Immunology Scientist​/Research Scientist

Valora Therapeutics Inc. (Valora) is a pre-clinical stage biopharmaceutical company based in San Diego, California, USA, pioneering a new biologic platform invented by Nobel Laureate Dr. Carolyn Bertozzi (Stanford). Our proprietary platform technology enables the engineering of chimeric antibodies to unlock new mechanisms of immune signaling and activity, paving the way for transformative therapies in oncology, immune diseases, and beyond.

Valora is excited to expand our Immunology team and is looking for a highly motivated scientist to support our R&D Operations in developing next-generation antibody therapeutics using our proprietary chimeric antibody platform. This role will focus on hands‑on laboratory work and will include activities such as the following:

• Design and execute experiments to evaluate novel engineered antibodies, demonstrating critical thinking and problem‑solving skills.
• Develop and optimize in vitro and ex vivo assays to elucidate cellular and molecular immunological mechanisms.
• Analyze complex datasets, interpret results, and present findings to cross‑functional teams.
• Contribute to the development of new hypotheses and experimental approaches in team discussions.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in immunology and antibody engineering, applying this knowledge to ongoing projects.

• For Scientist I:
  PhD in immunology, or a related field. Experience in a biopharmaceutical industry setting is valued but not required.
• For Research Scientist: a master’s degree with 6+ years of experience or bachelor’s degree with 8+. Experience in the biopharmaceutical industry setting is required.

• Strong foundation in cellular and molecular immunology, with expertise in NK cell, macrophage, or T cell biology
• In‑depth understanding of immuno‑oncology concepts and mechanisms
• Knowledge of glycobiology and glyco‑immunology is desirable
• Molecular immunology assays to interrogate signaling pathways and evaluate mechanisms of action
• Proficiency in the following laboratory techniques:
• Functional assays such as (1) Cytotoxicity assays (e.g., 51
  
  Cr release, LDH release, real‑time cell analysis), (2) Proliferation assays (e.g., CFSE dilution, 3H‑thymidine incorporation), (3) Cytokine production and secretion assays (e.g., ELISPOT, intracellular cytokine staining), (4) Antibody‑dependent cellular cytotoxicity/phagocytosis (ADCC/ADCP) and complement‑dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) assays
• Multi‑color flow cytometry for immunophenotyping and functional readouts
• MSD, Luminex, or other multiplex assays for analyte measurement
• Molecular immunology assays to interrogate signaling pathways and evaluate mechanisms of action
• Experience with primary cell isolation and culture techniques
• Familiarity with antibody engineering concepts and methods, including Fc engineering for enhanced effector functions, Bispecific and multispecific antibody formats, etc.

• Strong analytical and data interpretation skills, with the ability to integrate complex datasets from multiple assay types
• Proficiency in statistical analysis and data visualization tools (e.g., Graph Pad Prism, etc)
• Excellent documentation practices and attention to detail, including experience with electronic lab notebooks (ELNs)
• Ability to design and execute well‑controlled experiments, including power analysis for appropriate sample size determination
• Experience with systematic literature review and critical evaluation of scientific papers, including meta‑analysis techniques
• Familiarity with project management tools and techniques to coordinate complex experimental workflows
• Experience with literature review and critical evaluation of scientific papers

• Demonstrated ability to think critically and approach scientific problems creatively
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, for presenting complex scientific concepts
• Collaborative mindset with the ability to work effectively in cross‑functional teams
• Adaptability and willingness to learn new techniques and concepts quickly
• Self‑motivated with the…