Scientist (San Francisco-based

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 a PhD-level scientist who enjoys applying their scientific expertise beyond the bench while remaining deeply connected to cutting-edge science and technology. In this role, you’ll be instrumental in deploying Portal’s platform with customers and partner organizations by building trusted relationships and collaborating with a diverse mix of industry and academic professionals.

The ideal candidate brings an extroverted, entrepreneurial mindset, a passion for scientific innovation, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, goal-oriented environment. This role sits at the intersection of science, strategy, and sales - perfect for someone who enjoys translating complex biology into real-world impact.

• Identify and explore new application areas by extending insights from existing use cases and new discoveries where Portal’s platform can deliver meaningful impact and drive future growth
• Proactively seek, evaluate, and generate new business opportunities through outbound efforts, including digital prospecting tools, market research, and networking at events and conferences
• Partner closely with customers to design and execute experiments that explore new applications and support the successful adoption of Portal’s platform
• Effectively communicate Portal’s current and emerging technical capabilities through email, phone, virtual and in-person meetings, tailored presentations, and live demonstrations
• Take a consultative approach to engage scientific and business leaders, uncovering opportunities to grow customer value through thoughtful product positioning and differentiation
• Collaborate cross-functionally to advance partnerships, lead technical discussions, and support deal progression and negotiations
• Inform and support product development by maintaining a strong understanding of customer needs, market dynamics, and industry trends

• PhD in molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, immunology, stem cell biology or related field
• 1-3 years of experience in a consultative sales, business development, or technical commercial role within biotech, life science tools, or a related environment - experience with or understanding of cell and gene therapy (C>) products and…