PS Research Associate
Apply NowCompany: University of Utah
Location: Salt Lake City, UT 84118
Description:
Announcement
Details
Open Date
03/17/2025
Requisition Number
PRN41443B
Job Title
PS Research Associate
Working Title
Cell Therapy & Regenerative Medicine Scientist
Job Grade
A00
FLSA Code
Professional
Patient Sensitive Job Code?
Yes
Standard Hours per Week
40
Full Time or Part Time?
Full Time
Shift
Day
Work Schedule Summary
VP Area
U of U Health - Academics
Department
01601 - Cell Therapy/Regenerative Med
Location
Campus
City
Salt Lake City, UT
Type of Recruitment
External Posting
Pay Rate Range
90000.00 to 125000.00
Close Date
06/18/2025
Priority Review Date (Note - Posting may close at any time)
06/18/2025
Job Summary
We are seeking a highly motivated Research Scientist to join our cell therapy and regenerative medicine program at the University of Utah (https://medicine.utah.edu/internal-medicine/cell), where they will play a pivotal role in the development of innovative immunotherapy products, including CAR T cells and other advanced cell-based therapies. The successful candidate will contribute to the scientific advancement of the program, optimize existing processes, and support translational research efforts to bring novel cellular therapies from bench to bedside. This role requires expertise in cellular immunology, process development, and GMP manufacturing principles to ensure seamless integration of research innovations into clinical applications.
Qualifications:
1. Ph.D. in Immunology, Cell Biology, Biomedical Engineering, Molecular Biology,
or a related field, with postdoctoral experience preferred.
2. Expertise in primary cell culture, immune cell engineering, and flow cytometry
(e.g., FACS, CyTOF).
3. Proficiency in viral and non-viral gene delivery systems (e.g., lentiviral
transduction, CRISPR-based modifications).
4. Experience in CAR T cell therapy, gene editing, or immunotherapy research is
highly desirable.
5. Experience with cell-based potency assays, functional characterization of
engineered immune cells, and next-generation sequencing (NGS) is a plus.
6. Knowledge of GMP requirements, aseptic processing, and regulatory
compliance (e.g., FDA, FACT, USP, and ICH guidelines).
7. Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with a data-driven approach.
8. Excellent scientific communication skills, with the ability to present complex
findings to multidisciplinary teams.
9. Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced research
and manufacturing environment.
Responsibilities
1. Immunotherapy Development:
Design and execute experimental strategies for developing next-generation
CAR T and other cell therapy products.
Optimize cell expansion, gene modification, and functional assessment
methods for enhanced therapeutic efficacy.
Stay at the forefront of immunotherapy advancements and integrate
cutting-edge technologies into product development.
2. Scientific Leadership & Innovation:
Enhance the scientific footprint of the GMP facility by leading research
initiatives,
Publish findings in peer-reviewed journals, and assist in securing funding
through grant proposal development
Collaborate with academic and industry partners to expand research
opportunities and technology transfer efforts.
3. Process Improvement & Translational Research:
Work closely with process development, quality control, and manufacturing
teams to improve production workflows and ensure regulatory compliance.
Identify and implement automation, analytics, and scalable bioprocessing
approaches to enhance efficiency and reproducibility.
4. Regulatory & Compliance Support:
Support GMP documentation, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and
technology transfer efforts.
Assist in preparing IND-enabling studies, regulatory submissions, and
validation protocols.
Problem Solving
1. Must possess a high level of initiative and the ability to work with little
supervision while adhering to Standard Operation Procedures.
2. Must have excellent written, documentation, and oral communication skills.
3. Must possess strong interpersonal, organizational, and analytical skills,
including the ability to handle a variety of tasks in a fast-paced environment.
4. Proactive in identifying problems and solutions to address them.
5. Must be an exceptional team player.
6. Address scientific and technical challenges related to immune cell engineering,
including improving CAR T cell persistence, antigen targeting, and allogeneic
compatibility.
7. Troubleshoot variability in cell manufacturing processes, ensuring consistent
and scalable production.
8. Work within cross-functional teams to resolve regulatory, quality, and
operational issues in a GMP setting while maintaining research innovation.
Work Environment and Level of Frequency that may be required
Nearly Continuously: Laboratory environment.
Physical Requirements and Level of Frequency that may be required
Nearly Continuously: Sitting, hearing, listening, talking. Often: Repetitive hand motion (such as pipetting typing), walking.
Occasionally: Bending, reaching overhead.
Minimum Qualifications
Preferences
Type
Benefited Staff
Special Instructions Summary
Additional Information
The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems ("URS"). Eligible new hires with prior URS service, may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801) 581-7447 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS' post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581-7447 if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.
This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.
The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and patients from all backgrounds and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education and quality healthcare for historically underrepresented students and patients.
All qualified individuals are strongly encouraged to apply. Veterans' preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.
The University of Utah is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran's status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.
To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action (OEO/AA). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator's office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at: https://www.utah.edu/nondiscrimination/
Online reports may be submitted at oeo.utah.edu
https://safety.utah.edu/safetyreport This report includes statistics about criminal offenses, hate crimes, arrests and referrals for disciplinary action, and Violence Against Women Act offenses. They also provide information about safety and security-related services offered by the University of Utah. A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South.
Details
Open Date
03/17/2025
Requisition Number
PRN41443B
Job Title
PS Research Associate
Working Title
Cell Therapy & Regenerative Medicine Scientist
Job Grade
A00
FLSA Code
Professional
Patient Sensitive Job Code?
Yes
Standard Hours per Week
40
Full Time or Part Time?
Full Time
Shift
Day
Work Schedule Summary
VP Area
U of U Health - Academics
Department
01601 - Cell Therapy/Regenerative Med
Location
Campus
City
Salt Lake City, UT
Type of Recruitment
External Posting
Pay Rate Range
90000.00 to 125000.00
Close Date
06/18/2025
Priority Review Date (Note - Posting may close at any time)
06/18/2025
Job Summary
We are seeking a highly motivated Research Scientist to join our cell therapy and regenerative medicine program at the University of Utah (https://medicine.utah.edu/internal-medicine/cell), where they will play a pivotal role in the development of innovative immunotherapy products, including CAR T cells and other advanced cell-based therapies. The successful candidate will contribute to the scientific advancement of the program, optimize existing processes, and support translational research efforts to bring novel cellular therapies from bench to bedside. This role requires expertise in cellular immunology, process development, and GMP manufacturing principles to ensure seamless integration of research innovations into clinical applications.
Qualifications:
1. Ph.D. in Immunology, Cell Biology, Biomedical Engineering, Molecular Biology,
or a related field, with postdoctoral experience preferred.
2. Expertise in primary cell culture, immune cell engineering, and flow cytometry
(e.g., FACS, CyTOF).
3. Proficiency in viral and non-viral gene delivery systems (e.g., lentiviral
transduction, CRISPR-based modifications).
4. Experience in CAR T cell therapy, gene editing, or immunotherapy research is
highly desirable.
5. Experience with cell-based potency assays, functional characterization of
engineered immune cells, and next-generation sequencing (NGS) is a plus.
6. Knowledge of GMP requirements, aseptic processing, and regulatory
compliance (e.g., FDA, FACT, USP, and ICH guidelines).
7. Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with a data-driven approach.
8. Excellent scientific communication skills, with the ability to present complex
findings to multidisciplinary teams.
9. Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced research
and manufacturing environment.
Responsibilities
1. Immunotherapy Development:
Design and execute experimental strategies for developing next-generation
CAR T and other cell therapy products.
Optimize cell expansion, gene modification, and functional assessment
methods for enhanced therapeutic efficacy.
Stay at the forefront of immunotherapy advancements and integrate
cutting-edge technologies into product development.
2. Scientific Leadership & Innovation:
Enhance the scientific footprint of the GMP facility by leading research
initiatives,
Publish findings in peer-reviewed journals, and assist in securing funding
through grant proposal development
Collaborate with academic and industry partners to expand research
opportunities and technology transfer efforts.
3. Process Improvement & Translational Research:
Work closely with process development, quality control, and manufacturing
teams to improve production workflows and ensure regulatory compliance.
Identify and implement automation, analytics, and scalable bioprocessing
approaches to enhance efficiency and reproducibility.
4. Regulatory & Compliance Support:
Support GMP documentation, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and
technology transfer efforts.
Assist in preparing IND-enabling studies, regulatory submissions, and
validation protocols.
Problem Solving
1. Must possess a high level of initiative and the ability to work with little
supervision while adhering to Standard Operation Procedures.
2. Must have excellent written, documentation, and oral communication skills.
3. Must possess strong interpersonal, organizational, and analytical skills,
including the ability to handle a variety of tasks in a fast-paced environment.
4. Proactive in identifying problems and solutions to address them.
5. Must be an exceptional team player.
6. Address scientific and technical challenges related to immune cell engineering,
including improving CAR T cell persistence, antigen targeting, and allogeneic
compatibility.
7. Troubleshoot variability in cell manufacturing processes, ensuring consistent
and scalable production.
8. Work within cross-functional teams to resolve regulatory, quality, and
operational issues in a GMP setting while maintaining research innovation.
Work Environment and Level of Frequency that may be required
Nearly Continuously: Laboratory environment.
Physical Requirements and Level of Frequency that may be required
Nearly Continuously: Sitting, hearing, listening, talking. Often: Repetitive hand motion (such as pipetting typing), walking.
Occasionally: Bending, reaching overhead.
Minimum Qualifications
Preferences
Type
Benefited Staff
Special Instructions Summary
Additional Information
The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems ("URS"). Eligible new hires with prior URS service, may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801) 581-7447 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS' post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581-7447 if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.
This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.
The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and patients from all backgrounds and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education and quality healthcare for historically underrepresented students and patients.
All qualified individuals are strongly encouraged to apply. Veterans' preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.
The University of Utah is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran's status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.
To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action (OEO/AA). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator's office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at: https://www.utah.edu/nondiscrimination/
Online reports may be submitted at oeo.utah.edu
https://safety.utah.edu/safetyreport This report includes statistics about criminal offenses, hate crimes, arrests and referrals for disciplinary action, and Violence Against Women Act offenses. They also provide information about safety and security-related services offered by the University of Utah. A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South.