Research Associate

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.

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. We are looking for a highly motivated Research Associate (Contractor) with a strong background in mammalian cell culture, cellular assays, and immune cell characterization. As a part of our Cell Therapy Research Team, you’ll support discovery and translational research efforts through the execution of in vitro experiments, cellular assays, and data analysis to advance preclinical research objectives. 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 Conduct laboratory experiments independently and accurately document procedures, observations, and results within an Electronic Laboratory Notebook (ELN) system. Analyze experimental data and present findings to project teams in a clear and organized manner. Collaborate with scientists to support research activities, technology development, and assay optimization. Maintain laboratory inventory, equipment, and reagent stocks while adhering to laboratory safety procedures. Contribute to experimental troubleshooting and continuous improvement of laboratory workflows. Support generation of high‑quality data under aggressive project timelines. Core Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Immunology, Biotechnology, Cell Biology, Biomedical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline, with 1+ years of hands‑on laboratory experience in an academic, biotechnology, or pharmaceutical research environment. Experience using Electronic Laboratory Notebooks (ELN) for data recording and experiment documentation. Excellent planning, coordination, and time management skills Excellent oral, written, and visual communication skills. Flexible
- adapts to change in a fast paced, rapidly developing environment. Bonus Qualifications Experience with ELISpot assays. Experience with T‑cell biology and functional immune assays. Experience with flow cytometry, including sample preparation, staining, acquisition, and analysis. Familiarity with FlowJo software for flow cytometry data analysis. Exposure to cell therapy, immuno‑oncology, or translational research programs is highly desirable. Preferred experience with primary cell isolation and tumor processing, T‑cell activation and functional assays, Benchling platform, MSD analysis, Incucyte analysis, and GraphPad Prism. 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; and traditional retirement plans. Anticipated Hourly Rate Range $All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion