Principal Scientist (Lentivirus Downstream Process Development)

TL;DR

Principal Scientist (Lentivirus Downstream Process Development): Leading the design, optimization, and scaling of purification processes for lentiviral vectors with an accent on clarification, chromatography, and TFF for advanced cell therapy programs. Focus on driving scientific excellence in downstream processing, ensuring robust GMP-compliant manufacturing, and leading technical teams to accelerate clinical development timelines.

Location: Must be based in Somerset, New Jersey, United States (Hybrid role).

Salary: $146,410 - $192,164 USD

Company

hirify.global is a global biotechnology company dedicated to developing advanced cell therapies, including CAR-T and TCR-T, to treat and cure life-threatening diseases.

What you will do

• Design and execute efficient purification strategies for lentiviral vectors optimized for CAR-T applications.
• Direct downstream process development including clarification, chromatography, and Tangential Flow Filtration (TFF).
• Lead the translation of bench-scale processes to GMP manufacturing and provide troubleshooting support.
• Guide a team of scientists in project-specific activities and foster a culture of scientific rigor.
• Author and review technical documents, including development reports, SOPs, and CMC sections for regulatory submissions.
• Collaborate with Upstream and Analytical Development teams to ensure integrated process outcomes.

Requirements

• Advanced degree (PhD preferred, or MS) in Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Virology, or Molecular Biology.
• 8+ years (PhD) or 10+ years (MS) of experience in process development or manufacturing within a biotech/pharma setting.
• Deep technical hands-on experience in purification, chromatography, and TFF specifically for viral vectors.
• Strong understanding of GMP manufacturing requirements and CMC strategies for early-phase clinical trials.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States.

Nice to have

• Experience in developing vector processes tailored for CAR-T generation and systemic delivery.
• Experience in handling large-scale (>50L) purification processes.
• Proficiency in Mandarin.

Culture & Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match vesting on day one.
• Eight weeks of paid parental leave after three months of employment.
• Generous paid time off policy including vacation, personal, sick time, and eleven company holidays.
• Access to well-being initiatives, family planning resources, and peer-to-peer recognition programs.