Job Description

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 1208-2018 - Salary range for this role when Hired for NYC Offices

Position Summary

Supports 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 Certifications

Working Conditions/Physical Demands

Standard 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.

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.