Zenith LifeScience
Junior Application Scientist
Gaithersburg, District of Columbia, US
Role snapshot
Zenith LifeScience is hiring a Junior Application Scientist on a full-time basis. This is a role based in Gaithersburg, District of Columbia, US.
- Company
- Zenith LifeScience
- Location
- Gaithersburg, District of Columbia, US
- Job type
- Full-time
- Posted
- Nov 1, 2026
Who this role suits
The listing does not state a required experience level here. Read the requirements in the description below and apply if they match your background.
How to prepare your application
- Match your résumé to the requirements in the description, using the same wording where it is honest to do so.
- Prepare a short example for each requirement you meet, and be ready to explain any you only partly meet.
- Read what Zenith LifeScience publishes about its product or team, so you can say clearly why this role and this company.
Apply only on Zenith LifeScience's own site. A genuine employer never asks candidates for money, deposits or bank details to apply, interview or “secure” a job. If something looks wrong, use Report a problem with this listing and we will review it. Read how we check listings.
About the role
This position will support rare disease–focused cell therapy programs, distinct from traditional oncology CAR‑T development. The scientific focus is on non‑malignant, genetically defined, or ultra‑rare indications, where therapeutic goals, experimental design, and success criteria differ from oncology applications.
Key characteristics of this rare disease focus include:
- Emphasis on precision, durability, and controlled activity rather than tumor eradication
- Engineering CAR‑T cells for long‑term function, safety, and tight regulation
- Development of logic‑gated or multi‑input CAR systems to minimize off‑target risk and enhance specificity
- Working with limited patient biology or scarce disease models, requiring thoughtful experimental design and data interpretation
- Supporting programs that may progress with smaller datasets but high mechanistic rigor
- Experience or background exclusively in oncology is welcomed, but candidates must demonstrate the ability to adapt CAR‑T strategies to rare disease biological constraints and therapeutic objectives.
For the Scientist position, the role supports rare disease programs by executing experimental plans aligned to rare disease biology , safety requirements, and regulatory expectations.
The Scientist operates with partial independence , executing experiments and delivering data within defined project frameworks . This role focuses on high‑quality execution, adherence to established protocols, and clear communication of results, with scientific direction provided by senior team members.
Key Responsibilities
- Execute pre‑designed experimental plans for CAR‑T cell engineering and validation
- Perform high-throughput lentiviral production and QC following established workflows, escalating issues as needed
- Conduct CAR validation and T‑cell functional assays with guidance on experimental objectives
- Maintain accurate, traceable, and timely experimental documentation in electronic lab notebooks
- Communicate results clearly and proactively, including deviations, challenges, or unexpected findings
- Contribute to team troubleshooting discussions
- Work independently on assigned tasks while seeking input on experimental design changes
- Adhere strictly to Company data integrity, safety, and compliance standards
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor degree with relevant experience in Immunology, Cell Biology, Bioengineering, or related field
- Hands‑on experience with CAR‑T cell therapy or engineered T cell platforms
- Demonstrated expertise in lentiviral vector production and associated QC assays
- Strong practical experience with primary T cell culture and manipulation
- Working knowledge of flow cytometry and functional T cell assays
- Ability to work independently while following established protocols