Director, Cellular Therapy Program

IU Health Physicians; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 250,000 - 350,000; Full time

Job summary

IU Health Physicians is seeking a dynamic physician-scientist to lead our Cellular Therapy Program in Indianapolis, IN. This role involves overseeing clinical operations, academic initiatives, and translational research in hematologic malignancies and solid tumors.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in stem cell transplantation, leadership experience in clinical research, and a track record of funding and scholarly publications.

Qualifications

• At least 5 years of leadership experience directing clinical and/or translational research in hematologic malignancies or cellular therapy.
• A track record of independent, extramural funding (e.g., NIH R01 or equivalent).
• Demonstrated excellence in scholarship with multiple publications or grants related to hematology or cellular therapies.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight for the adult and pediatric cellular therapy programs.
• Collaborate closely with the Director of Stem Cell Transplantation to maintain FACT accreditation.
• Lead and expand a high-impact research portfolio in cellular immunotherapy.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organizational skills

Expertise in stem cell transplantation

Cellular immunotherapy knowledge

Education

MD or MD/PhD with Board Certification in Hematology and/or Oncology

Job description

Indiana University School of Medicine & Indiana University Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center

Location: Indianapolis, IN

Indiana University hosts the state's only academic stem cell transplantation and cellular therapy program, with a longstanding history dating back to 1987. The program operates within IU Health and the Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, and its pediatric efforts are based at Riley Hospital for Children, Indiana's only dedicated children's hospital.

Position Summary

We are seeking a dynamic physician‑scientist to lead our Cellular Therapy Program, overseeing clinical operations, academic initiatives, and translational research in both hematologic malignancies and solid tumors. The Director will provide strategic leadership to expand and enhance our clinical, research, and educational missions and collaborate across departments to support innovative investigator‑initiated trials, cellular product development, and translational discovery.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight for the adult and pediatric cellular therapy programs, spanning both malignant and benign hematologic conditions and solid tumors.
• Collaborate closely with the Director of Stem Cell Transplantation to maintain FACT accreditation and ensure programmatic excellence.
• Work in partnership with the Cellular Therapy Laboratory Director to maintain compliance with regulatory and quality standards.
• Serve as a senior member of the Brown Center for Immunotherapy, fostering integration between research and clinical programs.
• Lead and expand a high‑impact research portfolio in cellular immunotherapy, with an emphasis on investigator‑initiated trials and translational innovation.
• Mentor junior faculty and trainees across the School of Medicine.
• Engage internal and external stakeholders to broaden patient access and referral networks.

Qualifications

• MD or MD/PhD with Board Certification in Hematology and/or Oncology.
• At least 5 years of leadership experience directing clinical and/or translational research in hematologic malignancies or cellular therapy.
• A track record of independent, extramural funding (e.g., NIH R01 or equivalent).
• Demonstrated excellence in scholarship with multiple publications or grants related to hematology or cellular therapies.
• Eligibility for appointment at the Associate or Full Professor level.
• Expertise in stem cell transplantation and cellular immunotherapy.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity and inclusion at IU Health. IU Health does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, national origin, gender identity and/or expression, marital status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

Indiana University Health, Indiana University Health Physicians and Indiana University School of Medicine are EOE/AA Employers, M/F/D.