Associate Director, Immunology and Ex Vivo Biology

About this role

Associate Director, Immunology and Ex Vivo Biology

Overview

EnquBio is a technology-driven discovery and contract research organization (CRO) based in San Diego, providing biology-focused preclinical drug discovery services. We partner with biopharmaceutical companies to accelerate the development of novel therapeutics across a broad range of disease areas.

We are seeking an experienced Associate Director with deep scientific expertise in immunology, inflammation, and ex vivo pharmacology to join our scientific leadership team. This role will provide scientific leadership and operational oversight for immunology-focused in vitro and ex vivo studies, including immune profiling and functional characterization of tissues from preclinical disease models, human tissue-based studies, and advanced cell culture systems. The successful candidate will drive the development of innovative assay capabilities and ensure high-quality delivery of client-sponsored research programs. The ideal candidate will combine strong technical expertise with demonstrated project leadership, team management, and client-facing experience in a CRO, biotech, or pharmaceutical environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide scientific leadership and technical oversight for immunology, inflammation, and ex vivo pharmacology research programs, ensuring high-quality study execution and timely project delivery.
• Lead the design, development, optimization, and implementation of immunology-focused in vitro and ex vivo assays, including primary tissue-based and advanced 3D co-culture models.
• Oversee immune cell-based functional assays, including immune cell activation, proliferation, differentiation, cytokine production, cytotoxicity, and immune cell–target cell interactions.
• Lead the development and application of multiparameter flow cytometry assays for immune cell phenotyping, functional characterization, and immune profiling.
• Direct the development and execution of primary immune cell cultures, immune cell co-culture systems, and functional assays using animal and human tissues.
• Oversee ex vivo analysis of tissues collected from preclinical autoimmune and inflammatory disease models, including immune cell profiling, functional assays, and cytokine analysis.
• Lead the development and application of human tissue-based experimental systems, including fresh tissue cultures, 3D co-culture models, and organoid-based assays, where appropriate.
• Serve as a scientific lead for client-sponsored programs, providing expertise in study design, data interpretation, troubleshooting, and scientific reporting.
• Partner with business development and project management teams to support technical proposals, client discussions, and new business opportunities.
• Identify and implement new technologies and assay capabilities to expand EnquBio’s translational immunology and ex vivo pharmacology service offerings.
• Lead, mentor, and develop scientific staff, fostering technical excellence, collaboration, and accountability.
• Collaborate with cross-functional scientific and operational teams to optimize resources, improve workflows, and support business growth.
• Contribute to scientific strategy, capability planning, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Qualifications

• PhD in Immunology, Cellular Biology, Molecular Biology, Pharmacology, or a closely related discipline is required.
• 7+ years of relevant research experience, including substantial experience in biotech, pharmaceutical, or CRO environments.
• Deep scientific expertise in immunology, inflammation, immune cell biology, and ex vivo pharmacology, preferably with experience in autoimmune or inflammatory disease research.
• Extensive hands-on experience with multiparameter flow cytometry, including panel design, assay development, optimization, and complex data analysis.
• Demonstrated expertise in primary immune cell isolation, culture, functional characterization, and immune cell co-culture systems.
• Strong experience with ex vivo tissue-based studies, including immune profiling and functional analysis of tissues collected from preclinical disease models.
• Experience with human primary cells, fresh human tissue-based assays, or advanced co-culture systems is highly desirable.
• Experience with cytokine analysis, ELISA, multiplex immunoassays, and other relevant immunological techniques.
• Proven ability to independently design and lead complex scientific studies, troubleshoot technical challenges, and interpret data.
• Demonstrated experience leading scientific projects and mentoring or supervising research staff.
• Strong scientific communication and presentation skills, with the ability to engage effectively with clients and cross-functional teams.
• Experience in client-facing scientific leadership, proposal development, or CRO project management is strongly preferred.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and leadership skills, with the ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and priorities.

Physical Requirements

This role involves working in laboratory and office environments. Candidates must be able to:

• Work with biohazardous materials and chemicals in compliance with applicable safety standards.
• Perform laboratory procedures, including handling biological samples and research materials.
• Wear required PPE including gloves, lab coat, and eye/face protection.
• Stand, sit, and walk for extended periods; crouch, bend, twist, and reach as needed; perform tasks involving repetitive motions.
• Routinely lift, push, or pull up to 10 lbs.
• Possess visual acuity sufficient to perform detailed laboratory work and data review.

At EnquBio, we are dedicated to fostering a workplace that celebrates diversity and inclusivity. As an equal opportunity employer, we extend fair employment opportunities to all individuals, irrespective of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or other legally protected status.

Come join us in shaping the future of biotechnology through our commitment to operational excellence and innovation.