Careers
Scientist I/II, Analytical Development
Operations
San Diego, CA, USA
USD 125k-135k / year
Posted on Jul 23, 2026
About Artiva:
We are a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing natural killer (NK) cell-based therapies. Our mission is to develop effective, safe, and accessible cell therapies for patients with devastating autoimmune diseases. We aim to develop therapies that patients and physicians can utilize in a community setting. Our lead product candidate, AlloNK®, is a non-genetically modified, cryopreserved NK cell therapy being evaluated in combination with B-cell targeted monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). We believe the compelling cell killing properties of NK cells, when combined with mAbs for targeting, creates an opportunity to generate potentially transformative therapies.
For more information, visit www.artivabio.com.
Job Summary:
The incumbent will work within the analytical development team to develop and/or optimize flow cytometry and cell-based assays to support the characterization and release of our allogeneic, natural killer (NK) cell-based therapies. In this role, the incumbent will participate in the evaluation and development of new flow cytometry and potency assay methods and perform product characterization for NK cell products. This role includes participating in benchtop assay development/performance, detailed documentation of methods and materials, writing SOPs/reports and communicating findings to the wider group. S/he will collaborate closely with R&D and Process Development teams to identify relevant characteristics that advance optimal product development and function. S/He will also participate in assay optimizations, standardizations, and transfers to QC labs. This position will report directly to the Lead Senior Scientist in the Characterization and Flow Analytical Development team.
Duties/Responsibilities:
· Contribute to experimental design and execution enabling assay development, optimization, and characterization studies to enhance process understanding
· Research and compare novel platforms to provide more optimal methods of characterizing in-process and final drug product
· Collaborate with analysts within the analytical development, product development, research and early development, and quality control departments.
· Develop assays to support process development, clinical product release and stability, and product characterization needs.
· Execute routine laboratory experiments and maintenance to generate high-quality data
· Contribute to assay qualification and validation studies
· Draft technical reports, standard operating procedures, and test protocols in support of analytical test method development
· Manage assay transfer to the Artiva QC team and external partners where applicable
· Present data to cross functional team meetings to discuss findings and next steps
Requirements:
- Ph.D. degree in a relevant scientific discipline (e.g., Immunology, Microbiology, Cell or Molecular Biology or Biochemistry) with 2+ years or MS with 5+ years of industry experience in analytical development or equivalent demonstrable experience with analytical techniques.
- Expertise (equipment and software) with flow cytometry, plate readers, and automated cell counters required.
- Strong organizational, recording keeping, time management, and communication skills are required.
- In-depth experience in analytical techniques such as ELISA/MSD and qPCR/ddPCR is highly desirable.
- Expertise in cell potency-based assay development is highly desirable.
- Experience with NK and or CAR-T cells is highly desirable.
- Experience with assay qualification/validation is a plus.
- Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills are essential.
- Able to manage multiple projects in parallel, including key participation on multi-disciplinary project teams.
- Attention to safety, good laboratory practice, and good documentation practice.
- Experience in analytical development and testing in a Pharma/Biotech, regulated (GXP) environment is strongly preferred.
- Experience in cell therapy, immunology, or oncology is preferred.
- Experience with statistical programming or software (e.g., JMP) is a plus.
In addition to a great culture, we offer:
- A beautiful facility
- An entrepreneurial, highly collaborative, and innovative environment
- Comprehensive benefits, including:
- Medical, Dental, and Vision
- Group Life Insurance
- Long Term Disability (LTD)
- 401(k) Retirement Plan
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Company paid holidays, including the year-end holiday week
- Our recognition program, Bonus.ly, is where you can trade in points earned for things you want.
If all this speaks to you, come join us on our journey!
Base Salary: $ 125,000 - $135,000. Exact compensation may vary based on level, skills and experience.