Principal Scientist

Principal Scientist, Cell Therapy Target Validation South San Francisco, CA

The Company Link Cell Therapies is a clinical-stage company developing best-in-class logic-gated CAR T cell therapies for patients with cancer. Link’s “AND” gate technology requires the presence of two cancer-associated targets before a CAR T cell is activated, providing precise killing of tumor cells while sparing healthy tissue. Our lead program is being evaluated in a Phase I clinical trial, and additional programs and enabling technologies are advancing through our pipeline. Link will continue to build a portfolio of internal therapeutic programs while pursuing opportunities for value creation with strategic partners.

Job Description Link Cell Therapies is seeking a highly motivated Principal Scientist with deep expertise in high-parameter flow cytometry to join our Preclinical Research and Development team. Reporting to the VP of Preclinical Research and Development and Translational Science, the successful candidate will serve as a subject matter expert in flow cytometry, leading the design, optimization, and execution of complex multiparameter panels to characterize and isolate rare and heterogeneous cell populations from primary human samples, including those from hematologic malignancies such as Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) and solid tumors. This individual will apply these capabilities to therapeutic target validation and translational studies that support both pipeline progression and future clinical programs. This is an opportunity to make a seminal contribution at a clinical-stage company where preclinical science directly informs pipeline advancement to the clinic.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the internal expert for flow cytometry, leading the design, optimization, and validation of high-parameter flow cytometry panels
• Develop and execute strategies to identify and isolate complex, rare, and heterogeneous cell populations (e.g., leukemic blasts, leukemic stem cells, and immune cell subsets) from primary human blood, bone marrow, and tissues using flow cytometry and complementary enrichment methods
• Lead therapeutic target validation studies, including quantitative assessment of target expression and co-expression on malignant and normal cells to inform logic-gated target pair selection and on-target, off-tumor risk assessment
• Generate rigorous, well-documented data packages that enable pipeline and program decisions, and present findings to cross-functional stakeholders and company leadership
• Support translational and correlative assay development for clinical programs, including assay qualification and technology transfer to CRO and academic partners
• Mentor junior scientists in flow cytometry, panel design, and data analysis; establish best practices, SOPs, and instrument standards
• Oversee the operation, maintenance, and quality control of flow cytometers
• Maintain accurate, up-to-date records in the electronic laboratory notebook

Required Qualifications

• PhD in immunology, cell biology, or a related life sciences field with 10+ years of relevant experience, a substantial portion of which is in a biotechnology or pharmaceutical setting
• Expert-level, hands-on proficiency in multiparameter flow cytometry (15+ color conventional), including panel design, fluorochrome selection, compensation, appropriate controls, and standardization/quantitation
• Experience working with primary hematologic malignancy samples, such as leukemia (AML, ALL, or CLL) blood and bone marrow, and a strong understanding of normal and malignant hematopoiesis
• Track record of therapeutic target validation, including target expression profiling across malignant and normal cell populations
• Mentoring a diverse group of scientists, with evidence of building team capabilities
• Advanced proficiency in FlowJo, including high-dimensional analysis approaches (e.g., UMAP)
• Excellent organizational, communication, and presentation skills, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment
• Fluency with Microsoft Office and GraphPad Prism

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in early drug discovery, including target identification, screening, or lead candidate selection
• Experience with CAR T or other cell therapy programs
• Familiarity with clinical flow cytometry, MRD assessment, or assay qualification in a regulated (GLP or GCLP) environment
• Experience with complementary single-cell technologies (e.g., single-cell RNA-seq)
• Experience managing CRO or academic collaborations

This is a hands-on, lab-based, on-site position based in South San Francisco, CA.

The salary range for this position is $150,000 to 185,000 USD annually. This salary range is an estimate, and the actual salary may vary based on the Company’s compensation practices.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.