Research Associate II, Cancer Biology

About Stipple Bio:

Stipple Bio, Inc. is a private biotechnology company harnessing epitope-level precision to create targeted cancer therapies. We pioneered a Pointillist ‘epitomics’ discovery platform to unlock tumor-specific epitopes and develop a pipeline of next-generation precision oncology therapeutics with a high therapeutic index. Our lead candidate STP-100, designed to avoid on-target/off-tumor toxicity, is expected to enter clinical studies in early 2027\. Stipple Bio is well capitalized and has announced a $100M Series A financing which supports the company into 2029\.

Position Summary:

The Research Associate II, Cancer Biology role at Stipple Bio is BSc/MSc level scientist position within the Research department, reporting to the Director, Cancer Biology.. Based in Cambridge, the position offers a hands-on opportunity to contribute to preclinical research focused on developing biologic cancer therapies, including antibodies, ADCs, and TCEs. Strong critical thinking skills and the ability to generate meaningful insights from data are essential. The ideal candidate will demonstrate urgency, dedication, and a passion for advancing life-changing medicines for patients.

Job Duties:

• Design and execute antibody discovery, characterization, and evaluation workflows including binding, affinity, specificity, and functional assays for therapeutic candidates
• Perform cell-based assays including proliferation/apoptosis/cytotoxicity assays, flow cytometry-based assays, internalization studies, and tumor-immune cell co-cultures to assess antibody function and cancer biology endpoints
• Design and execute in vitro cancer biology experiments using relevant tumor cell line and primary cell models to support target validation, mechanism of action studies, and lead candidate selection
• Generate, characterize, and maintain engineered cell lines and reagents (e.g., target-expressing cell lines, reporter systems) to support antibody screening and biology workflows
• Collaborate across Cancer Biology, Antibody Discovery, and Translational Research teams to advance integrated program goals
• Analyze and interpret experimental data; maintain accurate and detailed electronic laboratory notebook documentation
• Communicate experimental results at regular team meetings and actively participate in scientific discussion

Qualifications:

Required

• BS with 2\+ years of experience, or MS with 0–2 years of experience in the biotech/pharma industry or relevant academic research in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Immunology, or a related scientific field.
• Strong hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture and flow cytometry
• Hands-on experience with antibody binding and functional characterization assays (e.g., flow cytometry, ELISA, BLI/SPR, internalization)
• Experience with cancer cell biology assays (e.g., proliferation, apoptosis, cytotoxicity, immune cell co-culture)
• Solid understanding of molecular biology, cancer signaling, and antibody-based therapeutics
• Proficiency in data analysis tools (e.g., FlowJo, GraphPad Prism)

Preferred

• Familiarity with biologic cancer therapeutic modalities (e.g., ADCs, TCEs, multispecifics, or targeted agents)
• Experience supporting antibody discovery campaigns end-to-end, from target validation through lead characterization
• Hands on experience working with primary cell line culture systems
• Familiarity with tumor biology, tumor immunology, or immuno-oncology concepts and assays
• Working knowledge of CRISPR-based methodologies and cell line engineering

Personal attributes:

team oriented, goal-driven, organized, highly collaborative, open-minded, data-driven, creative, persistent in the face of obstacles and uncertainty, flexible, self-aware of strengths and weaknesses, objective in the evaluation of data and strongly optimistic about overcoming challenges.