Senior Research Associate II, Vivarium Operations, Contract (25313-T-675-PCP)

WHO WE ARE

Arsenal Biosciences Inc. is a clinical-stage programmable cell therapy company engineering advanced CAR T-cell therapies for solid tumors. We seek a talented and experienced Sr. Research Associate II, Vivarium Operations (Contract) to work onsite based in our South San Francisco office. 

ArsenalBio’s mission and purpose are very clear: defeat cancer. With our programmable and computationally driven approach, our team is engineering medicines to attack cancer’s inherent multifaceted nature and overcome the challenges of addressing solid tumors with cell therapy.

Driven by a collective of diverse experts across multi-scientific disciplines and clinical and manufacturing expertise, we are united in our purpose to develop the optimal medicines for improving patients’ lives.

This means you’ll have the opportunity to work with the best talent in the field of cell therapy and be part of ONE TEAM, which advances therapies for patients who need it most.

The Sr. Research Associate II, Vivarium Operations (Contract) focuses on conducting oncology animal models to evaluate programmable cell therapy while ensuring compliance with IACUC guidelines. Key responsibilities include animal handling, treatment administration, tumor burden assessment, and in vivo sample analysis using techniques like flow cytometry and bioluminescent imaging. The role also involves maintaining cancer and therapeutic cell lines, managing laboratory operations, and coordinating cross-functional research efforts. Accurate documentation and regulatory compliance are essential aspects of this position.

• Conduct oncology animal model studies to evaluate the efficacy of programmable cell therapy while adhering to IACUC guidelines to ensure the ethical treatment and welfare of laboratory animals
• Support Vivarium Operations and In Vivo Translation teams by maintaining and expanding cancer and therapeutic cell lines and executing key in vivo studies
• Perform hands-on responsibilities, including animal handling and restraint, drug administration via various routes (SQ, IP, IV, PO), in-life measurements, clinical observations, sample collection and processing, and accurate data documentation
• Introduce and quantify tumor burden through volumetric measurement and bioluminescent imaging
• Harvest and analyze in vivo samples using flow cytometry and in vitro assays
• Maintain compliance by documenting, organizing, reviewing, and reporting experimental records for research and regulatory requirements
• Oversee vivarium and laboratory operations, including managing and maintaining laboratory equipment, consumables, and purchases
• Collaborate cross-functionally with internal and external partners to coordinate daily tasks and ensure seamless project execution

• 4+ years of relevant industry or academic experience with a Bachelor’s degree in oncology, immunology, biotechnology, or a related field, or 2+ years of relevant industry or academic experience with a Master’s degree in oncology, immunology, biotechnology, or a related field
• Extensive experience with mammalian cell culture, including CAR-T cells
• Strong background in animal health, including identifying clinical observations, providing treatments, and establishing mouse tumor models in both immune-competent and immunocompromised animals
• Proficiency in drug administration (SQ, IP, IV, PO) and various blood collection techniques (including Sub-M)
• Skilled in rodent full-body necropsy and in vivo sample collection
• Experience with software tools such as Excel, Google Suite, Prism, PowerPoint, electronic lab notebooks, and in vivo data management platforms
• Preferred experience with liquid handling equipment, flow cytometry, automation, and In Vivo Imaging Systems
• Strong troubleshooting, organizational, and planning skills, with the ability to meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to follow instructions, work independently, and manage time effectively to complete tasks on schedule
• Excellent written and oral communication skills

• Be an integral part of a team to achieve organizational goal
• Communicate transparently to all stakeholders with relevant information in a timely manner
• Embrace feedback and challenges as opportunities to improve and grow

BENEFITS AND PAY

Our people-first culture cultivates a deep respect for humanity, not only in those we serve but also in one another. We take pride in being part of a company that values and celebrates diversity—in experiences, ideas, and interests. We are empowered in an environment that embraces unity and inclusivity, fostering a sense of belonging and mutual respect.

We provide powerful tools to empower our employees to take charge of their career paths and reach their full potential. At ArsenalBio, we believe in investing in our employees' well-being—both professionally and personally—because our people are our most valuable asset. Our essential team members bring exceptional expertise in molecular biology, immunology, pharmacology, protein chemistry, computational biology, automation, genome engineering, software, and other fields to turn the possibilities of tomorrow into the realities of today.

We are committed to hiring the best talent from diverse backgrounds. A diverse workforce engenders richness of thought, creativity and discovery. We invite individuals who embrace intellectual achievement to bring their unique personal and professional journeys and together we will build transformative cell therapies for cancer patients.

We are an equal opportunity employer and deeply value diversity within our company. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability.

The estimated pay for the preferred primary location of the San Francisco Bay area ranges from $47/hour - $57/hour.  The pay offered may vary based on job-related knowledge, experience, education, etc. Beyond these considerations, we are committed to pay equity and consider the internal equity of our current employees when making any final offers.

To all recruitment agencies: ArsenalBio does not accept agency resumes. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias or to ArsenalBio employees. ArsenalBio is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.