Posted 16 July, 2026

Job Id: 629345

Contract Scientist, Discovery


Location: South San Francisco, California
Category: Scientific
Salary: Apply for details
Country: United States
Employment: Contract
Worksite: On-Site
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Job Description

Roles and Responsibilities of the Position:

  • Conceive and execute experiments for target discovery, validation, and credentialing across emerging therapeutic modalities — including, but not limited to, oligonucleotide conjugates, lipid nanoparticles, and engineered cell therapies
  • Interrogate mechanism of action, biomarkers of response, and mechanisms of resistance or sensitivity for genetic medicine modalities applied to oncology
  • Design and execute functional and genetic perturbation experiments to nominate and credential targets, leveraging gene editing, RNA interference, and primary or engineered cell systems as appropriate
  • Analyze, interpret, and present data clearly to the team and broader organization, and contribute to cross-functional program strategy
  • Actively participate in group discussions and collaborate with colleagues across discovery, translational, and external partner functions
  • Contribute to a safe, efficient, and rigorous workplace

Required Qualifications:

  • PhD in immunology, cancer biology, molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, or a related discipline, with 5+ years of lab-based experience
  • Strong understanding of oncogenic and/or immune signaling pathways, with demonstrated ability to design experiments that interrogate molecular mechanism in primary or engineered cell systems
  • Hands-on experience with gene perturbation platforms — including CRISPR-based gene editing and RNA interference (siRNA, shRNA)
  • Experience with general molecular biology techniques (PCR, cloning, Western blot)
  • Highly organized, detail-oriented, and self-motivated, with strong presentation and documentation skills
  • Excellent interpersonal and problem-solving skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with colleagues, vendors, scientific advisors, and staff at all levels

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience with multi-color flow cytometry, including panel design and analysis
  • Experience designing and executing in vivo experiments, including study design, model selection, and interpretation of pharmacodynamic and efficacy endpoints
  • Familiarity with in vivo gene delivery and modification approaches, including lipid nanoparticles, viral vectors (lentivirus, AAV), or related platforms
  • Prior experience working with emerging therapeutic modalities such as oligonucleotide conjugates, mRNA therapeutics, or cell therapies
  • Experience designing and executing functional or genetic screens, including hit triage, deconvolution, and downstream validation strategies

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We welcome and encourage applications from all qualified candidates regardless of race, sex, gender identity or expression, disability, age, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws and regulations. It is our policy not to discriminate against any applicant or employee, and we are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful work environment across all locations in which we operate. We believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion are fundamental to our mission and enhance our ability to serve clients globally. If you have a disability or require any reasonable accommodations during the application or interview process, please inform your recruiter or contact us directly so that we can explore the appropriate arrangements.

Fraud Alert

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