Scientist II/Sr. Scientist I, Immunology

Salary Band: $150,000-$180,000

Location: South San Francisco, CA

Job Summary

We are seeking an immunologist with experience in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases (not I/O) who owns the biology. As a member of a highly integrated team of biologists, computational scientists and protein scientists, you will design, execute, and interpret the in vitro and ex vivo experiments that determine whether a target is tractable, whether a compound engages it in human cells, and whether that engagement produces the biology we intended.

You will work in project teams and tackle the questions that determine program progression: is the cellular phenotype on-target, does the mechanism hold up in disease-relevant human systems, and what do the assay data tell us about whether to advance a series. Our research is focused on small-molecule modulation of immune signaling pathways that drive pathogenic inflammation, with the aim of achieving the selectivity and durability that current immunosuppressive approaches have not delivered.

The portfolio spans early target validation through IND-enabling studies, so you will see biology carried from first cellular proof of mechanism through to a development candidate. This is a hands-on individual-contributor role on the Antares scientific track, based in South San Francisco. The role is offered at the Scientist or Senior Scientist level; scope, independence, and cross-functional influence scale with experience.

We are looking for a scientifically rigorous and collaborative colleague who thrives in a data-driven and scientifically ambitious culture, who measures success by program impact rather than experiments run, and who is motivated by the prospect of bringing a first-in-class medicine to patients.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and own in vitro and ex vivo experiments, including the development and qualification of primary human immune cell assays, to evaluate immune cell function, target engagement, and mechanism of action for therapeutic candidates.
• Independently analyze and interpret complex datasets, and communicate findings, limitations, and recommendations clearly to project teams and leadership.
• Partner with colleagues across chemistry, protein sciences, and pharmacology to translate biological questions into experiments that inform design decisions and program progression.
• Build the cellular mechanism-of-action and target engagement package that supports candidate selection, and contribute to IND-enabling studies, data packages, and regulatory documents.
• Bring new methods and insights from the literature into the group, and evaluate and recommend approaches that strengthen how we interrogate immune biology.
• At the Senior Scientist level: independently lead a defined experimental workstream, establish internal best practice for the assays you own, and mentor junior scientists.

Qualifications

• PhD in Immunology or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Scientist: PhD with 2+ years of post-doctoral or industry experience; or MS with 6+ years; or BS with 10+ years of relevant biotech or pharma experience.
• Senior Scientist: PhD with 5+ years of industry experience, with a demonstrated record of independent delivery and cross-functional influence.
• Hands-on experience developing and qualifying functional assays in primary human immune cells, where your data measurably influenced a target assessment or a program decision. This is central to the role.
• Deep understanding of immune pathways and cellular immunology in autoimmunity, including B and T cell biology, macrophage activation, innate immunity, and autoimmune disease mechanisms.
• Proficiency in cell-based assay development, CRISPR-based target validation in primary immune cells, with working knowledge of standard molecular biology techniques (e.g., qPCR).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present and defend data to a cross-functional audience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience generating and analyzing single-cell RNAseq datasets.
• Experience with multi-color flow cytometry
• Experience with in vivo autoimmune or inflammatory disease models.
• Prior experience supporting IND-enabling studies or regulatory data packages.
• A track record of scientific contribution (publications, presentations, or patents).

The anticipated annual salary range for this position is $150,000-$180,000 annually. The actual salary offered will be based on a number of factors, including but not limited to the qualifications of the applicant, years of relevant experience, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and if applicable, the location in which the applicant lives and/or from which they will be performing the job.