Scientist, Research & Development

Moonlight Bio

Moonlight Bio

Seattle, WA, USA
USD 120k-135k / year
Posted on Jan 25, 2026

About Moonlight Bio:

Moonlight Bio is a Seattle-based, preclinical stage biotech company pioneering the development of cutting-edge cell therapies for the treatment of cancer. Our team is comprised of highly collaborative individuals who are passionate about designing innovative technologies and drug candidates with the potential to transform the lives of cancer patients. Engaging across the entire drug development landscape, our research and development teams are pursuing opportunities in discovery research, component design and screening, preclinical modeling, process and analytical development, and partnerships necessary to enable and advance our core technologies.

Role:

We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Scientist with a strong expertise in immunology and T cell engineering to join our team. This position is primarily a lab-based, on-site position working in our office and laboratory in Seattle’s Eastlake neighborhood, and reports to an Associate Director of Research & Development. This individual will play a key role in advancing our cell therapy programs from preclinical research to clinical development, leading both exploratory and IND-enabling studies. The ideal candidate will be experienced in the cell therapy field, have demonstrated scientific excellence, a strong sense of curiosity, and a proven capacity for working collaboratively with a ‘team science’ mindset to tackle the challenges that come with developing cell therapies.

Key Responsibilities Include:

· Design, clone, and evaluate novel T cell targeting architectures and potency enhancement strategies.

· Develop, scale, and characterize engineered T cell products, including in vitro immunological assessments, e.g., cell phenotyping via flow cytometry, functional assessment via cytokine production and cytotoxicity assays.

· Design and execute murine tumor model studies to support pharmacology, efficacy, and mechanism of action analyses.

· Analyze, interpret, and present data to assorted audiences, including executive leadership, advisory boards, founders, and external collaborators.

· Contribute to IND-enabling studies and regulatory documentation.

· Actively participate in cross-functional project teams and contribute to a collaborative research culture.

Qualifications:

· PhD in immunology, molecular biology, biomedical sciences, or related disciplines.

· 2+ years of industry experience preferred.

  • Expertise with mammalian cell line and primary cell culture.
  • Established knowledge and technical proficiency in engineered T cell biology and in vitro immunological assays (flow cytometry, cytokine production, cytotoxicity assays, etc.).

· Proficiency in mouse handling, including injections, monitoring, and tissue harvest.

  • Track record of producing high quality scientific results as an individual contributor.
  • Excellent organization and communication skills (written and oral).
  • Demonstrated ability to consistently meet deadlines and balance time and effort across multiple workstreams.
  • Proven ability to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams and a proactive attitude towards problem-solving and innovation.

What you should know:

· The base pay range for this position at commencement of employment is expected to be between $120,000-$135,000.

· The base pay offered may vary depending on a variety of individualized factors, including the relevance, and years, of the applicant’s experience, job-related knowledge, skill set, certifications, qualifications, and/or professional licenses held, and market location.

· Full time employees (and their eligible dependents) will be eligible for employee benefits including PTO, medical, dental, and vision plans from the first day of employment. Further, Moonlight supports its team members in pursuing certifications, conferences, and training relevant to their roles.

At Moonlight Bio, we are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to characteristics and statuses protected under applicable federal, state, and local laws. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. Moonlight Bio will not sponsor applicants for work visas.

Join us at Moonlight Bio and contribute to groundbreaking research that has the potential to create innovative and powerful new cancer therapies! With our collaborative, team-centric R&D approach, and our dedication to professional development, you’ll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on patients’ lives while advancing your career in the dynamic field of cell therapy.

Please apply directly within LinkedIn or submit your resume/CV and cover letter to careers@moonlightbio.us