Scientist, CMC & Discovery (Genetic Engineering & Bioanalytical Focus)

Job DescriptionJob Description

Job Title:  Scientist, CMC & Discovery (Genetic Engineering & Bioanalytical Focus)
Location: Philadelphia, PA*****Must be authorized to work in the US under any employer*****
Position Type: Full-Time, On site
Department: Research & Development / CMC

****Must be authorized to work in the US under any employer*****

About BriaCell:

BriaCell is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing novel immunotherapies for cancer treatment. Our mission is to revolutionize cancer treatment by advancing cutting-edge cancer vaccine technologies. We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Scientist to join our research team in a cross-functional role between Discovery and CMC (Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls).

Position Summary:

We are seeking a highly motivated Scientist with expertise in genetic engineering, particularly using lentiviral vectors, to join our team in a cross-functional role between CMC and Discovery departments. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in  cell therapy development and immuno-oncology. This role requires deep understanding of both discovery research and translational development of cell-based immunotherapies. The successful candidate will leverage their technical skills to advance our therapeutic pipeline from early discovery through process development and manufacturing.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design, generate, and characterize lentiviral vectors for gene modification in whole-cell cancer vaccine development.
• Develop and optimize transduction protocols for stable gene expression in tumor-derived and immune cells.
• Collaborate with discovery and CMC teams to integrate engineered cells into preclinical and clinical programs.
• Conduct in vitro functional assays to assess gene expression, cell phenotype, and immunogenicity.
• Develop and implement process improvements for lentiviral vector production and cell engineering workflows.
• Support technology transfer and scale-up activities for GMP manufacturing.
• Develop and validate assays for detecting Replication Competent Lentivirus (RCL) as part of CMC QC activities.
• Document and present research findings in team meetings and reports.
• Maintain a strong awareness of emerging trends and technologies in viral vector engineering and cell therapy.

Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Immunology, or a related field, with 2+ years of relevant postdoctoral or industry experience; or an M.S. with 5+ years of experience in genetic engineering and viral vector development.
• Hands-on experience with lentiviral vector design, production, and transduction.
• Proficiency in molecular cloning techniques, qPCR, flow cytometry, and Western blotting.
• Experience in immune cell engineering (e.g., dendritic cells, T cells, NK cells) is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with GMP and regulatory considerations for viral vector-based therapies is a plus.
• Experience in immuno-oncology is a plus.
• Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

Why Join Us?

• Work on cutting-edge cancer immunotherapy in a dynamic biotech environment.
• Collaborate with an interdisciplinary team of scientists.
• Opportunity for professional growth and career advancement.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.