Research Associate (Contractor), Viral Vector Engineering and Production

Our Opportunity

We are looking for a highly motivated Research Associate (Contractor), with a strong background in viral vector manufacturing and titering. As a part of our Cell Therapy Research Team, you'll support viral vector engineering with responsibility for the generation of retroviral and lentiviral vector production, related titration, and transduction of T cells.

As a member of our Cell Therapy Research Team, you will be a vital part of a highly collaborative group working to unlock the promise of precision cell therapy for patients. This is a opportunity to be a valuable contributor in a well-funded clinical company with field-leading advisors, best-in-class partners, and an experienced team currently advancing our lead program is amsoki-cel (OBX-115), a novel engineered tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) cell therapy that uses our proprietary cytoDRiVE® platform.

As a lab-based role; work is on-site starting in our Cambridge, MA location until Q2, 2027 when the role will relocate to Bedford, MA where our office and lab space is expanding to become our single MA location

You Will....

Core responsibilities

• Support designing experiments, meticulously execute bench work, analyze data, and troubleshoot assays.
• Maintain cell banks of packaging cells for retrovirus production.
• Help the team in preparing small and large scale of retrovirus-based vectors.
• Support the Cell Therapy research team in isolating, banking, and characterizing primary tumor and immune cells. Methods include flow cytometry, immunofluorescence microscopy, cell preparation for gene sequencing and expression analysis, TIL expansion, cell engineering, and functional analysis.
• Track and replenish critical cell stocks.
• Present results at internal meetings.

Core Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Virology, Immunology, Biotechnology, Cell Biology, Biomedical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline.
• 1+ years of hands-on laboratory experience in an academic, biotechnology, or pharmaceutical research environment.
• Skilled in maintaining mammalian cell cultures, including both adherent and suspension cell lines.
• Scientifically rigorous in executing experiments and record keeping.
• Excellent planning, coordination, and time management skills
• Excellent oral, written, and visual communication skills. You listen to understand and communicate effectively with colleagues, and leadership.
• Ability to build and maintain productive relationships across the organization

Bonus Qualifications

• Hands-on experience producing viral vectors and evaluating both functional and physical titers using established assay methods.
• Hands-on experience performing multicolor flow cytometry (three or more colors), including sample preparation, instrument operation, and data analysis.

Obsidian is committed to equitable and transparent pay practices.

Pay and benefits

The anticipated hourly rate range for this role is below. The actual hourly rate offered will be determined based on a combination of factors, including applicable qualifications, level of education, the depth of experience, unique skills, geographic location, internal equity, and/or business needs. The actual hourly rate offered will be in accordance with federal, state, and/or local wage requirements for the role's location.

Our external partners serve as the employer-of-record and offer essential medical, dental, and vision coverage; basic time off programs; and traditional retirement plans.