Scientist – Cell Biology and Immunology

Prellis Biologics is a dynamic biotechnology company developing next-generation technologies to harness the full potential of the human immune system for therapeutic discovery and development. Our platform combines advanced in vitro immune systems, lymph node organoids, and innovative screening technologies to accelerate the discovery of therapeutic antibodies.

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly motivated and hands-on Scientist – Cell Biology & Immunology to join our interdisciplinary research team. The successful candidate will play an important role in developing and optimizing our in vitro immune system platform, including lymph node organoid-based technologies, and in developing functional assays to support antibody discovery.

This position is ideal for a scientist with strong expertise in B and T cell biology, primary immune-cell culture, flow cytometry, and cell-based assay development who enjoys working in a fast-paced, highly collaborative startup environment. The Scientist will have significant responsibility for experimental design, execution, data analysis, troubleshooting, and development of new experimental approaches.

Key Responsibilities

Experimental Design and Execution

• Design, execute, optimize, and analyze complex cell-based experiments to address key research objectives.
• Develop and implement innovative in vitro immune-cell culture and stimulation strategies.
• Work hands-on in the laboratory, typically spending approximately 60–80% of time conducting experiments.
• Troubleshoot experimental challenges and continuously improve experimental protocols and workflows.

Immune Cell Biology

• Isolate, culture, expand, and characterize primary human immune cells using appropriate aseptic techniques.
• Work with B cells, T cells, antigen-presenting cells, and other relevant immune-cell populations.
• Contribute to the development and optimization of in vitro immune-system platforms.
• Investigate immune-cell activation, proliferation, differentiation, cell-cell interactions, and ligand-receptor signaling.

Flow Cytometry and Cell Sorting

• Design and execute multiparameter flow cytometry experiments for immune-cell profiling and functional characterization.
• Develop flow cytometry panels, perform staining and acquisition, and analyze complex datasets.
• Perform fluorescence-activated cell sorting for antigen-specific and functionally defined immune-cell populations.
• Utilize cell separation and enrichment approaches, including beads-based methods, where appropriate.

Immune Functional Assay Development

• Develop, optimize, and execute cell-based functional assays for antibody and TCR discovery.
• Develop assays to evaluate antigen-specific B- and T-cell responses.
• Develop and optimize ELISA and other protein-based assays, as well as cell-based and functional screening approaches.
• Contribute to assay development for challenging therapeutic targets, including membrane proteins and other complex antigens.

Antibody Discovery

• Contribute to antibody discovery and characterization programs using in vitro immune-system technologies.
• Support the identification and characterization of antigen-specific B cells, antibody-secreting cells, and functional antibodies.
• Work closely with scientists in antibody engineering, protein engineering, bioinformatics, and other disciplines to advance therapeutic candidates.

Data Analysis and Scientific Communication

• Analyze, interpret, and present experimental results at internal project meetings and research reviews.
• Maintain accurate, detailed, and traceable experimental records.
• Use tools such as FlowJo and GraphPad Prism for analysis and visualization of experimental data.
• Communicate scientific findings clearly and contribute to project planning and experimental strategy.
• Prepare reports, protocols, and other scientific documentation.

Collaboration and Laboratory Operations

• Collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams to achieve project goals and share technical expertise.
• Support development, refinement, and implementation of laboratory protocols and SOPs.
• Maintain a high standard of experimental rigor, laboratory organization, and documentation.
• Comply with established laboratory procedures, safety requirements, and applicable regulatory standards.

Qualifications

• M.S. or Ph.D. in Immunology, Cell Biology, Biotechnology, or a related scientific discipline.
• 5+ years of relevant laboratory experience in immunology, cell biology, biotechnology, or a related field; industry experience is preferred.
• Strong theoretical and practical understanding of adaptive immunity, particularly B-cell biology.
• Demonstrated experience with primary immune-cell isolation, culture, and in vitro stimulation.
• Strong hands-on experience with flow cytometry, including panel design, staining, acquisition, analysis, and preferably cell sorting.
• Experience developing and executing cell-based immune functional assays.
• Experience with ELISA and basic protein-analysis techniques.
• Strong experimental design, troubleshooting, data interpretation, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively in a multidisciplinary team.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and commitment to scientific rigor.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Experience with B-cell activation, expansion, differentiation, or antibody secretion.
• Experience in antibody discovery, antibody engineering, vaccine development, or therapeutic drug discovery.
• Familiarity with cell-based screening and high-throughput screening platforms.
• Experience with beads-based cell separation or magnetic enrichment.
• Familiarity with molecular biology techniques.
• Background in protein or sequence bioinformatics.
• Knowledge of immune tolerance, systems immunology, or immune-cell signaling.
• Experience working with complex or difficult-to-assay therapeutic targets.
• Experience with project planning or management.

Key Attributes

• Hands-on: Enjoys spending significant time at the bench and taking ownership of experiments from design through execution and analysis.
• Scientifically rigorous: Applies careful experimental design, appropriate controls, and critical interpretation of data.
• Problem solver: Proactively identifies experimental challenges and develops creative solutions.
• Adaptable: Comfortable working in a rapidly evolving startup environment where priorities and approaches may change.
• Collaborative: Works effectively across scientific disciplines and contributes to a positive, team-oriented research environment.
• Curious and innovative: Interested in developing new technologies and experimental approaches rather than relying solely on established methods.
• Accountable: Takes ownership of projects, experimental quality, documentation, and results.

About Prellis Biologics

At Prellis we integrate human biology with machine learning. We aim to revolutionize drug discovery by harnessing the power of the human immune system with tightly integrated machine learning to develop next-generation antibody therapeutics with unparalleled speed, precision, and safety. We are committed to empowering our pharmaceutical partners with access to the most promising fully human antibody candidates rapidly identified from the human immune repertoire, enabling them to bring life-changing treatments to patients faster than ever before. Prellis Biologics is a pre-IPO biotech located in Berkeley, CA with a team-oriented, inclusive, and family-friendly culture. Our growing pipeline targets high unmet patient needs across therapeutic areas including metabolic disease, inflammation, and oncology. Prellis has raised funding from top investors, including Celesta, Khosla Ventures, SOSV, and Avidity Partners.

What You Can Expect Of Us

As we work to develop treatments that take care of others, we also work to care for your professional and personal growth and well-being. From our competitive benefits to our collaborative culture, we’ll support your journey every step of the way.

Actual salary will vary based on several factors including, but not limited to, relevant skills, experience, and qualifications.

Application Deadline

Prellis does not have an application deadline for this position; we will continue accepting applications until we receive a sufficient number or select a candidate for the position.

Equal Opportunity

Prellis Bio is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.

We believe diversity, equity, and inclusion need to be at the foundation of our culture. We work hard to bring together diverse teams — grounded in a wide range of expertise and life experiences — and work even harder to ensure those teams thrive in inclusive, growth-oriented environments supported by equitable company and team practices. All candidates can expect equitable treatment, respect, and fairness throughout the interview process.