Senior Scientist, In Vivo Pharmacology

United Therapeutics Corporation•Boston, MA

4d•$127,500 - $170,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Scientist is responsible for advancing our lead cell therapy program through the design and execution of proof-of-concept, pharmacology, and mechanism-of-action studies in relevant animal models. Leveraging deep expertise in preclinical models and immunology, this role supports key development activities and contributes to the expansion of our therapeutic platform into new disease areas, including immunosenescence, aging, cancer immunotherapy, and transplant tolerance. The Senior Scientist plays an important role in shaping the scientific strategy for next-generation iPSC-derived thymic cell therapies across multiple indications and works closely with Research, Process Development, and Regulatory teams to generate high-quality data that inform development decisions and support IND-enabling studies.

Requirements

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in immunology, stem cell biology, regenerative medicine, or a related discipline
5+ of experience developing preclinical models, including the design and execution of in vivo mouse studies; hands-on expertise in immunological assay development; and a demonstrated ability to independently advance scientific projects
Strong scientific knowledge of Immunology, thymus biology, T-cell development, immune reconstitution, and immune tolerance
Proven skills to independently drive scientific projects from conceptualization, experimental design, study execution, data analysis, interpretation and presentation
Demonstrated proficiency in rodent handling, tissue collection/dissection, and multiple routes of administration, including but not limited to IV, IP, SQ et al.
Hands-on in vitro experience with the isolation, processing, and culture of primary human and murine cells and tissues, and experience in development of immunological assays, such as mixed lymphocyte's reaction, T cells activation and cell cytotoxicity assays
Multi-color flow Cytometry, qPCR or ddPCR, histology, ELISA/MSD techniques. Demonstrated ability to analyze data, apply appropriate statistical methods, and independently troubleshoot experimental variability.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, collaborative biotech environment

Nice To Haves

1+ Nonclinical development activities, IND-enabling studies, and regulatory authoring, such as experience in Proof-of-Concept studies, Pharmacology, Mechanism-of-Action studies, and translational sciences
Scientific understanding of immunosenescence, age-related immune dysfunction, tumor immunology, autoimmunity and transplantation immunology/ tolerance
Track record of scientific publications and/or intellectual property contributions

Responsibilities

Design, execute, and interpret in vivo studies to assess the efficacy, safety, pharmacology, biodistribution, persistence, and mechanism of action of iPSC-derived thymic cell products. Apply core in vivo techniques, including animal handling, cell dosing, tissue collection and dissection, to support downstream analyses
Develop and refine preclinical mouse models relevant to immune reconstitution, immunosenescence, aging, and immune tolerance to enhance translational relevance and experimental robustness
Investigate the cellular and molecular mechanisms that drive thymic regeneration, T-cell development, immune tolerance, and immunosenescence using appropriate experimental techniques
Design and implement high-dimensional immune profiling approaches, including flow cytometry, RNA-sequencing, and functional immunological assays (e.g., T-cell activation, cytotoxicity, and mixed lymphocyte reaction assays); and develop biomarker strategies that support translational research objectives
Work closely and collaboratively with iPSC Research, Process Development, Analytical Development, to evaluate product attributes associated with potency, efficacy and safety
Generate robust data packages on proof-of-concept, pharmacology, and mechanism-of-action studies, to support candidate selection and advance program toward nonclinical development
Analyze, interpret, and communicate study results to stakeholders, project teams and senior leadership
Maintain accurate, timely, and well-organized documentation of experimental design, protocols, data analysis, study reports, and ensure data integrity to support project decision-making and regulatory-supporting activities.
Assess emerging scientific literature and competitive landscape development, contribute to the evaluation of new therapeutic opportunities beyond congenital athymia
Mentor junior team members, scientists, interns to foster a scientific rigorous, collaborative, and productive work environment
All other duties as required