Research Scientist

Job Title: Research Scientist Job Description
The Research Scientist will lead pre-clinical in vitro and in vivo evaluation of ex vivo and in vivo therapy candidates, supporting the discovery and development of novel cell-based therapies for autoimmune diseases. This role focuses on designing, executing, and interpreting experiments using established cell therapy pre-clinical workflows, while contributing to cutting-edge science in a highly innovative and collaborative discovery team. The position level will be commensurate with experience and offers the opportunity to bring meaningful change to patients through advanced mRNA and lipid nanoparticle technologies.
Responsibilities
- Design, plan, and execute pre-clinical in vitro and in vivo studies to evaluate ex vivo and in vivo therapy candidates.
- Perform aseptic cell culture, including maintenance and expansion of cell lines and primary cells, to support pre-clinical workflows.
- Isolate primary cells and prepare samples for downstream assays such as ELISA, flow cytometry, and other plate-based assays.
- Conduct luminometric and colorimetric plate-based assays, including ELISA, to quantify target analytes and assess biological responses.
- Set up, establish, and maintain in vivo models, including mouse models, to evaluate therapeutic candidates in pre-clinical studies.
- Handle animals and perform in vivo procedures in compliance with established protocols and ethical standards.
- Operate IVIS imaging systems to perform in vivo imaging, collect data, and interpret imaging results for efficacy and biodistribution studies.
- Formulate lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) and perform associated quality control (QC) testing to support pre-clinical studies.
- Support mRNA in vitro transcription (IVT), QC, and application, including optimization of mRNA constructs and formulations.
- Contribute to the development and characterization of mRNA therapeutics, including evaluation of potency, stability, and functional activity.
- Apply knowledge of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) and related cell therapies to the design and interpretation of pre-clinical experiments.
- Maintain accurate, complete, and timely experimental records, including protocols, raw data, and results, in accordance with good documentation practices.
- Troubleshoot technical issues, propose solutions, and refine experimental approaches to improve data quality and efficiency.
- Collaborate closely with cross-functional team members in discovery, R&D, and manufacturing environments to align on study designs and project goals.
- Communicate experimental plans, progress, and findings clearly to colleagues through written reports, presentations, and discussions.
- Follow all laboratory safety procedures, including appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and safe operation of R&D and manufacturing equipment.
- Support operational tasks as assigned, including equipment setup, routine maintenance, and lab organization.
- Contribute to a collaborative, solution-oriented team culture and work both independently and as part of a highly innovative discovery group.
Essential Skills
- Demonstrated experience in pre-clinical in vitro and in vivo evaluation of ex vivo and in vivo therapy candidates.
- Proficiency in aseptic cell culture techniques, including maintenance and expansion of cell lines.
- Hands-on experience with isolation of primary cells for use in pre-clinical studies.
- Strong skills in flow cytometry and FACS, including sample preparation, staining, data acquisition, and analysis.
- Experience performing luminometric and colorimetric plate-based assays such as ELISA.
- Proven ability to establish, maintain, and utilize in vivo models, including mouse models, for pre-clinical research.
- Experience with IVIS imaging, including setup, operation, and interpretation of in vivo imaging data.
- Experience with lipid nanoparticle (LNP) formulation and associated quality control (QC) in a pre-clinical context (strongly preferred).
- Experience with mRNA in vitro transcription (IVT), QC, and application, including optimization of mRNA-based approaches (preferred).
- Expertise in the development and characterization of mRNA therapeutics (preferred).
- Knowledge of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) or related cell therapies and their application in pre-clinical workflows (preferred).
- High level of organization with strong attention to detail and the ability to maintain accurate and timely experimental records.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a solution-oriented manner.
- Masters degree or higher in biology, chemistry, or a related discipline.
- Minimum of three years of hands-on experience in common cell therapy pre-clinical workflows.
- Ability to operate effectively in R&D and manufacturing environments while adhering to safety and quality standards.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- PhD in biology, chemistry, or a related discipline is preferred; academic experience is acceptable.
- At least three years of total relevant experience in pre-clinical research and cell therapy workflows.
- Experience with development and characterization of advanced therapeutics, including mRNA and LNP-based modalities.
- Familiarity with CAR and related cell therapy platforms and their translation into pre-clinical models.
- Strong problem-solving skills with a solution-focused mindset in a research environment.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills for documenting and presenting scientific findings.
- Ability to manage multiple experiments and priorities while meeting project timelines.
- Comfort working in an innovative, discovery-focused environment dedicated to bringing meaningful change to patients.
Work Environment
This role is based primarily in a laboratory setting within R&D and manufacturing environments and involves extensive hands-on experimental work. The position requires setting up and operating laboratory and related equipment, including biosafety cabinets, imaging systems, and other instruments in a BSL-2 laboratory. The work is predominantly lab-based, with approximately 6080% of time spent at the bench and in the hood, and the remaining time focused on data analysis and documentation at a desk. The role is not based in a cleanroom environment. Team members work on-site five days per week during standard daytime hours, with no routine overtime or weekend work, though occasional flexibility may be required. The position may involve extended periods of standing while performing experiments. Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including eye protection, gloves, shoes, and lab coat, is required at all times in the laboratory. The environment is highly innovative and collaborative, with a discovery-focused culture centered on cutting-edge science and the development of novel cell-based therapies for autoimmune diseases, offering the opportunity to contribute directly to meaningful advances for patients.
Job Type & Location
This is a Permanent position based out of Frederick, MD.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $115000.00 - $145000.00/yr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. Medical, dental, vision & 401k
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Frederick,MD.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Oct 9, 2026. About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

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