to join our Development team. This role will support preclinical and translational science immunological assay execution and ownership in the context of xenotransplantation. This position provides an excellent opportunity to help develop xenotransplantation products in an exciting and dynamic environment focused on cutting-edge molecular and cellular engineering technology.

In this role, you will be part of a team responsible for delivering reliable flow cytometry-based screening assay results that inform patient selection as well as monitoring over the course of transplantation. Most of the position’s time will be dedicated to planning, running, analyzing, and documenting the assay workflow. The role will involve significant cell culture work, in vitro and ex vivo analyses with porcine, non-human primate, and human cells and biosamples. The role also requires strong flow cytometry expertise, disciplined laboratory operations, and close coordination with clinical, translational, and cross-functional partners to ensure samples, reagents, controls, records, and results are ready and current.

Primary Responsibilities

• Execute, analyze, and report flow cytometry-based screening assay for exploratory and clinical studies
• Plan assay schedules and coordinate required samples, reagents, controls, instrumentation, and data-analysis activities to ensure timely and reliable results
• Maintain reagent and cell-control inventories, monitor stock levels and expiration dates, and proactively prepare critical materials needed for routine assay execution
• Support flow cytometry-based screening assay optimization outside exploratory and clinical sample requests
• Troubleshoot assay performance, investigate deviations or unexpected results, and implement improvements that strengthen assay robustness and reproducibility
• Perform and assist with primary cell derivations for different organ programs
• Support other program exploratory requests as priorities and capacity allow
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (analytical development, preclinical, translational, computational biology) to advance projects
• Interpret experimental data and present findings to internal and external stakeholders
• Maintain accurate and detailed laboratory records in compliance with regulatory standards
• Contribute to the preparation of research reports and regulatory submissions

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Immunology, Biology, or a related field
• 3-5 years of hands-on experience in immunology, translational science, assay development, or a related area within the biotechnology industry
• Demonstrated proficiency in routine execution, analysis, and troubleshooting of multi-color flow cytometry assays; experience with flow cytometry-based screening is strongly preferred
• Experience with primary cell culture and handling human or preclinical biospecimens
• Sample management, including collection, processing, storage, and documentation
• Strong laboratory documentation and data-management skills, including experience maintaining electronic laboratory notebook records; familiarity with Benchling is preferred
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to present assay results clearly
• Ability to work independently, manage recurring multi-day assay workflows, balance urgent sample requests with optimization work, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment
• Experience supporting exploratory or clinical studies in a regulated or quality-conscious environment is a plus