Scientist - Molecular Biology, Genomic PCR & Cell Engineering
Aequor JD ·www.aequor.com
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Job title: Scientist - Molecular Biology, Genomic PCR & Cell Engineering
Location: East Hanover, NJ (100% on-site)
Duration: 12 months
Shift: 8 AM – 5 PM (Monday – Friday 40 hrs/week)
Pay Rate: ***/hr - ***/hr
Description:
We are seeking a highly motivated contractor scientist to support an innovative cell-engineering effort focused on developing renewable, genetically defined T-cell platforms materials for Cell & Gene Therapy and immuno-oncology applications. The successful candidate will have a strong molecular biology foundation, with particular emphasis on genomic PCR, molecular characterization of engineered cells, and hands-on cell-engineering workflows. The role will also include clone screening, mammalian cell culture, data analysis, documentation, and cross-functional collaboration.
Key Responsibilities:
Cell Culture & T-Cell Biology
Culture, expand, and maintain primary T cells and immortalized mammalian cell lines using aseptic techniques.
Execute activation, transduction, expansion, cryopreservation, thawing, and recovery workflows.
Evaluate cell growth, viability, phenotype, stability, and functional performance.
Cell Engineering & Gene Modification
Execute cell-engineering workflows, including viral transduction, gene editing, and generation of engineered T-cell populations.
Support targeted-integration and genome-engineering studies using CRISPR-based or related technologies.
Perform clone screening, expansion, selection, banking, and characterization of engineered cell lines.
Integrate molecular and cellular data to identify technically justified next steps for engineered-cell development.
Molecular Biology & Genomic Characterization
Design, optimize, and execute genomic PCR assays to support confirmation and characterization of engineered cell populations and clones.
Perform genomic DNA isolation, DNA quantification, primer design, PCR optimization, and analysis of amplification results.
Support molecular characterization activities related to targeted integration, edit confirmation, transgene or cassette detection, and clone screening.
Apply appropriate PCR controls, acceptance criteria, and troubleshooting approaches to ensure reliable and interpretable results.
Document molecular biology workflows, raw data, analyses, and conclusions in accordance with laboratory procedures and data-integrity expectations.
Supporting Cell-Based Characterization
Support fit-for-purpose cell-based characterization studies for engineered-cell populations and clones.
Analyze and interpret cell-based characterization data in support of clone selection and engineered-cell development.
Contribute to additional characterization assays as needed, with appropriate training and support available for methods outside the candidate s primary expertise.
Documentation & Collaboration
Maintain complete and accurate records in electronic laboratory notebooks.
Prepare protocols, technical reports, study summaries, and scientific presentations.
Communicate results to cross-functional project teams and contribute to project milestones and scientific decisions.
Collaborate with colleagues in Cell & Gene Therapy, Analytical Development , Bioanalytics, Process Development, and Research.
Required Qualifications:
Minimum Education & Experience
Master's degree in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Immunology, Biotechnology, Bioengineering, Cell & Gene Therapy, or a related discipline, with relevant hands-on experience; or PhD in a relevant scientific discipline.
Minimum 2 years of work experience.
Demonstrated hands-on laboratory experience in molecular biology and mammalian cell systems.
Required Technical Capabilities
Mammalian cell culture and aseptic technique.
Molecular biology techniques, including genomic DNA isolation, quantification, primer design, PCR assay optimization, and data interpretation.
Hands-on cell-engineering experience, such as viral transduction, gene editing, or another relevant gene-modification workflow.
Hands-on genomic PCR experience for screening or characterization of genetically engineered cells or cell clones.
Experimental troubleshooting, scientific data analysis, documentation, and presentation.
The primary hiring focus is molecular biology, hands-on genomic PCR, and cell engineering. The following capabilities are advantageous but are not expected to be equally strong in every candidate.
Preferred Capabilities (Can Be Developed in the Role)
Experience with targeted integration, CRISPR/Cas-based gene editing, or advanced molecular characterization of edited cells.
Experience with primary T-cell or other mammalian-cell culture workflows.
Background in T-cell biology, CAR-T, or Cell & Gene Therapy programs.
Exposure to flow cytometry or other cell-based characterization methods is helpful but not required.
Experience with functional cell-based assays or cytokine assays is helpful but not required.
Key Competencies
Strong scientific problem-solving and experimental troubleshooting skills.
Ability to plan and execute laboratory studies independently while collaborating effectively.
High attention to detail, data integrity, and laboratory safety.
Clear written and verbal scientific communication.
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple experimental priorities.
Hands-on, collaborative, and results-oriented mindset.
Location: East Hanover, NJ (100% on-site)
Duration: 12 months
Shift: 8 AM – 5 PM (Monday – Friday 40 hrs/week)
Pay Rate: ***/hr - ***/hr
Description:
We are seeking a highly motivated contractor scientist to support an innovative cell-engineering effort focused on developing renewable, genetically defined T-cell platforms materials for Cell & Gene Therapy and immuno-oncology applications. The successful candidate will have a strong molecular biology foundation, with particular emphasis on genomic PCR, molecular characterization of engineered cells, and hands-on cell-engineering workflows. The role will also include clone screening, mammalian cell culture, data analysis, documentation, and cross-functional collaboration.
Key Responsibilities:
Cell Culture & T-Cell Biology
Culture, expand, and maintain primary T cells and immortalized mammalian cell lines using aseptic techniques.
Execute activation, transduction, expansion, cryopreservation, thawing, and recovery workflows.
Evaluate cell growth, viability, phenotype, stability, and functional performance.
Cell Engineering & Gene Modification
Execute cell-engineering workflows, including viral transduction, gene editing, and generation of engineered T-cell populations.
Support targeted-integration and genome-engineering studies using CRISPR-based or related technologies.
Perform clone screening, expansion, selection, banking, and characterization of engineered cell lines.
Integrate molecular and cellular data to identify technically justified next steps for engineered-cell development.
Molecular Biology & Genomic Characterization
Design, optimize, and execute genomic PCR assays to support confirmation and characterization of engineered cell populations and clones.
Perform genomic DNA isolation, DNA quantification, primer design, PCR optimization, and analysis of amplification results.
Support molecular characterization activities related to targeted integration, edit confirmation, transgene or cassette detection, and clone screening.
Apply appropriate PCR controls, acceptance criteria, and troubleshooting approaches to ensure reliable and interpretable results.
Document molecular biology workflows, raw data, analyses, and conclusions in accordance with laboratory procedures and data-integrity expectations.
Supporting Cell-Based Characterization
Support fit-for-purpose cell-based characterization studies for engineered-cell populations and clones.
Analyze and interpret cell-based characterization data in support of clone selection and engineered-cell development.
Contribute to additional characterization assays as needed, with appropriate training and support available for methods outside the candidate s primary expertise.
Documentation & Collaboration
Maintain complete and accurate records in electronic laboratory notebooks.
Prepare protocols, technical reports, study summaries, and scientific presentations.
Communicate results to cross-functional project teams and contribute to project milestones and scientific decisions.
Collaborate with colleagues in Cell & Gene Therapy, Analytical Development , Bioanalytics, Process Development, and Research.
Required Qualifications:
Minimum Education & Experience
Master's degree in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Immunology, Biotechnology, Bioengineering, Cell & Gene Therapy, or a related discipline, with relevant hands-on experience; or PhD in a relevant scientific discipline.
Minimum 2 years of work experience.
Demonstrated hands-on laboratory experience in molecular biology and mammalian cell systems.
Required Technical Capabilities
Mammalian cell culture and aseptic technique.
Molecular biology techniques, including genomic DNA isolation, quantification, primer design, PCR assay optimization, and data interpretation.
Hands-on cell-engineering experience, such as viral transduction, gene editing, or another relevant gene-modification workflow.
Hands-on genomic PCR experience for screening or characterization of genetically engineered cells or cell clones.
Experimental troubleshooting, scientific data analysis, documentation, and presentation.
The primary hiring focus is molecular biology, hands-on genomic PCR, and cell engineering. The following capabilities are advantageous but are not expected to be equally strong in every candidate.
Preferred Capabilities (Can Be Developed in the Role)
Experience with targeted integration, CRISPR/Cas-based gene editing, or advanced molecular characterization of edited cells.
Experience with primary T-cell or other mammalian-cell culture workflows.
Background in T-cell biology, CAR-T, or Cell & Gene Therapy programs.
Exposure to flow cytometry or other cell-based characterization methods is helpful but not required.
Experience with functional cell-based assays or cytokine assays is helpful but not required.
Key Competencies
Strong scientific problem-solving and experimental troubleshooting skills.
Ability to plan and execute laboratory studies independently while collaborating effectively.
High attention to detail, data integrity, and laboratory safety.
Clear written and verbal scientific communication.
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple experimental priorities.
Hands-on, collaborative, and results-oriented mindset.
Frequently asked questions
Who is hiring for the Scientist - Molecular Biology, Genomic PCR & Cell Engineering role?
Aequor JD is hiring for the Scientist - Molecular Biology, Genomic PCR & Cell Engineering position, a Shazamme client. Apply directly on the employer's career site.
Where is the Scientist - Molecular Biology, Genomic PCR & Cell Engineering job located?
The Scientist - Molecular Biology, Genomic PCR & Cell Engineering role with Aequor JD is based in East Hanover, NJ, US.
Is the Scientist - Molecular Biology, Genomic PCR & Cell Engineering role full-time or contract?
This is a full time position at Aequor JD.
What experience level is the Scientist - Molecular Biology, Genomic PCR & Cell Engineering role?
The Scientist - Molecular Biology, Genomic PCR & Cell Engineering position is aimed at mid-level candidates.
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