Research Associate II, Cell Therapy Platform
Tessera Therapeutics · Platform
About the Role Tessera is developing in vivo CAR-T therapies, using targeted lipid nanoparticles to deliver CAR mRNA directly to T cells. We're looking for a Research Associate to join our Platform team. You'll run experiments that move our CAR-T programs forward, generate high-quality data, and build your skills in experimental design and analysis alongside experienced scientists. This role suits someone who is detail-oriented, eager to learn, and excited to grow their scientific career in cell therapy. Your experience includes… BS in biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, immunology, or related field with 2+ years of industry experience, or an MS with 0–2 years of industry experience (co-ops and internships count toward the degree, not work experience) Working knowledge of immune-cell biology, with hands-on experience in mammalian or primary cell culture and flow cytometry; exposure to data analysis tools such as FlowJo and to functional assays such as cytotoxicity, proliferation, or cytokine release is a plus Laboratory experience in an academic or industry setting, with the ability to follow established protocols accurately and keep thorough, organized records Strong data analysis skills and attention to detail Clear communication, a collaborative spirit, and a positive, flexible approach to changing priorities Nice to have… Experience with CAR-T or other engineered cell therapies Experience with mRNA or lipid nanoparticle delivery and characterization, including dose-response studies Familiarity with in vivo models for cell therapy, such as humanized mouse models Experience with plate-based assays, ELISA, or qPCR Familiarity with basic statistics or data tools You are interested in… Executing experiments using established methods and techniques, including cell culture and flow cytometry, with supervision and guidance from senior team members Planning basic to moderately complex experiments for specific projects, consulting with your supervisor on design and methods Analyzing data, evaluating its quality, and recognizing patterns, anomalies, or inconsistencies, reporting unexpected results to your supervisor Operating and maintaining laboratory equipment, and documenting experiments and results accurately in the electronic lab notebook Contributing data, analyses, and summaries to project team reports and meetings Helping troubleshoot routine technical issues and beginning to suggest improvements or alternative approaches Managing and prioritizing your work as project needs change Building working relationships within your team and learning how your work connects to broader program goals About you: You're an early-career scientist who loves time at the bench and wants to build your career in cell therapy. You've worked hands-on with mammalian or primary immune cells and run flow cytometry, and you're comfortable following established protocols closely while keeping careful, organized records. On the Platform team, you'll put those skills to work running the cell culture, flow-based, and functional assays that test how well our targeted LNPs deliver CAR mRNA to T cells. You look closely at your data, notice when something doesn't look right, and raise it with your team. You adapt easily when priorities shift, communicate clearly, and are eager to take on more of the experimental design as your skills grow. Tessera employees are creative and collaborative problem solvers. They have a strong sense of integrity and unwavering commitment to scientific excellence. Meet your Manager: All inquiries regarding the posted position should be directed to the Talent Partner (see below). Interested individuals must apply directly to be considered for the opening. Florence Caro, Associate Director, Molecular Design & Screening Florence Caro is an Associate Director at Tessera Therapeutics, where she leads polypeptide engineering and screening for the CAR-T program. She sets the team’s scientific strategy and works with cross-functional