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 development of novel cell-based therapies for autoimmune diseases. This role focuses on hands-on experimental work, including cell culture, primary cell isolation, flow cytometry, plate-based assays, and in vivo model studies, as well as related operational tasks as assigned. The position level will be commensurate with experience, and the scientist will contribute directly to cutting-edge discovery research in a highly innovative and collaborative environment.

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 under BSL-2 conditions.
• Isolate primary cells and prepare samples for downstream assays and analyses.
• Conduct flow cytometry (FACS) experiments to characterize cells and analyze therapeutic effects.
• Run luminometric and colorimetric plate-based assays, such as ELISA and related formats, to quantify biomarkers and functional readouts.
• Establish, handle, and monitor in vivo models, including mouse models, to assess therapeutic efficacy and safety.
• Perform IVIS imaging and related in vivo imaging procedures to track cells, agents, or disease progression.
• Contribute to LNP formulation, quality control, and pre-clinical testing of LNP-based therapeutics, as applicable.
• Support mRNA in vitro transcription (IVT), quality control, application, and optimization for pre-clinical studies.
• Assist in the development and characterization of mRNA therapeutics and contribute to programs involving CAR or related cell therapies.
• Maintain accurate, complete, and timely experimental records, including protocols, raw data, and reports.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data, troubleshoot technical issues, and propose data-driven next steps.
• Collaborate closely with a multidisciplinary discovery team to advance cell-based therapy programs.
• Work independently on assigned experiments while proactively communicating progress, challenges, and results.
• Follow all laboratory safety procedures and properly use required personal protective equipment.
• Support general lab operations and other related operational tasks as assigned to ensure smooth R&D and manufacturing activities.

Essential Skills

• Master's 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.
• Strong proficiency in aseptic cell culture techniques.
• Hands-on experience with primary cell culture and isolation of primary cells.
• Demonstrated experience with flow cytometry (FACS) for cell characterization and analysis.
• Proficiency with luminometric and colorimetric plate-based assays, including ELISA.
• Experience establishing, handling, and working with in vivo models, including mouse models.
• Ability to perform and interpret IVIS imaging in pre-clinical studies.
• Strong organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail in experimental execution and documentation.
• Ability to maintain accurate and timely experimental records and data.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented research environment.
• Capability to work independently, troubleshoot experiments, and develop solutions to technical challenges.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• PhD in biology, chemistry, or a related discipline is preferred; academic experience is acceptable.
• Experience with lipid nanoparticle (LNP) formulation and related quality control methods is strongly preferred.
• Experience with LNP-based pre-clinical studies is strongly preferred.
• Experience with mRNA in vitro transcription (IVT), including quality control, application, and optimization, is preferred.
• Expertise in the development and characterization of mRNA therapeutics is preferred.
• Knowledge of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) or related cell therapies is preferred.
• Experience working within BSL-2 laboratory environments.
• Demonstrated solution-oriented mindset and ability to contribute to a highly innovative discovery setting.
• Strong communication skills to effectively present data and collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• Motivation to work on cutting-edge science that brings meaningful change to patients with autoimmune diseases.

Work Environment

This role is primarily laboratory-based in an R&D setting, with approximately 60-80% of time spent at the bench in BSL-2 labs and the remaining time at a desk for data analysis and documentation. Work involves hands-on setup and operation of laboratory and manufacturing-related equipment, including biosafety cabinets, flow cytometers, plate readers for ELISA and other assays, IVIS imaging systems, and equipment used for in vivo models and cell culture workflows. The position follows standard first-shift weekday hours, five days onsite, with no routine overtime or weekend work, though occasional extended hours may be required. The role begins as a temporary position with the potential to convert to full-time. The scientist will work in a highly innovative and collaborative discovery group focused on cutting-edge cell-based therapies for autoimmune diseases, contributing to meaningful advances for patients. Appropriate safety attire, including eye protection, gloves, closed-toe shoes, and a lab coat, is required, and the role may involve extended periods of standing while performing experiments.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Frederick, MD.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $55.28 - $62.50/hr.

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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Frederick,MD.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 17, 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 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.