Scientist, Analytical Technology Location: Santa Monica, CA, US Term: 12 Months with possibility of conversion Schedule: Monday Friday, day shift, 8:00 am 5:00 pm; cell culture is scheduled to avoid weekend work Job Description: Want your experiments to shape how next-generation cell therapies are tested? You will evaluate emerging live-cell imaging and cell analysis platforms, benchmark them against current QC methods, and recommend which ones move into automated, high-throughput QC.
Unlike discovery or academic research, this role sits in technical operations: each study answers a defined business question on a set timeline, and methods must ultimately meet regulatory expectations. You will partner with analytical automation, analytical development, data science, QC and Lab Operations/IT teams, as well as instrument vendors.
This is not an entry-level role. It suits PhD scientists moving into industry, or experienced MS scientists. You will work independently with minimal supervision, so candidates who can initiate work and deliver on time-sensitive projects are especially encouraged to apply.
Key responsibilities:- Design and run feasibility studies, demos and vendor evaluations of new live-cell imaging and cell analysis platforms, such as high-content imagers, flow cytometers and cell imagers from Yokogawa (e.g., CQ1), Revvity, Agilent, Client, Molecular Devices and Thermo Fisher Scientific.
- Benchmark new platforms against current QC methods on accuracy, precision, sensitivity, robustness, throughput and hands-on time.
- Culture genetically modified primary human T cells and cell lines using aseptic technique; count, assess viability, normalize to target densities and plate into multi-well assays, manually or with semi-automated tools.
- Prepare cell samples and experimental conditions for assays: fluorescent antibody staining and titration for flow and imaging cytometry, serial dilutions of cell densities, and conditions such as heat-killed controls and effector-to-target (E:T) cytotoxicity co-cultures.
- Develop, optimize and troubleshoot imaging-based assays, from sample preparation through image acquisition and analysis.
- Work with automation and data science colleagues to adapt promising methods for integration with lab automation.
- Analyze data with appropriate statistics and communicate findings through reports and presentations.
- Document work in an electronic lab notebook (e.g., Benchling) following good documentation practices.
- Serve as a technical contact for vendors and cross-functional partners.
- Order reagents and consumables, and keep instruments and lab areas in good working order.
Key deliverables: You will own each evaluation end to end, from plan to recommendation:
- Evaluation plans with clear success criteria
- Comparison data and gap analyses
- Desk-based projections of ROI and key assay parameters (e.g., throughput, cost per sample, hands-on time) that compare similar technologies and instruments
- Assessment reports with a clear recommendation: adopt, adapt or do not pursue
- Draft protocols and SOP inputs for platforms that move forward
Required qualifications:- PhD in cell biology, molecular biology, immunology, bioengineering or a related field (completed by start date), or an MS in a related field with 4+ years of hands-on research experience
- Hands-on cell-based imaging experience, such as fluorescence or confocal microscopy, high-content imaging or imaging flow cytometry
- Hands-on primary cell and cell line culture, counting and assay plating with strong aseptic technique
- A track record of working independently with minimal supervision: designing and running experiments end to end, with appropriate controls, replicates and statistics
- Takes initiative rather than waiting for tasks to be assigned, and communicates proactively to discuss progress and deliver results on time-sensitive deadlines
Preferred qualifications:- Working knowledge of fluorescent antibody staining and titration for flow or imaging cytometry, including designing basic 5-color panels
- Experience with primary T cells, cell therapy or GxP environments
- Data and image analysis with tools such as GraphPad Prism, JMP or vendor imaging software, plus scripting (e.g., Python, CellProfiler, Fiji/ImageJ)
- Detail-oriented and organized across several concurrent projects
- Familiarity with method qualification and validation (e.g., ICH Q2(R2), Q14)
- Lab automation or liquid handler experience
- Experience with Benchling or another ELN
Don't tick every box? If you have a strong track record in cell-based imaging, please still apply.
Physical requirements and working conditions:- Fully on-site, with about 75% of time in the lab
- BSL-2, GxP-aligned development laboratory (non-GMP) handling human cells; biosafety and bloodborne pathogen training and appropriate PPE (e.g., lab coat, gloves, eye protection) required
- Standing for extended periods at the bench or biosafety cabinet
- Lifting and moving items up to 10 lb, such as media, reagent cases and small equipment