Scientist I–II, Assay Development

Location:

York, Pennsylvania (On-site) |

Planned relocation to Boston, MA

Company:

GenCTX (Genetic Circuit Therapeutics)

Type:

Full-time; salaried (exempt)

Company Overview
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• GenCTX is an emerging biotech startup developing next-generation cancer therapeutics at the intersection of synthetic biology, genetic engineering and cancer biology. Our lead programs focus on precision gene therapies for high-mortality cancers, including Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC).
• We operate as a mission-driven, milestone-oriented team. Experiments are designed to answer product-critical questions. Data drives decisions. Scientists at GenCTX are responsible for owning programs, not just individual experiments.

Role Overview
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• We are seeking a Scientist to lead and scale core in-vitro assay development and gene therapy evaluation efforts. This role owns the design, execution, optimization, and interpretation of cell-based assays used to screen and advance therapeutic genetic constructs, including plasmid and viral vector-delivered systems.
• You will work directly with company leadership to define experimental strategy, validate biological hypotheses, and translate data into program decisions.
• This is a high-ownership role suited for scientists who want to build platforms.

Key Responsibilities
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• Lead the design and development of robust in-vitro assays to evaluate gene therapy and viral vector–based therapeutic candidates.
• Own cell-based functional assay pipelines, including viability, apoptosis, senescence, proliferation, and reporter-based readouts.
• Design and execute mammalian cell culture experiments across cancer and control cell lines; manage assay timelines and experimental throughput.
• Drive gene delivery experiments using plasmid transfection and viral transduction; evaluate expression, functionality, and cytotoxicity.
• Develop and interpret apoptosis-focused assays such as caspase activity, Annexin-V staining, MTT, and TUNEL.
• Independently operate and analyze flow cytometry experiments; define gating strategies and QC standards.
• Execute and interpret gene and protein expression assays using molecular biology techniques including qPCR, ELISA, and Western blotting.
• Lead DNA design and molecular cloning workflows supporting construct iteration and assay optimization.
• Analyze complex datasets, troubleshoot experimental challenges, and determine next-step experiments.
• Present data clearly to internal stakeholders; contribute to program reviews, milestone planning, and scientific strategy.
• Maintain rigorous experimental documentation using electronic lab notebooks.
• Mentor junior team members and help establish best practices as the lab scales.

Qualifications
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Education & Experience

• PhD in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Cancer Biology, Bioengineering, or a related field.
• 0–4 years post-PhD experience in biotech, biopharma, or translational academic research (Scientist I/II level).

Technical Expertise (Required)
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• Deep expertise in cell-based assay development and optimization.
• Extensive experience with mammalian cell culture, including cancer cell lines.
• Strong hands-on experience with flow cytometry, including experimental design and analysis.
• Proficiency in molecular biology techniques including cloning, plasmid preparation, and expression analysis.
• Experience with gene and protein expression assays (qPCR, ELISA, Western blot).

Preferred / Plus
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• Experience with viral vector systems (AAV, lentivirus, or related).
• Background in gene therapy development or cancer therapeutics.
• Familiarity with DNA damage response, tumor suppressor biology, solid tumor biology, or programmed cell death pathways.
• Prior experience in an early-stage biotech or startup environment.

Additional Skills & Traits
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• High scientific ownership; able to take a hypothesis from concept to validated data.
• Strong experimental intuition and decision-making under ambiguity.
• Detail-oriented with rigorous data documentation habits.
• Clear scientific communicator, both written and verbal.
• Comfortable working in fast-moving, milestone-driven environments.
• Proficient with scientific software (Prism, FlowJo, ImageJ, Google Workspace, Microsoft Suite, Benchling or equivalent).

Compensation
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• Salary: Competitive, commensurate with experience, skill level, and scope.
• Equity: Equity participation aligned with role and impact.
• Structure: Full-time, salaried (exempt) position.

Why Join
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• Direct ownership over core assays and therapeutic decision-making.
• Work side-by-side with founders shaping a first-in-class gene therapy platform.
• Influence scientific strategy, fundraising milestones, and product direction.
• Build foundational infrastructure in a company at its earliest technical inflection point.

Equal Opportunity
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GenCTX provides equal consideration for all qualified applicants. We value curiosity, rigor, and scientific integrity.

To Apply
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To reach us, you may email

. Please include a brief summary of relevant experience, attach your CV, and share a few times you're available for a virtual interview, as well as availability for an in-person fly-in to assess hands-on lab skills and team chemistry.