About the Role

Inceptor Bio is developing a novel in vivo lentiviral vector platform for cell therapy applications. We are seeking a Research Associate/Senior Research Associate/Associate Scientist to support the development and testing of the platform, applying hands-on expertise in molecular biology and viral vector production within a small, fast-paced research organization. This is a temporary, six-month contract position based in Durham, NC, with the possibility of conversion to a full-time role.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Design, construct, and characterize DNA constructs. Perform molecular cloning, plasmid preparation, and transfection of plasmids into mammalian cell lines to evaluate construct expression.
• Generate and characterize lentiviral vector preparations using HEK293T cells, including transfection of transfer plasmids, vector harvest, isolation, and titering.
• Perform mammalian tissue culture, including maintenance, banking, transfection/transduction, in a BSL-2 environment
• Execute immune cell workflows (PBMC/T cell isolation, activation, gene delivery, expansion) and support functional characterization.
• Maintain accurate, detailed laboratory records and documentation in accordance with internal standards.
• Critically evaluate experimental data and proactively recommend solutions to technical challenges as they arise.
• Additional duties as needed

Qualifications

Required

• BS or MS in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, or a related field.
• 5+ years of relevant industry experience, ideally within a small, early-stage biotech setting
• Strong proficiency in molecular biology techniques, including molecular cloning (ligation, Gibson assembly, or similar), plasmid preparation, transfection of mammalian cell lines, qPCR, and dPCR
• Hands-on experience generating and characterizing lentiviral vector preparations, including transfection, harvest, isolation, titering, and functional characterization.
• Demonstrated experience in basic mammalian tissue culture (maintenance, banking, transfection/transduction of cell lines)
• Strong attention to detail and rigor in experimental design, execution, and documentation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present and defend experimental results and conclusions.

Preferred

• Experience with multi-parameter flow cytometry.
• Experience with live-cell imaging platforms (e.g., IncuCyte or comparable systems).
• Experience with ELISA and Western blot techniques.
• Experience with T cell biology methods, including isolation, activation, expansion, and co-culture assays.
• Prior experience with cell therapies; specifically, CAR-T cell production and characterization

Professional Attributes

• Strong sense of ownership and accountability for the quality and outcomes of their work.
• Demonstrated accountability, with the ability to acknowledge and address mistakes constructively.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced start-up environment with frequently shifting priorities, and willingness to take on responsibilities outside a narrowly defined role as needed.
• Demonstrated resilience and sound judgment under pressure and tight timelines.
• Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills, with the ability to troubleshoot technical issues and propose data-driven solutions.
• Comfortable operating within a structured, closely supervised environment, including regular progress check-ins with the team.