Scientist I

Job Title: Scientist I Contract Wet Lab Scientist, Discovery Biology Job Description This onsite role in San Diego, CA seeks a highly motivated and detail-oriented Contract Wet Lab Scientist to join a Discovery Biology team focused on a high-priority binder screening campaign. You will play a central role in executing bench-level assays that identify and validate novel therapeutic candidates for T-cell-based therapies, driving the transition from binder discovery to functional validation. This 612 month contract position is ideal for a scientist who thrives at the bench, enjoys a fast-paced drug discovery environment, and is passionate about characterizing the potency, specificity, and safety of candidate binders such as scFvs or VHHs in engineered T-cell responses. Responsibilities

- Serve as a core operator within the screening funnel, focusing on the transition from binder discovery to functional validation for T-cell-based therapies.
- Perform non-viral engineering of primary human T cells by delivering genetic material such as mRNA or transposon-based DNA systems using advanced electroporation or nucleofection platforms.
- Monitor T-cell viability and recovery following transfection, ensuring high-efficiency expression of synthetic receptors prior to functional testing.
- Execute high-throughput screening assays to assess binder affinity and functionality in the context of engineered T-cell responses.
- Maintain and expand primary human T cells and Jurkat cell lines using rigorous aseptic techniques to ensure culture integrity and reproducibility.
- Perform multi-color flow cytometry and fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) to evaluate surface expression levels and phenotypic markers.
- Analyze and interpret flow cytometry data using software such as FlowJo, generating clear, data-driven conclusions to support decision-making.
- Run functional assays to measure T-cell activation, including cytotoxicity assays using IncuCyte live-cell imaging or LDH release methodologies.
- Conduct cytokine profiling using ELISA, MSD, or Luminex platforms to characterize T-cell functional responses.
- Track T-cell proliferation using appropriate dyes and analytical methods to quantify cellular expansion and activation.
- Record all experimental procedures, protocol deviations, and raw data meticulously in an Electronic Lab Notebook (ELN) to maintain data integrity and support potential regulatory filings.
- Use liquid-handling robotics, where applicable, to scale and streamline high-throughput screening efforts.
- Communicate results effectively and present clear, data-driven updates during weekly campaign sprint meetings.
- Collaborate with cross-functional team members to refine assays, troubleshoot experiments, and optimize workflows in a fast-paced discovery environment.

Essential Skills

- Bachelors or Masters degree in Immunology, Molecular Biology, Bioengineering, or a related biological science.
- At least 2 years of hands-on wet lab experience, preferably in an industry setting.
- Strong proficiency in molecular biology and wet lab techniques relevant to T-cell engineering and functional assays.
- Mastery of aseptic technique, including consistent maintenance of sterile conditions for cell culture work.
- Experience isolating primary T cells from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs).
- Expertise in flow cytometry acquisition and analysis, including multi-color panel design and data interpretation.
- Demonstrated ability to maintain and expand primary human T cells and Jurkat cell lines.
- Hands-on experience performing and analyzing functional T-cell assays such as cytotoxicity, proliferation, and cytokine profiling.
- Proficiency in using software such as FlowJo for flow cytometry data analysis.
- Ability to document experiments thoroughly and accurately in an Electronic Lab Notebook (ELN).
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to present clear, data-driven updates in team meetings.
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced drug discovery environment and manage multiple experiments in parallel.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

- Direct experience with non-viral transfection methods, including electroporation and nucleofection of primary human T cells.
- Familiarity with transposon-based DNA delivery systems and mRNA-based engineering approaches.
- Experience using IncuCyte or similar live-cell imaging platforms to perform cytotoxicity and cell tracking assays.
- Hands-on experience with cytokine profiling technologies such as ELISA, MSD, or Luminex.
- Comfort working with liquid-handling robotics to scale screening campaigns and improve throughput.
- Experience with multi-color flow cytometry panel optimization and fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS).
- Experience in Discovery Biology or drug discovery campaigns focused on T-cell-based or immunotherapy applications.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, particularly in recording protocol deviations and raw data for potential regulatory use.
- Ability to collaborate effectively within cross-functional scientific teams and contribute to sprint-based project workflows.

Work Environment This position is fully onsite in a laboratory setting in San Diego, CA. You will work primarily at the bench in a Discovery Biology environment that emphasizes high-throughput screening and T-cell engineering for drug discovery campaigns. The role involves routine handling of primary human T cells and Jurkat cell lines under strict aseptic conditions, frequent use of flow cytometry instruments and analysis software such as FlowJo, and operation of advanced electroporation or nucleofection platforms for non-viral transfection. You will also use technologies including IncuCyte live-cell imaging systems, ELISA, MSD, Luminex platforms, and liquid-handling robotics to support large-scale screening and functional characterization. Work is conducted in a fast-paced, collaborative environment with regular weekly sprint meetings to review data and align on campaign priorities. Standard laboratory safety practices apply, and appropriate lab attire such as lab coats, safety glasses, and closed-toe shoes is required while working in the lab.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of San Diego, CA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $45.00 - $47.00/hr. 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. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job
classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be
subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits
available for this temporary role may include the following:

Medical, dental & vision
Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
Short and long-term disability
Health Spending Account (HSA)
Transportation benefits
Employee Assistance Program
Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of San Diego, CA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Oct 17, 2026.
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in San Diego,CA. 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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