Scientist – Discovery Biology/ T-cells

Our client, a world leader in life sciences and biotechnology, is looking for a “Scientist – Discovery Biology/ T cells” based in San Diego, CA. Job Duration: Long Term Contract (Possibility of Extension) Pay Rate: $49.20/hr on W2 Company Benefits: Medical, Paid Sick leave, 401K Join the Discovery Biology team to support a high-priority binder screening campaign for T-cell-based therapies. Characterize candidate binders (scFvs/VHHs) for potency, specificity, affinity, functionality, and safety through T-cell engineering and functional validation assays. Key Responsibilities Perform non-viral engineering of primary human T cells using mRNA or transposon-based DNA systems via electroporation/nucleofection; monitor cell viability, recovery, and synthetic receptor expression. Isolate, maintain, and expand primary T cells from PBMCs and Jurkat cell lines using aseptic techniques. Execute high-throughput binder screening and multi-color flow cytometry (FACS) to assess surface expression and phenotypic markers; analyze data using FlowJo. Conduct T-cell activation and functional assays, including cytotoxicity assays (IncuCyte live-cell imaging/LDH release), cytokine profiling (ELISA/MSD/Luminex), and proliferation assays (CFSE). Record protocols, deviations, raw data, and experimental results accurately in an Electronic Lab Notebook (ELN) to support data integrity and regulatory filings. Support screening scale-up using liquid-handling robotics, as applicable. Required Qualifications Bachelor's or Master's degree in Immunology, Molecular Biology, Bioengineering, or a related biological science. Minimum 2 years of hands-on wet-lab experience, preferably in an industry setting. Strong aseptic technique and experience isolating primary T cells from PBMCs. Mandatory expertise in flow cytometry acquisition and data analysis. Preferred Qualifications Hands-on experience with non-viral T-cell transfection/electroporation or nucleofection. Experience with liquid-handling robotics and high-throughput screening workflows. Proficiency in FlowJo and functional T-cell assay techniques. If interested, please send us your updated resume at hr@dawarconsulting.com/akansha@dawarconsulting.com