Wet Lab Scientist (San Diego)
Software Guidance & Assistance, Inc., (SGA), is searching for a Wet Lab Scientist for a contract assignment with one of our premier Pharmaceutical clients in San Diego, CA . Responsibilities : Seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Wet Lab Scientist to join our Discovery Biology team. This role is central to a high-priority binder screening campaign, where you will be responsible for executing the bench-level assays required to identify and validate novel therapeutic candidates for T-cell-based therapies. The successful candidate will serve as a core operator within our screening funnel, focusing on the transition from binder discovery to functional validation. This is a position designed for a scientist who thrives at the bench and excels in the fast-paced environment of a drug discovery campaign. The primary objective is to characterize the potency, specificity, and safety of candidate binders—such as scFvs or VHHs—within the context of engineered T-cell responses. A significant portion of this role involves the non-viral engineering of T cells. You will be responsible for delivering genetic material (such as mRNA or transposon-based DNA systems) into primary human T cells using advanced electroporation or nucleofection platforms. Following transfection, you will monitor cell viability and recovery, ensuring high-efficiency expression of synthetic receptors before proceeding to functional testing. Beyond engineering, you will execute high-throughput screening assays to assess binder affinity and functionality. This includes maintaining and expanding primary human T cells and Jurkat cell lines using impeccable aseptic techniques. You will perform multi-color flow cytometry (FACS) to evaluate surface expression levels and phenotypic markers, using software like FlowJo to analyze and interpret the resulting data. Functional characterization is a critical component of this campaign. You will be expected to run a variety of assays to measure T-cell activation, including cytotoxicity assays (using IncuCyte live-cell imaging or LDH release) and cytokine profiling via ELISA, MSD, or Luminex. You will also track T-cell proliferation using dyes like CFSE. All experimental procedures, including precise protocol deviations and raw data, must be recorded meticulously in an Electronic Lab Notebook (ELN) to ensure data integrity for regulatory filings. Required Skills : Should possess a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Immunology, Molecular Biology, Bioengineering, or a related biological science. Require at least 2 years of hands-on wet lab experience, preferably within an industry setting. Mastery of aseptic technique and experience in isolating primary T cells from PBMCs is essential. Expertise in flow cytometry acquisition and analysis is a non-negotiable requirement for this role. Preference will be given to candidates who have direct experience with non-viral transfection methods and those who are comfortable using liquid-handling robotics to scale screening efforts. Strong communication skills are vital, as you will be expected to present clear, data-driven updates during weekly campaign sprint meetings. By applying for a job with SGA, you agree to allow SGA to process your application for this and future opportunities in accordance with our Privacy Policy. Also, to ensure timely processing, you agree to be contacted by our AI recruiter via email, text, or phone. Message frequency varies and data rates may apply, but you can reply STOP to any SMS message to opt-out of texts and may contact SGA at [email protected] to opt-out of AI communications. The choice not to engage with AI will not adversely impact your consideration for placement. AI is not used to make any hiring determinations. SGA is a technology and resource solutions provider driven to stand out. We are a women-owned business. Our mission: to solve big IT problems with a more personal, boutique approach. Each year, we match consultants like you to more than 1,000 engagements. When we say let's work better together, we mean it. You'll join a diverse team built on these core values: customer service, employee development, and quality and integrity in everything we do. Be yourself, love what you do and find your passion at work. Please find us at https://sgainc.com/ . SGA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of Race, Color, Sex, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Religion, National Origin, Disability, Veteran Status, Age, Marital Status, Pregnancy, Genetic Information, or Other Legally Protected Status. We are committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, and our services, programs, and activities. Please visit our company EEO page to request an accommodation or assistance regarding our policy.
