Senior Scientist, Cell Therapy
About The Position
The Senior Scientist, Cell Therapy will drive product and process characterization for cellular therapies, helping inform design decisions, accelerate candidates toward the clinic, and support development of robust, scalable processes. The role involves designing, executing, and troubleshooting experiments; generating and interpreting characterization data; and communicating findings to guide program plans and scientific decisions. The position is based in Gaithersburg, Maryland, in a fast-moving, collaborative laboratory environment. The scientist will work across disciplines with project managers and adjacent teams, maintaining rigorous documentation and data integrity to support quality, compliance, and reproducibility.
Requirements
- PhD in a relevant subject area and 0–3 years of demonstrated experience in Cellular Therapy, Cell Biology, Cell Engineering, Bioinformatics, Immunology, and/or Immuno-Oncology; alternatively, an M.S. with 5+ years of experience or a B.S. with 10+ years of experience.
- Extensive in vitro cell-characterization skills, including functional/potency assays, morphological and phenotypic assessment, and sequencing-based methods.
- Experience with multicolor flow cytometry, microscopy, biomarker and cytokine analysis, ELISA, dPCR, karyotyping, and -omics.
- Experience analyzing large process and characterization datasets using a range of statistical methods, including machine-learning algorithms.
- Well-developed understanding of molecular and cellular biology, particularly immune cell physiology, immunological assays, and cell transfection/transduction.
- Proficiency in cell culture and aseptic techniques.
- Ability to design, execute, troubleshoot, and document experiments; review, analyze, and interpret results; and communicate deliverables in a timely manner.
Nice To Haves
- Experience with genome-editing technologies such as CRISPR/Cas9, base editing, and virus-based genetic delivery systems.
- In vitro experience isolating and culturing human T cells.
- Basic experience developing cellular therapies, including CAR-T therapies.
- Proficiency with statistical software such as JMP or R.
- Experience working cross-functionally to drive project advancement.
Responsibilities
- Design and execute hands-on studies to characterize cellular therapies and support robust, scalable processes.
- Lead characterization of cellular products using techniques including multicolor flow cytometry, ELISA, dPCR, karyotyping, microscopy, biomarker and cytokine analyses, and -omics approaches.
- Assess, synthesize, and report findings clearly and promptly so insights can inform program plans.
- Independently plan, optimize, and troubleshoot experiments to meet milestones and reduce development risks.
- Partner with project managers and adjacent teams to align assay strategy, timelines, and deliverables with program needs.
- Interpret results in the context of mechanism and development to shape follow-up experiments and guide program direction.
- Maintain rigorous records and high data integrity to support quality, compliance, and reproducibility.
Benefits
- Eligibility for short-term incentive bonuses.
- Equity-based awards for salaried roles.
- Qualified retirement programs.
- Paid time off, including vacation, holidays, and leaves.
- Health coverage.
- Dental coverage.
- Vision coverage.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
