Job Description

Title: Associate Director, T Cell Engineering & Translation

Location: Upper East Side

Org Unit: MCC Laboratories

Work Days:

Weekly Hours: 35.00

Exemption Status: Exempt

Salary Range: $203,700.00 - $236,500.00

*As required under NYC Human Rights Law Int 1208-2018 - Salary range for this role when Hired for NYC Offices

Position Summary

Responsible for leading the engineering, process development, and translational advancement of TCR engineered T cell therapies from candidate nomination through clinical readiness. The Associate Director drives vector design, cell engineering, and preclinical development of next-generation TCR-T cell therapies and provides cross-functional scientific leadership across research, manufacturing, quality, and clinical translation activities.

Job Responsibilities

• Develop effective vivo T cell engineering strategies and delivery vectors.
• Lead optimization of viral and non-viral vector designs for in vivo and ex vivo generation of armored TCR-T cells.
• Provide scientific leadership for translational development activities supporting clinical readiness and IND-enabling programs.
• Collaborate with Vector Production, Quality, and Manufacturing leadership to transition preclinical products into scalable clinical processes.
• Evaluate TCR constructs for stability, reactivity, safety, and manufacturability.
• Oversee development and optimization of ex vivo TCR-T manufacturing processes.
• Conduct and direct IND-enabling studies integrating pharmacology, safety, potency, and mechanism-of-action data.
• Serve as the scientific liaison between discovery, translational, and manufacturing teams.
• Drive process improvements and strategic enhancements in cell therapy manufacturing and development.
• Ensure documentation standards support future regulatory submissions and clinical translation

Education

• Master’s Degree or Ph.D. in an appropriate field. Equivalent work experience will be considered.

Experience

• 10+ years in T cell engineering, cell therapy, or gene therapy development.
• Approximately 3+ years of experience leading translational or IND-enabling development programs in academic, biotechnology, or pharmaceutical settings.
• Demonstrated cross-functional leadership of scientific teams and complex development initiatives.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Expert knowledge of TCR-T cell biology, receptor engineering, and gene modification platforms.
• Knowledge of vector design, optimization, and safety-switch technologies.
• Understanding of translational development pathways from preclinical research through early-phase clinical trials.
• Knowledge of regulatory expectations and compliance standards supporting clinical translation.
• Ability to provide strategic scientific leadership across multidisciplinary teams.

Licenses and Certifications

Working Conditions/Physical Demands

Ability to work flexible hours, evenings and weekends, when requested for special projects.

Cornell welcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world-class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of “any person, any study.” No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual’s genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Cornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeks job candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We hire based on merit, and encourage people from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply. Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRRA) and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.