Research Associate II, Cell Therapy Platform

About the Role

Tessera is developing in vivo CAR-T therapies, using targeted lipid nanoparticles to deliver CAR mRNA directly to T cells. We're looking for a Research Associate to join our Platform team. You'll run experiments that move our CAR-T programs forward, generate high-quality data, and build your skills in experimental design and analysis alongside experienced scientists. This role suits someone who is detail-oriented, eager to learn, and excited to grow their scientific career in cell therapy.

Your experience includes… 

• BS in biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, immunology, or related field with 2+ years of industry experience, or an MS with 0–2 years of industry experience (co-ops and internships count toward the degree, not work experience)
• Working knowledge of immune-cell biology, with hands-on experience in mammalian or primary cell culture and flow cytometry; exposure to data analysis tools such as FlowJo and to functional assays such as cytotoxicity, proliferation, or cytokine release is a plus
• Laboratory experience in an academic or industry setting, with the ability to follow established protocols accurately and keep thorough, organized records
• Strong data analysis skills and attention to detail
• Clear communication, a collaborative spirit, and a positive, flexible approach to changing priorities

Nice to have…

• Experience with CAR-T or other engineered cell therapies
• Experience with mRNA or lipid nanoparticle delivery and characterization, including dose-response studies
• Familiarity with in vivo models for cell therapy, such as humanized mouse models
• Experience with plate-based assays, ELISA, or qPCR
• Familiarity with basic statistics or data tools

You are interested in… 

• Executing experiments using established methods and techniques, including cell culture and flow cytometry, with supervision and guidance from senior team members
• Planning basic to moderately complex experiments for specific projects, consulting with your supervisor on design and methods
• Analyzing data, evaluating its quality, and recognizing patterns, anomalies, or inconsistencies, reporting unexpected results to your supervisor
• Operating and maintaining laboratory equipment, and documenting experiments and results accurately in the electronic lab notebook
• Contributing data, analyses, and summaries to project team reports and meetings
• Helping troubleshoot routine technical issues and beginning to suggest improvements or alternative approaches
• Managing and prioritizing your work as project needs change
• Building working relationships within your team and learning how your work connects to broader program goals

About you: 

You're an early-career scientist who loves time at the bench and wants to build your career in cell therapy. You've worked hands-on with mammalian or primary immune cells and run flow cytometry, and you're comfortable following established protocols closely while keeping careful, organized records. On the Platform team, you'll put those skills to work running the cell culture, flow-based, and functional assays that test how well our targeted LNPs deliver CAR mRNA to T cells. You look closely at your data, notice when something doesn't look right, and raise it with your team. You adapt easily when priorities shift, communicate clearly, and are eager to take on more of the experimental design as your skills grow.

Tessera employees are creative and collaborative problem solvers. They have a strong sense of integrity and unwavering commitment to scientific excellence. 

Meet your Manager:

All inquiries regarding the posted position should be directed to the Talent Partner (see below). Interested individuals must apply directly to be considered for the opening. 

Florence Caro, Associate Director, Molecular Design & Screening

Florence Caro is an Associate Director at Tessera Therapeutics, where she leads polypeptide engineering and screening for the CAR-T program. She sets the team’s scientific strategy and works with cross-functional partners to advance candidates toward in vivo studies.

Florence joined Tessera in 2022 on the Platform team. There she built high-throughput screening assays for the domains of Tessera’s Rewriter polypeptide and worked with the ML/AI team to identify candidates that improve gene editing efficiency. She earned her PhD at UCSF in the DeRisi lab and completed a postdoc at Harvard Medical School in the Mekalanos lab. Her expertise spans molecular biology, genomics, cell biology, and microbiology.

Florence is committed to helping early-career scientists build technical depth and independence. In this role, you’ll work closely with her and gain hands-on mentorship as you grow your own research skills.

Meet your Talent Partner:

Ben Hoogheem – Senior Director, Head of Benefits & Talent Acquisition

Ben leads benefits and talent acquisition at Tessera Therapeutics. He shapes how the company attracts great people and supports them once they’re here.

Ben started his career as an in vivo pharmacologist. That work gave him a lasting appreciation for the rigor, creativity, and collaboration behind scientific discovery, and it still shapes how he builds organizations where science can thrive.

He focuses on matching exceptional people with bold science and on creating an environment where they can do their best work. He’ll guide you through the hiring process and can answer questions along the way.

Compensation:

The stated base salary range represents Tessera’s good-faith estimate for this role. Actual compensation will be determined based on a number of factors, including but not limited to individual qualifications, years of relevant experience, internal compensation alignment, and external market data.

Tessera offers a competitive package of base and incentive compensation as well as a comprehensive benefits program designed to support the health, wellness, and financial security of our employees and their families. Benefits currently include group medical, vision, and dental coverage; group life and disability insurance; a 401(k) plan with company contribution; tuition reimbursement; and more.

This position is also eligible for an annual incentive bonus and equity grants as part of Tessera’s total rewards program.

Per Year Salary Range: $79,000 - $96,000 USD