Research Associate (Contractor), Viral Vector Engineering and Production

About Us…

Obsidian Therapeutics is pioneering engineered cell and gene therapies to deliver transformative outcomes for patients. Obsidian’s programs apply our cytoDRiVE® technology in Cell and Gene therapy products to control expression of proteins for enhanced therapeutic efficacy and safety. Obsidian’s lead program is currently in clinical development for the treatment of patients with metastatic melanoma and non-small cell lung cancer.

We’re proud of our diverse talented team and committed to cultivating an environment of inclusion where each person feels a strong sense of belonging and is supported to continuously learn and contribute their best work. Our Research team is based in the heart of Cambridge, MA, and Technical Operations team is based in our purpose built facility in Bedford, MA. Obsidianites enjoy a highly collaborative culture, competitive salary and benefits, and potential for ownership through stock options.

Our Opportunity......

We are looking for a highly motivated Research Associate (Contractor), with a strong background in viral vector manufacturing and titering to join our team for a 6 month contract engagement. 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.

You Bring...

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.

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.

Anticipated Hourly Rate Range$35—$43 USD

Obsidian is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, cultivating a welcoming and diverse environment. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status or any other applicable legally protected characteristics.