Senior Scientist Immunology

Job Description

Hillstar Bio is ushering in a new era in autoimmune disease treatment through precision immunology. The company selectively targets and depletes pathogenic immune cells while sparing healthy ones, offering the potential for durable relief and immune reset for patients with autoimmune conditions. Unlike traditional therapies that broadly suppress the immune system, Hillstar Bio's targeted approach addresses specific disease mechanisms by eliminating the underlying source and reducing the risks associated with chronic broad immunosuppression.

Hillstar Bio is revolutionizing autoimmune disease treatment through a precision-driven approach that selectively depletes pathogenic cells while preserving healthy ones. This method holds the promise of providing durable relief and improving patient outcomes compared to traditional immunosuppressive therapies. Additionally, the company's versatile approach leverages tailored discovery techniques for each therapeutic, free from the constraints of traditional drug development platforms. The new funding will propel Hillstar Bio’s lead program, which specifically targets TRBV9+ T cells, into clinical trials in 2026. Initially, the focus will be on treating axial spondyloarthritis (AxSpA) and potentially other immune and inflammatory conditions associated with HLA-B27. The investment will also support the expansion of Hillstar Bio’s portfolio, which includes a variety of precision immunology therapies aimed at specific immune cell subsets across a range of autoimmune diseases.

Hillstar Bio, a leading biotechnology company focused on developing next-generation precision immunology therapies for autoimmune diseases, announced the successful closing of a $67 million Series A financing round in March 2025. This funding was led by a syndicate of experienced investors and shareholders from the U.S., Europe, and Asia, including Droia Ventures, Frazier Life Sciences, Novo Holdings A/S, LifeArc Ventures, and Hummingbird Bioscience. Hillstar Bio is fully funded through early clinical studies to accelerate development of its TRBV9 program while expanding its pipeline of selective immune cell targeting therapies. To learn more visit

Hillstar Bio boasts a world-class team with deep expertise in antibody engineering, immunology, and clinical development. The company's approach combines cutting-edge scientific knowledge with a robust, risk-mitigating strategy, leveraging validated technologies and disease-specific biomarkers to identify the patient populations most likely to benefit from their treatments.

Job Description

Join Hillstar Bio as a Scientist/Senior Scientist Immunology overseeing the design and execution of in vitro and in vivo mechanistic, proof-of-concept and safety studies, provide scientific and technical expertise in immune cell biology, and support regulatory filing with authoring of technical reports.

This pivotal role offers a chance to shape our company culture, make a meaningful impact on patient care, and contribute to the growth of a pioneering organization. We seek a passionate, hands-on scientist with a collaborative spirit, ready to thrive in a dynamic, close-knit team environment.

Requirements

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Design, execute, and analyze in vitro and in vivo experiments to investigate disease-causing mechanisms and generate proof-of-concept studies.

Establish and validate in vitro models of autoimmune diseases; support the design and execution of in vivo experiments such as PK, tox, dosing

Develop and perform biochemical and biological assay (ELISA, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, cell sorting)

Provide scientific guidance to external academic collaborations, vendors, CROs.

Assist in authoring technical reports for regulatory filing.

Catalyze emerging scientific breakthroughs in precision immunology into new discovery programs.

Play a key team role in building and fostering Hillstar’s culture and contribute to its growth.

Collaborate on various aspects of general business and people operations, as needed.

Qualifications

PhD in Immunology or related field.

A minimum of 2 years of experience in drug development in biotech or pharma setting, with research experience in autoimmune diseases.

Demonstrated experience in humoral and cell-mediated immunology, experience with B and T cell biology is highly preferred.

Demonstrated experience with biochemical and cell-based assays (flow cytometry, cell sorting, and microscopy is required).

Relevant experience is reflected by a track record of patents and high impact publications.

Self-motivated, collaborative, excellent time management and interpersonal skills.

Experience with antibody development is a plus.

Benefits

Hillstar Bio offers a competitive compensation and benefits package that includes unlimited vacation and market-leading parental leave.

Additional Information

This is a full-time position located in our Boston, MA office. Hillstar is committed to creating a diverse work culture and we are seeking individuals of all backgrounds, orientations, and identities. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

Full-time