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Scientist – Cell Biology and Immunology
Berkeley, CA
Contract
Cell Biology and Immunology
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Prellis Biologics is a dynamic biotechnology company developing next-generation technologies to harness the full potential of the human immune system for therapeutic discovery and development. Our platform combines advanced
in vitro
immune systems, lymph node organoids, and innovative screening technologies to accelerate the discovery of therapeutic antibodies.
Position Overview
We are seeking a highly motivated and hands-on Scientist – Cell Biology & Immunology to join our interdisciplinary research team. The successful candidate will play an important role in developing and optimizing our
in vitro
immune system platform, including lymph node organoid-based technologies, and in developing functional assays to support antibody discovery.
This position is ideal for a scientist with strong expertise in B and T cell biology, primary immune-cell culture, flow cytometry, and cell-based assay development who enjoys working in a fast-paced, highly collaborative startup environment. The Scientist will have significant responsibility for experimental design, execution, data analysis, troubleshooting, and development of new experimental approaches.
Key Responsibilities
Experimental Design and Execution
Design, execute, optimize, and analyze complex cell-based experiments to address key research objectives.
Develop and implement innovative
in vitro
immune-cell culture and stimulation strategies.
Work hands-on in the laboratory, typically spending approximately 60–80% of time conducting experiments.
Troubleshoot experimental challenges and continuously improve experimental protocols and workflows.
Immune Cell Biology
Isolate, culture, expand, and characterize primary human immune cells using appropriate aseptic techniques.
Work with B cells, T cells, antigen-presenting cells, and other relevant immune-cell populations.
Contribute to the development and optimization of
in vitro
immune-system platforms.
Investigate immune-cell activation, proliferation, differentiation, cell-cell interactions, and ligand-receptor signaling.
Flow Cytometry and Cell Sorting
Design and execute multiparameter flow cytometry experiments for immune-cell profiling and functional characterization.
Develop flow cytometry panels, perform staining and acquisition, and analyze complex datasets.
Perform fluorescence-activated cell sorting for antigen-specific and functionally defined immune-cell populations.
Utilize cell separation and enrichment approaches, including beads-based methods, where appropriate.
Immune Functional Assay Development
Develop, optimize, and execute cell-based functional assays for antibody and TCR discovery.
Develop assays to evaluate antigen-specific B- and T-cell responses.
Develop and optimize ELISA and other protein-based assays, as well as cell-based and functional screening approaches.
Contribute to assay development for challenging therapeutic targets, including membrane proteins and other complex antigens.
Antibody Discovery
Contribute to antibody discovery and characterization programs using
in vitro
immune-system technologies.
Support the identification and characterization of antigen-specific B cells, antibody-secreting cells, and functional antibodies.
Work closely with scientists in antibody engineering, protein engineering, bioinformatics, and other disciplines to advance therapeutic candidates.
Data Analysis and Scientific Communication
Analyze, interpret, and present experimental results at internal project meetings and research reviews.
Maintain accurate, detailed, and traceable experimental records.
Use tools such as FlowJo and GraphPad Prism for analysis and visualization of experimental data.
Communicate scientific findings clearly and contribute to project planning and experimental strategy.
Prepare reports, protocols, and other scientific documentation.
Collaboration and Laboratory Operations
Collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams to achieve project goals and share technical expertise.
Support development, refinement, and implementation of laboratory protocols and SOPs.
Maintain a high standard of experimental rigor, laboratory organization, and documentation.
Comply with established laboratory procedures, safety requirements, and applicable regulatory standards.
Qualifications
M.S. or Ph.D. in Immunology, Cell Biology, Biotechnology, or a related scientific discipline.
5+ years of relevant laboratory experience in immunology, cell biology, biotechnology, or a related field; industry experience is preferred.
Strong theoretical and practical understanding of adaptive immunity, particularly B-cell biology.
Demonstrated experience with primary immune-cell isolation, culture, and
in vitro
stimulation.
Strong hands-on experience with flow cytometry, including panel design, staining, acquisition, analysis, and preferably cell sorting.
Experience developing and executing cell-based immune functional assays.
Experience with ELISA and basic protein-analysis techniques.
Strong experimental design, troubleshooting, data interpretation, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively in a multidisciplinary team.
Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and commitment to scientific rigor.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Preferred Skills and Experience
Experience with B-cell activation, expansion, differentiation, or antibody secretion.
Experience in antibody discovery, antibody engineering, vaccine development, or therapeutic drug discovery.
Familiarity with cell-based screening and high-throughput screening platforms.
Experience with beads-based cell separation or magnetic enrichment.
Familiarity with molecular biology techniques.
Background in protein or sequence bioinformatics.
Knowledge of immune tolerance, systems immunology, or immune-cell signaling.
Experience working with complex or difficult-to-assay therapeutic targets.
Experience with project planning or management.
Key Attributes
Hands-on
Enjoys spending significant time at the bench and taking ownership of experiments from design through execution and analysis.
Scientifically rigorous
Applies careful experimental design, appropriate controls, and critical interpretation of data.
Problem solver
Proactively identifies experimental challenges and develops creative solutions.
Adaptable
Comfortable working in a rapidly evolving startup environment where priorities and approaches may change.
Collaborative
Works effectively across scientific disciplines and contributes to a positive, team-oriented research environment.
Curious and innovative
Interested in developing new technologies and experimental approaches rather than relying solely on established methods.
Accountable
Takes ownership of projects, experimental quality, documentation, and results.
About Prellis Biologics
At Prellis we integrate human biology with machine learning. We aim to revolutionize drug discovery by harnessing the power of the human immune system with tightly integrated machine learning to develop next-generation antibody therapeutics with unparalleled speed, precision, and safety. We are committed to empowering our pharmaceutical partners with access to the most promising fully human antibody candidates rapidly identified from the human immune repertoire, enabling them to bring life-changing treatments to patients faster than ever before.
Prellis Biologics is a pre-IPO biotech located in Berkeley, CA with a team-oriented, inclusive, and family-friendly culture. Our growing pipeline targets high unmet patient needs across therapeutic areas including metabolic disease, inflammation, and oncology. Prellis has raised funding from top investors, including Celesta, Khosla Ventures, SOSV, and Avidity Partners.
What You Can Expect Of Us
As we work to develop treatments that take care of others, we also work to care for your professional and p