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Principal Scientist, Cell Therapy
Franklin, TN
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Who Our Client Is:

Our client is a mission-driven healthcare organization focused on advancing innovation, improving patient outcomes, and strengthening communities. They believe that diversity fuels creativity, collaboration, and success. By fostering an inclusive workplace where every voice is valued, respected, and empowered, they create an environment where people can thrive both personally and professionally.


What Our Client Needs:

We are seeking a motivated biologist with a focus on immunology and T-cell engineering to support the R&D team and lead research activities from early discovery through clinical development. This role is critical in driving innovation and expanding the Extracorporeal Photopheresis (ECP) platform’s scientific and technological footprint. You will apply deep scientific expertise and robust methodologies to design and conduct experiments supporting mechanistic studies and cellular engineering initiatives.


Who You Are:

You are a scientifically curious, highly skilled immunologist with hands-on expertise in T-cell engineering and cellular therapy research. You excel at designing and executing studies, interpreting complex biological data, and translating findings into actionable program advancements. You collaborate naturally across scientific and engineering teams, communicate with clarity and confidence, and thrive in a fast-moving, innovative R&D environment where discovery fuels clinical impact.


What You’ll Do:

  • Lead research activities supporting mechanism-of-action studies and cellular engineering.
  • Design and execute in vitro (and in vivo) studies examining the effects of ECP on human biological systems.
  • Identify innovative improvements to the ECP process and evaluate them using in vitro assays.
  • Collaborate with engineers and biologists to explore and optimize T-cell engineering using CELLEX and evaluate engineered T-cell function through in vitro assays.
  • Serve as a scientific leader and mentor, supporting junior scientists and fostering a culture of innovation.
  • Contribute to candidate selection, IND-enabling studies, and regulatory documentation.
  • Stay current in the field through publications, conference participation, and academic collaboration.
  • Partner with Clinical, Regulatory, Engineering, and Business Development teams to advance programs and shape strategic direction.


This position requires minimal travel and may include mentoring junior scientists.


What You’ll Need:

  • PhD in Biology, Immunology, Biochemistry, or a related field
  • 3+ years of relevant experience in a biopharmaceutical R&D setting (preferred) or academic research
  • Proven expertise in immunology, cell therapy, and/or CAR-T cell engineering
  • Experience with cell culture, flow cytometry, cell sorting, cytotoxicity assays, and related methods
  • Experience with candidate selection and regulatory submissions is a plus
  • Excellent communication skills, with confidence presenting to executive leadership and external stakeholders


What They Offer:

  • Competitive salary and benefits package
  • Opportunities for professional development and career growth
  • Collaborative and innovative work environment
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • Life and AD&D Insurance
  • Short- and Long-Term Disability Coverage
  • 401(k) with generous company match
  • Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) with company match
  • Wellness Program and Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)


Equal Opportunity Statement:

Our client believes that diversity fuels innovation, strengthens teams, and drives success. They are committed to fostering a workplace where every individual—regardless of background—feels valued, respected, and empowered to thrive. Discrimination or harassment of any kind is strictly prohibited.


Our client does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws. Their commitment extends beyond compliance; they actively cultivate an inclusive culture where diverse perspectives are welcomed, and every employee has an equal opportunity to contribute and succeed.



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