Research Associate 2 - Translational Medicine

About Tr1X

Tr1X is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing engineered Tr1 cell therapies to restore immune balance in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Leveraging the unique biology of Tr1 cells, the company is advancing a pipeline of off-the-shelf allogeneic and in vivo CAR-Tr1 therapies designed to deliver targeted immunoregulation and address diseases driven by immune dysfunction, including transplant-related complications. Founded by pioneers in the discovery of Tr1 cells, Tr1X, Inc. is focused on developing durable, potentially curative therapies for conditions with high unmet need. For more information, visit www.tr1x.bio.

Position Summary

The Research Associate II (RA II) performs a variety of lab responsibilities in support of translational assay development and clinical sample analysis for ongoing and upcoming clinical trials. The RA II possesses a general technical understanding and foundation, strong work discipline, exceptional attention to detail, and the ability to apply critical thinking to generate reproducible, high-quality data that inform the translational development of Tr1X’s cell therapy programs. The RA II is expected to operate with a level of general knowledge and independence but will perform duties with oversight and guidance from Translational scientists. This role involves hands-on work with human blood and tissue specimens.

Key Responsibilities

Assay Development and Clinical Sample Processing

• Process human blood and tissue samples according to SOPs and established workflows.
• Perform weekly flow cytometry runs, including sample preparation, instrument setup (QC, compensation, PMT adjustments), data acquisition, and troubleshooting.
• Complete and deliver real-time data analysis, ensuring accuracy, reproducibility, and adherence to assay requirements.
• Conduct MSD/ELISA and molecular assays (e.g., dPCR) as needed.
• Maintain cell cultures and perform cell-based assays.
• Support assay development, optimization, qualification, and troubleshooting in collaboration with scientists.
• Prepare concise summaries of experimental design and results; deliver presentations in team settings.
• Ensure accurate, real-time documentation of all activities using an electronic lab notebook (ELN).
• Learn, develop and enhance lab skills, troubleshooting capabilities, and knowledge through scientific curiosity and support from more senior level scientists.

Supportive Translational Responsibilities

• Contribute to SOP drafting, updates, method documentation, and controlled form revisions.
• Participate in clinical sample management including receipt, logging, storage, aliquoting, and preparation for downstream analyses.
• Maintain detailed documentation, chain-of-custody, and compliance expectations for clinical samples.
• Perform routine lab upkeep such as reagent inventory.
• Perform other responsibilities based on business needs.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in immunology, cell biology or a related scientific field.
• Minimum 2+ years of industry or equivalent experience in assay development, immunology, cell biology, or a related field, ideally within a translational or biomarker-focused setting.
• Hands-on experience with flow cytometry–based assays, including sample processing, instrument setup, data acquisition, data analysis, and troubleshooting; experience with panel design is a plus.
• Hands-on experience in maintaining cell cultures on primary human cells.
• Experience executing cell-based assays, such as mixed lymphocyte reactions (MLRs), is a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to reproducibly conduct multiplex immunoassays (e.g., ELISA, MSD) and/or molecular assays.
• Proficiency with analytical software programs (Prism, FlowJo, etc.).
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to follow SOPs and maintain real-time, accurate documentation in ELNs.
• Familiarity with assay development, qualification, and validation workflows, and knowledge of GxP principles or compliance expectations relevant to clinical sample handling and processing, is a plus.
• Ability to prepare clear experimental summaries (design and data).
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet project timelines.
• Thrive in a fast-paced start-up environment.
• Agile, flexible mindset with strong organizational skills.
• Must be able to wear all required PPE and safely conduct experiments.

Other Requirements

• Legally authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.
• Position is on-site in San Diego, CA.

The job responsibilities and requirements provided above are intended to describe the general nature of the work performed by individuals assigned to this job classification. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and requirements. Tr1X retains the right to add, change, or delete duties, education, experience or any other requirements of the position at any time.

Working at Tr1X

At Tr1X, our team is united by a singular shared mission: to transform patients’ lives through breakthrough science. We are a group of skilled experts driven by urgency, innovation and a collaborative spirit. Our culture thrives on excellence, positivity, persistence and the agility to tackle new challenges head-on. With an unwavering commitment to patients, science and one another, we foster an environment where team members feel engaged, supported and empowered to make a meaningful impact. We envision a world where autoimmune diseases are not just being treated but are cured.

Base Pay Hiring Range Anticipated: $88,000 - $93,000

Tr1X considers a variety of factors to determine salary such as education, years of experience, time in the position level, training, knowledge, skills, geographic location, and the market value of the position.

Compensation and Benefits

Tr1X provides a fair and competitive total rewards program that includes base salary; discretionary annual target bonus; incentive stock options; 401(k) retirement plan with company contribution; health and welfare insurance plans for employees (and their families) that include medical, dental, vision, long-term and short-term disability, and life insurance; paid time off (PTO); and paid holidays.

Tr1X embraces a diverse, open, and inclusive environment and believes a strong culture connection is key to success. Tr1X is committed to fairness in recruitment, hiring, transfer, promotion or any other employment practice without regard to race, color, citizenship, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and expression, age, physical and medical disability, medical condition, genetic information, political affiliation, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you are an individual needing assistance to complete an employment application or would like to request an accommodation, please contact the Human Resources department at [email protected].

Notice to Employment Agencies

The Tr1X talent acquisition program is managed through internal resources, and unsolicited referrals and resumes are not accepted from employment agencies, unless advance written authorization is granted from the Human Resources department. Tr1X shall not be liable for any fees arising from any unsolicited or unauthorized candidate information received relative to position vacancies.