Head of Platform Research

Portal Biotechnologies, headquartered in Watertown, MA, is a rapidly scaling cell‑engineering platform company operating across three high‑value business lines (biopharma R&D screening, next‑generation cell therapy manufacturing, and AI training data generation), addressing markets totaling $100B+. Since launching its first product in 2024, Portal has built a network of 100+ active customers, including the top 10 global pharmaceutical companies and leading academic hospitals and cancer centers worldwide.

Backed by $15M in venture funding and an $8M DARPA contract, Portal’s proprietary mechanoporation technology enables efficient multiplex delivery of diverse cargos such as RNA, proteins, small molecules, and gene‑editing tools without compromising cell function. The approach is simple and scalable, supporting applications from high‑throughput drug screening to clinical‑scale manufacturing, and it works both as a stand‑alone system and as an integrated component in third‑party platforms.

In biopharma R&D, Portal’s products enable novel screening assays by delivering otherwise cell‑impermeable probes and candidate molecules directly into live cells, unlocking intracellular access that standard methods cannot provide. In cell therapy, Portal’s GMP‑integrated consumables and a DARPA‑funded portable device (launching 2027) are aimed at making engineered cell therapies as accessible and ubiquitous as an infusion pump. In AI training data, Portal generates high‑value, multiparametric datasets from primary cells, producing biologically relevant training data that current cell line‑based methods cannot replicate.

With a leadership team bringing decades of experience in biotech operations and clinical cell therapy development, Portal is positioned to become the foundational platform for next‑generation cell engineering, drug discovery, and biological AI data generation.

We are seeking an innovative leader, strategic thinker, and rigorous scientist to lead our talented team of scientists and researchers as the Head of Platform Research. Reporting to the CEO, the successful candidate will drive scientific discovery, translate researching findings into tangible products and solutions, and will contribute to the overall strategy and success of the company. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of cell therapy and drug discovery by working with leading researchers across biotech and pharmaceutical companies, academic and hospital groups, and cell therapy manufacturers.

The ideal candidate has a deep knowledge of immunology and/or stem cell biology, extensive discovery and pre‑clinical research experience, and an enthusiasm for building partnerships.

• Develop and communicate the scientific vision, goals, and strategic direction for the company
• Identify and prioritize areas of research and development aligned with the company’s objectives
• Foster a collaborative environment to facilitate knowledge sharing and cross‑functional collaboration within the R&D team
• Design and execute research plans, experiments, and studies to advance platform development and scientific understanding
• Evaluate and implement emerging technologies, methodologies, and tools relevant to the company’s scientific goals
• Develop and manage the scientific budget, making strategic decisions to optimize resource allocation
• Cultivate strong relationships with external partners, academic institutions, and key stakeholders to drive collaborations and access external expertise
• Contribute to intellectual property strategy, including patent filings and protection of scientific innovations
• Ensure compliance with relevant regulatory requirements, guiding the team in navigating regulatory processes and approvals
• Represent the company in scientific conferences, industry events, and engagements with key stakeholders
• Publish research findings in reputable scientific journals and contribute to the scientific community

• 10+ years of progressive experience in a leadership/management role in pharmaceutical/biotech – cell, gene, or immunotherapy, a plus
• Ph.D. in a relevant scientific discipline…