Scientist II

Job Title: Scientist II

Location: South San Francisco, CA

Duration: Contract - 12 months, M-F 9am-5pm, possible extension

Pay Range: $60.00/hr - $65.25/hr (W2)

Job ID: 412038

About BCforward

BCforward is a leading global IT consulting and workforce solutions firm providing services and support to Fortune 500 and government clients. Founded in 1998, BCforward has grown with our customers needs into a full-service business solutions provider. With delivery centers and offices across North America and India, we take pride in building long-term relationships and delivering excellence through innovation, collaboration, and integrity.

Job Description

The gRED Cell Therapy Department at Genentech seeks a motivated and scientifically curious Scientist for a contingent role supporting in vivo cell therapy research. This hands-on, laboratory-based role will focus on research-scale lentiviral vector production, vector characterization, and analytical assay development. The Scientist may generate and characterize materials for use in preclinical in vivo studies conducted by collaborating teams. This position does not involve conducting animal studies. The successful candidate will bring strong experimental judgment, technical expertise in vector production and cell-based analytics, and a collaborative approach to advancing research programs.

Responsibilities:

• Execute and optimize research-scale lentiviral vector production workflows, including approaches that support increased production capacity and transition to suspension culture.


• Produce and characterize research-grade lentiviral vectors for in vitro evaluation and, as needed, to support preclinical in vivo studies.


• Develop, optimize, and execute molecular and cell-based assays to assess vector quality, titer, gene delivery, CAR expression, and functional activity.


• Perform primary human cell culture and engineering studies to support evaluation of delivery platforms for in vivo cell therapy applications.


• Apply flow cytometry to assess transduction efficiency, CAR expression, and cell phenotype.


• Collaborate with project teams to define material requirements, coordinate production timelines, and provide supporting analytical data.


• Independently plan experiments, troubleshoot technical challenges, and interpret results in collaboration with project team members.


• Analyze and communicate findings through clear experimental summaries and presentations at internal scientific meetings.


• Maintain accurate and timely electronic laboratory records, document methods, and contribute to reproducible workflows.


• Support laboratory operations, including equipment onboarding and maintenance, and adhere to applicable biosafety, laboratory safety, and training requirements.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• BS or MS with 5+ years of industry experience, or PhD in Immunology, Virology, Molecular Biology, Bioengineering, Cell Biology, or a related discipline.


• Hands-on experience with lentiviral vector production and characterization.


• Strong proficiency in aseptic mammalian cell culture and experience with primary human immune cells, preferably T cells.


• Experience developing, optimizing, and troubleshooting molecular or cell-based analytical assays.


• Technical proficiency in flow cytometry and at least one quantitative molecular assay platform, such as qPCR or ddPCR.


• Demonstrated ability to independently design experiments, interpret data, and resolve technical challenges.


• Strong organizational, documentation, and communication skills with the ability to manage concurrent experiments and collaborate effectively.

Preferred Skills:

• Three or more years of relevant post-graduate research experience in biotechnology, pharmaceutical research, or an academic setting.


• Experience producing or characterizing gene delivery vectors for in vivo CAR T or related preclinical research programs.


• Experience with suspension-based lentiviral vector production, scale-up, or process development.


• Experience with CAR T-cell functional assays and multiparameter flow cytometry.


• Experience with nonviral delivery platforms, genome engineering, or next-generation sequencing.


• Familiarity with automation, liquid handling, and high-throughput analytical workflows.


• Proficiency with tools such as FlowJo, GraphPad Prism, and Benchling.

Why BCforward?

At BCforward, we believe in advancing lives and careers. When you join our team, you gain access to:

• Competitive compensation and benefits.


• Opportunities for growth with global clients.


• A supportive, inclusive culture that values innovation and people.


• Exposure to cutting-edge technologies and projects.

About Our Commitment

BCforward is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.

Interested? Apply Now!

If this sounds like the right opportunity for you, please apply with your most recent resume.