Scientist - T-cell

Scientist - T-cell

Location: Santa Monica, CA

Onsite Flexibility: Onsite

Contract Details

• Position Type: Contract
• Contract Duration: 12 months
• Pay Rate: $45.00 $50.00 / Hour (USD)
• Travel Requirements: Not required
• Work Authorization: Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

Job Summary

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, 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 Experience

• 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

Nice-to-Have Experience

• Experience with primary T cells, cell therapy, or GxP environments
• Lab automation or liquid handler experience
• Experience with Benchling or another ELN
• Cell therapy or industry experience is not required; candidates transitioning from academia are welcome
• Relevant publications in T-cell imaging, T-cell assays, or in-vitro assay optimization are a plus

Required Skills

• Ability to design experiments, identify appropriate controls, and determine the right parameters without step-by-step direction
• Careful handling of delicate primary T-cell cultures
• Ability to set up image acquisition; experience with a specific instrument is not required
• Ability to optimize experiments, troubleshoot results, and learn new technologies, platforms, and software quickly
• Clear communication of scientific methods, findings, and reasoning

Preferred Skills

• Working knowledge of fluorescent antibody staining and titration for flow or imaging cytometry, including designing basic 5-color panels
• 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)

Education Requirements

• PhD in cell biology, molecular biology, immunology, bioengineering, or a related field preferred (completed by start date)
• A PhD in T-cell biology, immunology, molecular biology, or cellular biology is preferred
• MS in a related field with 4+ years of hands-on research experience considered
• Candidates with a master's degree and substantial relevant academic research experience are also encouraged to apply

Work Environment / Physical Requirements

• 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

Important Notes

• Interview process: 2 rounds 1 virtual with manager and 1 onsite panel and presentation (approximately 3 hours)
• 100% onsite for the first 3 months, then possible hybrid arrangement
• Prioritize candidates with a PhD degree, rather than an MS

About the Client

This global biopharmaceutical company is driven by a single, defining mission: to push the boundaries of science and deliver life-changing medicines that transform the lives of patients worldwide. With a global footprint spanning more than 100 countries, the organization focuses on three core therapy areas oncology, cardiovascular and metabolic disease, and respiratory and immunology while also advancing treatments in rare diseases and vaccines, and maintains a pipeline consistently regarded as one of the most productive in the industry. Employing tens of thousands of scientists, clinicians, and business professionals globally, the organization combines the resource depth of a top-tier pharma company with a genuine culture of scientific curiosity, with research programs spanning small molecules, biologics, cell therapy, and RNA technologies. In 2026, employees voted this organization onto Glassdoor's Best Places to Work list, reflecting broad endorsement from the oncology researchers, clinical trial specialists, regulatory scientists, commercial professionals, and market access professionals who make up its teams.

About GTT

GTT is a minority-owned staffing firm and a subsidiary of Chenega Corporation, a Native American-owned company in Alaska. We highly value diverse and inclusive workplaces and support Fortune 500 organizations across banking, financial services, technology, life sciences, biotech, utilities, and retail sectors throughout the U.S. and Canada.

Job Number: 26-18069

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