Principal Scientist - Cellular Biology

Trimaren Human Capital Partners, LLC; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

Confidential Biotech in stealth mode seeks an accomplished cellular biology leader to head the Cellular Biology function. The candidate will apply deep bone marrow biology and hematology expertise to build translational cell-based models of hematologic diseases and guide portfolio decisions.

You will mentor scientists, collaborate across R&D, manage external partnerships, contribute to regulatory filings, and directly contribute at the bench during the initial build-out—roughly half of your time.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in pharmacology or related field with 8+ years in biopharma.
• Expert bone marrow biology and hematology knowledge with druggable targets.
• Hands-on experience building cell-based models of hematological diseases.

Responsibilities

• Lead cell-based models of hematologic diseases to map PD and mechanisms.
• Guide cross-functional teams and manage CRO partnerships.
• Shape discovery portfolio and clinical candidate selection.
• Contribute to regulatory filings and publications.
• Mentor junior scientists and build the function team.
• Provide hands-on bench work ~50% initially.

Skills

Flow cytometry

PCR

ELISA

Cell culture

Hematology

Project leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Ph.D. in pharmacology or related

MS in related field with extensive experience

Job description

Confidential Biotech | Stealth Mode

We are partnering with a well-capitalized, stealth-stage biotechnology company developing a differentiated therapeutic platform with the potential to address significant unmet medical needs.

We are seeking an accomplished, creative, and highly collaborative scientist to lead the Cellular Biology function. The ideal candidate will bring deep scientific and technical expertise in bone marrow biology and hematology, coupled with extensive hands-on experience developing cell-based translational models of human hematologic diseases.

This leader will play a pivotal role in advancing the company's scientific strategy, generating high-impact data to shape the discovery portfolio, prioritize therapeutic candidates, and support the progression of programs into and through the clinic.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Lead and foster high-performing internal and external teams responsible for developing and implementing cell-based models of human hematological diseases that:

• Enable deep understanding of the pharmacodynamic and mechanistic properties of our novel molecules.
• Support confident selection and prioritization of clinical candidates.
• Shape the future discovery and innovation portfolio.
• Help drive scientific strategy and shape the discovery portfolio by applying deep expertise in bone marrow biology and hematology to identify novel approaches for addressing unmet needs in priority hematological diseases.
• Partner closely with cross-functional stakeholders to ensure seamless study execution, timely data delivery, and strong alignment across the R&D pipeline.
• Establish and manage external CRO partnerships, innovation collaborations, and internal capabilities to enable therapeutic identification, candidate selection, and assay development.
• Contribute to regulatory filings, data interpretation, and scientific publications that support program objectives and portfolio decisions.
• Mentor and develop junior scientists, fostering a culture of scientific rigor, innovation, accountability, and collaboration.
• Provide hands-on scientific contribution at the laboratory bench as required, particularly during the initial build-out of the function; bench work is expected to represent approximately 50% of time initially and to decrease gradually as the team grows and matures.

REQUIREMENTS

• 8+ years of experience with a Ph.D. in pharmacology, cell biology, hematology, molecular biology, or a related discipline; or 10+ years of experience with an M.S. with extensive relevant experience in the biopharmaceutical industry.
• Expert technical and scientific background in bone marrow biology and hematology, with demonstrated application to the identification of novel druggable targets or therapeutic molecules.
• Extensive hands-on expertise developing cell-based models of genetically defined human hematological diseases.
• Proven track record of scientific leadership, people leadership, and project management, including experience leading cross-functional and collaborative projects.
• Experience contributing to regulatory filings and managing GLP or cGMP-compliant workflows is highly desirable.

SKILLS

• Proven expertise in experimental study design and implementation of research strategies that generate deep mechanistic insight into hematological disease biology and therapeutic correction.
• Deep technical and hands-on expertise with core techniques including flow cytometry, PCR, ELISA, and cell culture.
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, organizational, and stakeholder management skills.