Title: Assistant Lead, TCR-T-cell Engineering and Translation
Location: Upper East Side
Org Unit: MCC Laboratories
Work Days:
Weekly Hours: 35.00
Exemption Status: Exempt
Salary Range: $128,700.00 - $146,100.00
*As required under NYC Human Rights Law Int [redacted] - Salary range for this role when Hired for NYC Offices
Position SummaryThe Assistant Lead, T-cell receptor (TCR) T cell Engineering and Translation will lead the development of next-generation TCR-engineered T-cell therapies and support their clinical translation. The role will provide scientific leadership for a multidisciplinary subteam while driving innovation and execution across multiple projects, advancing discoveries from concept through preclinical validation toward first-in-human clinical studies.
Job Responsibilities- Lead a multidisciplinary research subteam, contribute to innovation, experimental strategy, and translation of discoveries.
- Lead the development of cutting-edge approaches for precision TCR-T cell engineering to create highly potent, durable and safe personalized TCR-T cell products.
- Develop clinically actionable viral and non-viral strategies to generate ex vivo engineered TCR-T cells.
- Develop clinically actionable viral and non-viral strategies for in vivo T cell engineering.
- Guide vector architecture decisions (promoter selection, payload constraints, safety switches, expression tuning) for the above strategies.
- Design & perform in vitro & in vivo studies testing the biological properties of personalized TCR-T cell product candidates in model systems, including ex vivo and in vivo T cell engineering. Integrate pharmacology, safety, & mechanism-of-action datasets.
- Define preclinical strategy aligned with regulatory expectations (biodistribution, persistence, safety risk assessment). De-risk candidates prior to formal CMC engagement.
- Facilitate cross-functional communication and activity between laboratory teams in TCR discovery, T cell translation, vector development and clinical translation.
- Mentor and develop junior scientists and staff, promote scientific rigor, collaboration, independent thinking, and career advancement.
- Operate with highest integrity and ethics, conduct all experiments following lab, department, and college policies and procedures.
- Collect and analyze experimental results, maintain detailed and accurate record-keeping.
- Assist in grant writing and the preparation of research reports.
- Prepare scientific abstracts and articles, publish results in research journals, and present findings at conferences.
Education- PhD in Immunology, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology or related field
Experience- A minimum of 10+ years in translational immunology, cell and gene therapy.
- Prior experience in T cell engineering and therapeutics research.
- Demonstrated experience working with multidisciplinary scientific teams.
- Strong background in T cell biology, cell and/or gene therapy research.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities- Highly organized and detail-oriented with excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work in a highly engaged and fast-paced environment.
- Passionate about scientific innovation, drug discovery and development.
Licenses and CertificationsWorking Conditions/Physical DemandsAbility to work flexible hours, evenings and weekends, when requested for special projects.
