Principal Scientist Cell Therapy

Be part of something bigger at Minaris Advanced Therapies—where every role contributes to creating hope for patients around the world. As a global leader in cell and gene therapy development, manufacturing, and testing, we turn breakthrough science into real-world treatments that change lives. Our team of over 1,000 experts across North America, Europe, and Asia has helped bring transformative therapies to market.

At Minaris, you’ll join a purpose-driven community focused on innovation, collaboration, and patient impact. Whether you’re in the lab, in the cleanroom, or behind the scenes, your work will directly support life-saving therapies and make a lasting difference. If you're passionate about advancing cutting-edge science and believe in the potential of cell and gene therapies, we invite you to help shape the future of medicine—one patient at a time.

Position Summary

Scientific leader to lead process development efforts in cell therapy. The successful candidate will be an accomplished scientist with extensive experience in cell therapy instrumentation, emerging technologies, and process optimization. This role requires deep familiarity with GMP manufacturing environments, as well as a strong track record of delivering both client-sponsored and/or internal R&D projects. The Principal Scientist will be responsible for development, scale-up/out, and verification of clinical and commercial manufacturing processes. Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills and supports client-facing activities for the Process Development & Commercialization team. Contributes to the achievement of company and departmental goals and objectives.

Essential Functions And Responsibilities

• Responsible for successful process development and technology transfer of Cell Therapy products. Drive client-facing projects, serving as the primary technical lead, ensuring milestones are achieved on time and to regulatory standards.
• Serves as a technical lead for process development projects, responsible for experimental design of process development studies, applying Quality by Design principles and Design of Experiment methodologies where appropriate.
• Applies understanding of regulatory expectations to process development strategies. Contributes to process risk assessments. Justifies development strategies and experiment designs.
• Responsible for trouble shooting, deviation investigation, and product impact assessment for projects employing developed technology/processes.
• Serve as a subject matter expert (SME) on cell processing technologies, including cell isolation, activation, genetic modification, expansion, and formulation/fill-finish.
• Evaluate and implement new instrumentation and automation platforms to enhance scalability, reproducibility, and cost efficiency.
• Design, execute, and oversee complex experimental studies to support process development and technology innovation.
• Interacts internally with Manufacturing, Engineering, Facilities, Validation, Quality Assurance, Quality Control, Project Management, and Materials Management groups. Interacts externally with clients, material/equipment vendors and commercial partners.
• Responsible for activities required for successful operation of assigned project area including Writing, reviewing and approving experimental protocols, coordinating activities in the laboratory, developing Bill of Materials (BOM), executing and documenting experimental studies according to local Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) or established practices, reviewing and reporting data, and contributing to technical reports.
• Reviews laboratory notebooks and logbooks.
• Contributes to operations of the process development lab, including training of new employees.
• Contributes to CMC enabling documentation
• Understands and applies principles of biosafety to maintain a safe workplace for self and others.
• Perform job specific tasks in compliance with applicable Regulations, International Standards, and company Policies and Standard Operating Procedures.
• Ability to work in a team environment and independently as required
• Contributes to the overall operations and to the achievement of departmental goals
• Thorough understanding of Good Laboratory Practices and Good Manufacturing Practices
• Other duties as assigned
  
  

Knowledge, Skills & Ability

• Experience with cell therapy products is required.
• Possesses knowledge of cell therapy production at small and/or large scale. Experience with procedures for isolation, activation, electroporation, viral vector transduction, expansion, formulation and cryopreservation cell therapy products. Familiarity with handling of apheresis materials and / or whole blood and related cell processing equipment is preferred.
• Proven expertise in cell therapy instrumentation and technologies (e.g., bioreactors, automated cell processors, closed-system devices, flow cytometry, cell sorters).
• Excellent problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills, with the ability to present scientific strategies to internal stakeholders, clients, and regulatory agencies.
• Leadership skills such as personnel management, cross functional interactions, leadership team, owning multiple technical programs, steering the technical, interfacing with client senior management, developing work orders, and resource appropriation are highly preferred.
• Familiarity with CMC Regulatory Affairs is preferred.
• Ability to clearly express and exchange ideas by means of verbal and written communication.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and exhibit effective interpersonal skills
• Proficient in Oral & Written communication skills.
• Need to be able to read, write and understand English.
• Proficient in Microsoft (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook).
  
  

Education & Experience

• Bachelors, Masters or PhD in Biology, Biochemistry, Immunology, Bioengineering or related field.
• 9-10 years of relevant experience with a Bachelors’ degree.
• 8-9 years of relevant experience with a Masters’ degree.
• 7-8 years of relevant experience with a PhD or equivalent.
  
  

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to work in an office environment with minimal noise conditions.
• Must be able to work in Lab setting with Biohazards /various Chemicals.
• Must be able to wear appropriate PPE.
• Must be able to work in environment with variable noise levels.
• Ability to stand/Sit/walk for long periods of time.
• Ability to lift 20 lbs. routinely.
• Ability to crouch, bend, twist, and reach.
• Clarity of Vision.
• Ability to identify and distinguish colors.
• Must be able to perform activities with repetitive motions.
• Ability to climb Ladders/Stairs/Scaffolding.
• Ability to work in variable temperatures high to freezing.
• Inside/outside working conditions.
  
  

Disclaimer

The above information in this description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed. It does not contain nor is it intended to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Minaris Advanced Therapies employees are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package, including medical insurance, vision insurance, dental insurance, 401(k), paid time off, tuition assistance, and more.