Senior Research Associate – Immuno-Oncology and Immunology
Location: South San Francisco, California
Company: Apeximmune Therapeutics
Company Overview
Apeximmune Therapeutics is a preclinical-stage biotechnology company harnessing the power of the immune system to develop transformative therapies for cancer and autoimmune diseases. Based in South San Francisco, we integrate expertise in immunology, tumor biology, autoimmune diseases, and protein engineering to discover and advance next-generation antibody therapeutics. Our pipeline includes several antibody assets in preclinical development, with plans to submit our first IND soon.
The Role
Apeximmune is seeking a highly motivated Senior Research Associate (SRA) with a strong foundation in cellular and molecular immunology to support our therapeutic antibody discovery team. Working under the direct supervision of a Project Scientist, you will play a critical role in the laboratory execution of preclinical in vivo and in vitro studies and in helping select and optimize clinical candidates.
This role requires a candidate who excels at the bench, possesses sharp critical thinking skills for troubleshooting assays, and is eager to contribute to a fast-paced startup environment. You will be responsible for day-to-day experimental work, including assay development, hybridoma cultures, and lead characterization.
Key Responsibilities
Conduct hands-on experiments for antibody discovery projects, including the development and performance of binding and cell-based functional assays.
Hybridoma Screening: Perform primary and secondary screening of hybridomas to identify and characterize lead antibody candidates.
Proficiency in tissue culture work. Isolate and characterize human and mouse primary immune cells to support functional studies.
Execute multi-color flow cytometry experiments and perform FACS-based phenotypic and functional characterization of immune cell populations.
Evaluate drug efficacy in the in vivo tumor studies and autoimmune disease models
Apply critical thinking to troubleshoot technical hurdles and optimize assay protocols for improved efficiency and data quality.
Meticulously document experimental procedures and results; analyze data using GraphPad Prism and Excel to prepare for internal presentations.
Actively participate in team meetings, share expertise, and contribute to a collaborative learning environment.
Requirements
B.S. or M.S. in immunology, cell biology, oncology, or a related scientific field with 3+ years of post-degree laboratory experience, preferably in a biotech or pharmaceutical industry setting.
Extensive hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture and the handling of primary immune cells.
Proven proficiency in developing and executing in vitro and cell-based functional in vitro immunoassays (e.g. ELISA and MSD) .
Strong technical proficiency in multi-color flow cytometry (FACS) is required.
Previous experience with syngeneic and/or transgenic mouse tumor models and intravenous injection is highly desirable.
Proficiency with data analysis software such as GraphPad Prism and Excel and electronic notebook like Benchling
Excellent organizational, documentation, and communication skills; a proactive problem-solver with high attention to detail.
Flexibility and enthusiasm for working in a fast-paced, innovative startup environment.
Why Join Apeximmune?
If you are excited about creating therapies that can make a real difference for patients, enjoy working in a collaborative and fast-growing team, and want an opportunity to expand your scientific and professional horizons—we’d love to hear from you.
To Apply: Send your resume to careers@apeximmune.com.
