Cell Biologist – In Vitro Models and Assay Development
Charlottesville, VA About Luna Labs Luna Labs is a product development company working with leading organizations and key government agencies to create unique solutions for complex challenges in defense, industrial, and healthcare markets. We operate like a self-contained incubator for defense and biotech startups, taking solutions from concept through development to new products in the market. We leverage small business agility and large business capabilities to accelerate breakthrough solutions from concept to early-stage growth. Working with a robust global network of manufacturers, suppliers, licensees, and distributors, Luna Labs develops everything from small-scale prototypes to market-ready products. The Opportunity The Biotech Group is seeking a driven, creative, detail-oriented scientist to join our fast-paced research and development team. This position will focus on leading the design, development, and execution of novel in vitro assays and micro-physiological systems (MPS) to evaluate advanced therapeutic and vaccine delivery platforms. The ideal candidate will have experience in mammalian cell culture, immunology, and complex tissue culture models, with a passion for building innovative methods from the ground up in a highly collaborative team environment. The role will involve managing cell culture laboratory efforts at Luna Labs, including hands-on laboratory work across a range of currently funded programs and contributions to establishing new Biotech R&D initiatives. What You’ll Do - Novel Assay and Method Development: Design, optimize, and validate novel cell culture assays, functional readouts, and analytical methods to support pipeline discovery research efforts.
- Complex Tissue Modeling: Establish and maintain advanced in vitro models, including Transwell culture systems, blood-brain barrier (BBB) models, and organ-on-a-chip platforms.
- Immunological Characterization: Isolate, expand, and maintain primary human immune cells (such as T-cells, B-cells, dendritic cells, or peripheral blood mononuclear cells and other immune subsets). Design and conduct functional assays to assess immune responses to vaccine candidates, nanoparticle-based delivery systems, and therapeutic formulations.
- Analytical Screening: Perform routine and complex downstream analyses, including multiplex ELISAs, flow cytometry-based immune phenotyping and activation marker analysis, antibody production and B-cell response assays, cytocompatibility assays, and hemolysis assays to evaluate the biocompatibility and safety of biomaterial prototypes.
- Instrumentation Management: Maintain, calibrate, and operate laboratory instrumentation and equipment to ensure reliable performance and data quality.
- Advanced Imaging and Characterization: Conduct high-resolution microscopic imaging, flow cytometry, transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER), and quantitative image analysis to characterize cellular morphology, barrier integrity, and cellular localization.
- Technical Documentation: Record, manage, summarize, and interpret experimental data, communicating technical findings clearly. Maintain complete and accurate laboratory notebooks in accordance with established documentation practices.
- Collaborative Execution: Work closely with cross-functional teams, promoting and adhering to laboratory and office safety protocols/best practices and contributing to a fast-paced, high-performing research culture.
Minimum Qualifications - BS or MS in Immunology, Biomedical Engineering, Cell Biology, or a closely related discipline
- Three or more years of laboratory-based industry or academic research experience
- Extensive hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture, including mastery of sterile technique
- Strong understanding of fundamental immunology principles
- Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative R&D environment
- Strong capability to work independently and effectively within multidisciplinary teams
- High attention to detail and strong commitment to quality experimental work and documentation
- Excellent communication skills, including technical writing, data analysis, presentation of results, and interpersonal collaboration
- Ability to think outside the box to troubleshoot complex biological systems and pioneer new methodologies
- Demonstrated ability to understand and evaluate technical approaches within the context of end-use applications
- Ability to manage and contribute to multiple concurrent research programs
- U.S. citizenship is required due to government contracting regulations
Preferred Skills - Advanced In Vitro Models: Experience developing and evaluating Transwell, co-culture, or organ-on-a-chip microfluidic systems
- Cell Culture: Experience working with primary human cells and blood components and/or immune cells
- Immunology Research: Experience conducting vaccine research or evaluating adjuvants and immune responses
- Assay Development: Proven track record of developing, troubleshooting, and executing novel functional assays
- Imaging: Proficiency in fluorescence, confocal, and/or high-content microscopic imaging
Supervisory Role Work Environment - The role involves working onsite and in a BSL-2 laboratory environment and interacting with technical staff
- Laboratory work may involve mammalian cell cultures, human-derived biological materials, blood components, chemicals, and other materials requiring appropriate biosafety practices
- The position may require extended periods of standing or sitting, repetitive pipetting and other fine-motor tasks, and routine use of laboratory instruments and computer equipment
- Some duties may occasionally be completed remotely using secure company equipment and software, at the supervisor's discretion
- Occasional travel between company locations, client sites, conferences, and related events is required
- Ability to lift and carry up to 25 lbs may be required
What We Offer - Salary Range: $70,00 -- $90,000 annually (depending on experience)
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) with company match
- Opportunities for professional development and continued education
- Collaborative, innovation-focused work culture
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