Title: Senior Principal Scientist, Engineered TIL Process Development
Location: Upper East Side
Org Unit: MCC Laboratories
Work Days:
Weekly Hours: 35.00
Exemption Status: Exempt
Salary Range: $101,000.00 - $126,400.00
*As required under NYC Human Rights Law Int [redacted] - Salary range for this role when Hired for NYC Offices
Position SummarySupports the development of next-generation tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapies engineered with synthetic gene modules to enhance T-cell function. This role reports to the T cell Translational Lead and works collaboratively with the broader team to deliver IND ready engineered TIL candidates for clinic.
Job Responsibilities- Design and conduct IND enabling preclinical studies for next-generation engineered TIL programs, including development and execution of experimental workflows for cell-based therapy manufacturing processes.
- Perform TIL manufacturing and process development activities, including tumor processing, cell isolation, activation, expansion, genetic modification, optimization of culture conditions, and analytical characterization.
- Oversee the transfer of such processes and technologies to the GMP manufacturing platform
- Generate reprogrammed and engineered TIL products using molecular biology, gene engineering, and genomic technologies, including viral and non-viral gene delivery platforms and genome editing approaches.
- Design and perform cell-based functional assays to evaluate the biological properties of engineered TILs in vitro, including cytotoxicity, proliferation, cytokine production, phenotype, persistence, and other immune functional readouts.
- Evaluate the potency and safety of engineered TILs in relevant models and systems, ensure regulatory compliance.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with internal and external teams in discovery research, analytical, regulatory and quality to guide technical strategy and advance gene therapy initiatives.
- Analyze experimental data, prepare summaries, and present findings at laboratory and project team meetings, contributing to scientific discussions and experimental planning.
- Maintain accurate and detailed documentation of experimental procedures and results in electronic laboratory notebooks.
- Prepare scientific and regulatory documents including SOPs and INDs. Ensure compliance with laboratory quality standards and good documentation practices.
- Mentor and train 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.
Education- Ph.D. in Immunology, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, or related field.
Experience- Minimum 8+ years research experience in cell therapy or related discipline within academia and/or industry.
- Prior experience in TIL and T cell therapy process development is required.
- Proficient in preparation of SOPs and laboratory quality standards.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities- Strong background in T cell biology, especially development of TIL therapies.
- Highly collaborative, ability to multitask and work cross-functionally.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to pay close attention to detail.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced and milestone-oriented environment
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Licenses and CertificationsWorking Conditions/Physical DemandsStandard laboratory conditions; This position may require standing or sitting for long periods of time; This role requires working within Biologic Safety Level 1 and 2.
