Job Description

Title: Translational Discovery lead , T Cell Therapy

Location: Upper East Side

Org Unit: MCC Laboratories

Work Days:

Weekly Hours: 35.00

Exemption Status: Exempt

Salary Range: $165,700.00 - $188,000.00

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

Position Summary

The Translational Discovery Lead will support the development of next-generation T-cell receptor (TCR)-engineered T-cell and armored tumor infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapies by bridging translational discoveries through reverse translation. This dynamic role will generate translational analyses strategies and implement workflows for discovery science using patients’ samples in preparation for and in the context of clinical studies. Such analyses aim to elucidate biological mechanisms of therapeutic resistance versus response. The Lead will enable cycles of iterative learning that will drive the further development of next generation efficacious products. They may inform actionable biomarkers that enable patient stratification to guide the rational advancement of T cell therapy products.

Job Responsibilities

• Design and execute translational research studies and workflows that will examine in great depth the T cell and tumor microenvironment states in the context of T cell therapy development.
• Employ state of the art interrogation of pre and post therapy patient-derived tumor and blood samples across high-dimensional and multi-omics assay platforms.
• Collect and analyze experimental data, coordinate with institutional and bioinformatics resources for data storage and interpretation, and maintain a streamlined knowledge‑management system with accurate records.
• Discover and validate biomarkers using translational datasets (scRNA‑seq, TCR‑seq, transcriptomics, flow cytometry, tissue imaging).
• Partner with clinical analytical teams to develop assays or companion diagnostics for patient stratification and pharmacodynamic monitoring.
• Facilitate cross-functional communication and collaboration, internal and external, with research, clinical and regulatory to enable IND fillings.
• Mentor and develop 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.
• Assist in preparing grants, research reports and regulatory documents. Contribute to peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.

Education

• Ph.D. in Immunology, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, or related field.

Experience

A minimum of 10 years research experience in tumor immunology, cell therapy or related discipline within academia and/or industry.

Prior experience in T cell therapy translational research and biomarker development.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong background in T cell biology, translational studies.
• Deep knowledge of clinical trial design and translational endpoints.
• Familiarity with high-throughput multi-omics data.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary scientific teams
• 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 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.