Scientist, Cell Therapy Process Development; In Vivo CAR-T

Position Summary

The CT‑PRE team is seeking a Scientist to help translate next‑generation cell therapies from early research into robust development platforms. The Scientist will design and execute laboratory experiments both independently and collaboratively, contributing to a highly interactive, matrixed, agile, team‑driven environment.

• Design and conduct laboratory experiments to evaluate gene delivery and cell engineering strategies for CAR‑T manufacturing feasibility.
• Lead work streams and experiments focused on the optimization and implementation of scalable lentiviral vector production for in vivo CAR‑T therapy platforms.
• Document experimental workflows, results, and deviations in electronic laboratory notebooks to ensure reproducibility and process understanding.
• Perform data analysis and communicate findings clearly to enable informed decision‑making by research and development teams.
• Participate in cross‑functional project teams and effectively communicate CT‑PRE activities, data, and recommendations.
• Collaborate closely with team members to coordinate experimental execution and deliver study outcomes.
• Train and mentor junior team members as appropriate.
• Demonstrate strong scientific rigor through critical thinking, problem‑solving, troubleshooting, and attention to detail.

• Bachelor’s Degree and 5+ years of academic and/or industry experience.
• Master’s Degree and 3+ years of academic and/or industry experience.
• Ph.D. or equivalent advanced degree in Life Sciences.

• Experience with viral vector process development, including upstream production (e.g., suspension culture, transfection parameters, bioreactor scale‑up) and downstream purification and concentration strategies.
• Experience developing and optimizing bioprocesses that are intentionally designed for scalability into STR culture and manufacturability.
• Strong understanding of viral transduction mechanisms, tropism and integration.
• Proficiency with aseptic mammalian cell culture, preferably including primary T cell culture, activation and expansion.
• Familiarity with analytical characterization and critical quality attributes for an in vivo CAR‑T drug product (titer, purity, potency, sterility).
• Understanding of T‑cell biology and immunology relevant to CAR‑T – activation, transduction efficiency, phenotype and functional assays.
• Experience with T‑cell manufacturing workflows – apheresis material handling, activation, gene delivery, expansion, formulation.
• Understanding of statistical design of experiments methodology and data analysis for process optimization.
• Familiarity with lipid nanoparticle (LNP) or other nanoparticle‑based delivery systems for in vivo and/or ex vivo T‑cell targeting and engineering.
• Knowledge of, or hands‑on experience with, site‑specific gene‑editing (preferably CRISPR‑Cas, base or prime editing) technologies.
• Working knowledge of analyzing and interpreting data from flow‑based cellular, and PCR/sequencing based molecular assays.
• Awareness of incorporation of cell‑targeting ligands in vectors, for in vivo T‑cell, or organ‑selective targeting.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills for exchanging technical and scientific information with cross‑functional teams.
• A collaborative team player who can effectively multi‑task as well as excel independently in a fast‑paced, dynamic and innovative environment.

Seattle – WA: $122,810 - $148,814. The starting compensation range(s) for this role are listed above for a full‑time employee (FTE) basis. Additional incentive cash and stock opportunities (based on eligibility) may be available. Final, individual compensation will be decided based on demonstrated experience.