OPEN POSITION:

Scientist, Cell and Biomaterials Development

Location: Houston, TX
Employment Type: Full-time/Exempt
To apply: Fill out our online form >

Company Overview:

RBL LLC is a Houston-based company incubator with the mission to select, develop, and spin out intellectual property, aiming to drive innovative biotech ventures.  RBL LLC’s team of industry-experienced company builders provides comprehensive services to startups, including lab and office space, financial, administrative, and business development support, as well as clinical trial design, implementation, talent acquisition, and capital sourcing to help early-stage companies build a strong foundation for clinical success.

Job Summary:

We are seeking a highly motivated and innovative Scientist, Cell & Biomaterials Development, to consult on a full-time basis. The ideal candidate will bring a strong background in cell therapy, process development, and/or biomaterials science, with hands-on experience developing therapeutic platforms and scaling processes for translational and clinical applications. This individual will play a critical role in advancing programs from discovery through IND-enabling studies and early-stage clinical development by integrating biomaterials evaluation, cell therapy development, and robust manufacturing processes.

Key Responsibilities:

Cell Therapy Development

  • Design and execute laboratory experiments to develop and optimize cell therapy platforms. Prepare study protocols and reports.

  • Perform mammalian cell culture, genetic modification, expansion, cryopreservation, and functional characterization of cell lines.

  • Conduct in vitro and in vivo studies evaluating therapeutic performance and biocompatibility.

Process Development

  • Design and develop processes for biologics, biomaterials, and/or cell/gene therapies.

  • Apply statistical tools and Quality by Design (QbD) principles to process optimization and validation.

  • Support technology transfer to internal groups and external CDMOs/CMOs.

  • Author and review technical reports, SOPs, batch records, and regulatory documentation.

  • Troubleshoot process-related issues and implement improvements to enhance yield, cost, and quality.

Biomaterials Innovation

  • Design, synthesize, and characterize biomaterials (e.g., polymers, hydrogels, scaffolds) for therapeutic applications. Prepare study protocols and reports.

  • Characterize biomaterials using advanced techniques (mechanical testing, rheology, SEM/TEM, spectroscopy, etc.).

  • Collaborate cross-functionally to integrate biomaterials into cell therapy and regenerative medicine platforms.

  • Optimize material formulations to support cell growth, differentiation, or therapeutic delivery.

Collaboration & Communication

  • Partner with Research, Manufacturing, Quality, and Regulatory teams to align R&D with clinical and commercial goals.

  • Analyze, interpret, and present data to internal teams and external collaborators.

  • Contribute to regulatory filings (e.g., IND, BLA) and scientific publications.

  • Stay current with industry trends, emerging technologies, and regulatory requirements.

Qualifications:

  • Ph.D. in Cell Biology, Biomaterials, Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, or related field with 2–5 years postdoctoral/industry experience; or M.S. with 4–7+ years of relevant experience.

  • Strong foundation in mammalian cell culture and aseptic technique.

  • Hands-on experience in biomaterials synthesis, characterization, and evaluation of cell–material interactions.

  • Experience with process development for biologics and/or cell therapies.

  • Familiarity with cryopreservation, recovery, and stability testing of cell products.

  • Proficiency in multiparameter flow cytometry, cellular assays, and statistical data analysis software (e.g., JMP, Minitab).

  • Strong problem-solving and experimental design skills. Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Preferred Skills:

  • Experience with process development for cell therapy manufacturing, including scale-up, bioreactor culture, and closed-system technologies.

  • Knowledge of GMP principles and regulatory requirements for cell and gene therapy products.

  • Experience contributing to IND-enabling studies or regulatory documentation

  • Works independently

  • Team player

RBL LLC is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic as defined by applicable laws.  If you require reasonable accommodation during the application or hiring process, please contact hr@rbl-llc.com.