Assistant Lead, TCR-T-cell Engineering and Translation

Weill Cornell Medicine; New York (NY); On-site; USD 129,000 - 146,000; Full time

Job summary

Weill Cornell Medicine seeks an Assistant Lead for TCR-T-cell Engineering and Translation to steer the development of next‑generation TCR‑engineered T‑cell therapies from concept to first‑in‑human studies.

The role drives scientific leadership across a multidisciplinary team, advancing projects through preclinical validation while ensuring regulatory readiness and rigorous data integrity.

Qualifications

• PhD required in immunology, molecular biology, cell biology or related field.
• 10+ years in translational immunology or cell/gene therapy.
• Experience in T cell engineering and therapeutics research.
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary scientific teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead a multidisciplinary research subteam and drive innovation and translation of discoveries.
• Develop cutting-edge approaches for precision TCR-T cell engineering for potent, durable products.
• Design and execute in vitro and in vivo studies to test TCR-T cell candidates.
• Guide vector architecture decisions for TCR-T strategies (promoters, payloads, safety switches).
• Define preclinical strategy with regulatory expectations and risk assessment.
• Mentor junior scientists, promote rigor, and foster collaboration.

Skills

Leadership

Translational immunology

TCR-T engineering

Cell therapy

Education

PhD in Immunology, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology or related field

Job description

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Title: Assistant Lead, TCR-T-cell Engineering and Translation

Title: Assistant Lead, TCR-T-cell Engineering and Translation

Org Unit: MCC Laboratories

Work Days:

Weekly Hours:35.00

Exemption Status:Exempt

Salary Range:$128,700.00-$146,100.00

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

Position Summary

The Assistant Lead, T-cell receptor (TCR) T cell Engineering and Translation will lead the development of next-generation TCR-engineered T-cell therapies and support their clinical translation. The role will provide scientific leadership for a multidisciplinary subteam while driving innovation and execution across multiple projects, advancing discoveries from concept through preclinical validation toward first-in-human clinical studies.

Job Responsibilities

• Lead a multidisciplinary research subteam, contribute to innovation, experimental strategy, and translation of discoveries.
• Lead the development of cutting-edge approaches for precision TCR-T cell engineering to create highly potent, durable and safe personalized TCR-T cell products.
• Develop clinically actionable viral and non-viral strategies to generate ex vivo engineered TCR-T cells.
• Develop clinically actionable viral and non-viral strategies for in vivo T cell engineering.
• Guide vector architecture decisions (promoter selection, payload constraints, safety switches, expression tuning) for the above strategies.
• Design & perform in vitro & in vivo studies testing the biological properties of personalized TCR-T cell product candidates in model systems, including ex vivo and in vivo T cell engineering. Integrate pharmacology, safety, & mechanism-of-action datasets.
• Define preclinical strategy aligned with regulatory expectations (biodistribution, persistence, safety risk assessment). De-risk candidates prior to formal CMC engagement.
• Facilitate cross-functional communication and activity between laboratory teams in TCR discovery, T cell translation, vector development and clinical translation.
• Mentor and develop 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.
• Collect and analyze experimental results, maintain detailed and accurate record-keeping.
• Assist in grant writing and the preparation of research reports.
• Prepare scientific abstracts and articles, publish results in research journals, and present findings at conferences.

Education

• PhD in Immunology, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology or related field

Experience

• A minimum of 10+ years in translational immunology, cell and gene therapy.
• Prior experience in T cell engineering and therapeutics research.
• Demonstrated experience working with multidisciplinary scientific teams.
• Strong background in T cell biology, cell and/or gene therapy research.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• 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, 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). We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.