Associate Scientist/Scientist, Analytical Development (Cell Therapy)
Location: Tokyo & Yokohama, Japan (On-site)
Compensation: ¥8,500,000–¥12,500,000 JPY + bonus + benefits
Help Build the Analytical Foundation for Next-Generation Cell Therapies
Helix BioSearch is partnering with an innovative biotechnology company developing next-generation iPSC-derived cell therapies with the potential to transform treatment for cancer and other serious diseases.
As the company expands its development capabilities, they are seeking an Associate Scientist or Scientist, Analytical Development to support the development, optimization and transfer of analytical assays for a pioneering cell therapy platform.
This is an outstanding opportunity for a hands-on scientist with expertise in flow cytometry and cell-based assays to play a critical role in establishing the analytical methods that will support future clinical development and manufacturing.
The Opportunity
Working alongside Research, Process Development and external development partners, you will develop and optimize cell-based functional assays, characterize therapeutic cell products and support assay transfer into external laboratories. Your work will directly influence the quality, reproducibility and scalability of analytical methods used throughout product development.
This is a laboratory-based position offering significant exposure to assay development, technology transfer and CMC activities within a rapidly growing international biotechnology company.
Key Responsibilities
Develop, execute and optimize cell-based functional assays, including T-cell killing assays
Design and perform multicolor flow cytometry assays to characterize cell identity, phenotype and function
Analyze experimental data, troubleshoot assay variability and improve assay robustness
Support assay transfer to external development and manufacturing partners
Prepare technical documentation including protocols, reports and analytical procedures
Collaborate with cross-functional scientific teams to advance analytical development programs
What We're Looking For
BS, MS or PhD in Biology, Immunology, Pharmacology, Bioengineering or a related discipline
Approximately 2+ years of hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture and cell-based assays
Strong experience with multicolor flow cytometry, including panel setup, acquisition and data analysis
Experience developing or running functional cell-based assays
Strong analytical thinking and experimental troubleshooting skills
Professional working proficiency in English
Highly desirable skills include:
Experience with immune cell cytotoxicity or T-cell killing assays
Background in T-cell biology, cell therapy or iPSC-derived immune cell products
Experience supporting assay development, qualification, validation or technology transfer
Exposure to in vivo efficacy studies and associated analytical readouts
Experience working with CROs, CDMOs or external development partners
Why Apply?
Competitive salary of ¥8.5M–¥12.5M JPY
Join a rapidly growing international cell therapy company
Contribute to the development of pioneering iPSC-derived therapeutic technologies
Significant hands-on scientific responsibility with strong career progression opportunities
Collaborate with world-class scientists developing the next generation of cell-based medicines
If you're passionate about analytical development, flow cytometry and translating cutting-edge science into clinically relevant therapies, we'd love to hear from you.