Scientist I, Analytical Development

Location : Houston, TX (Onsite)
Department: Analytical Development
Reports to: Senior Manager, Analytical Development

About CTMC

CTMC is a pioneering biotech joint venture, formed by National Resilience and MD Anderson Cancer Center, located in the heart of the Texas Medical Center. Our mission is to accelerate cell therapies from bench to bedside. We offer a wide range of cell therapy modalities, including CAR-T, TIL, and TCR-T. Our expert team collaborates closely with MD Anderson’s research and clinical faculty, bringing impactful cell therapies to cancer patients.

Since inception in May 2022, our team has filed eight INDs and have received approval, without delay, demonstrating our commitment to delivering innovative treatments to patients with speed and precision. Our alliance with National Resilience enables us to remain at the forefront of biomanufacturing practices, leveraging advanced technology and processes to deliver exceptional results.

Our growing, state-of-the-art, 60,000 sq. ft. industrial facility in the Texas Medical Center is staffed by an integrated team of industry veterans and academic scientists who are passionate about bringing life-saving cures to patients. Our unique joint venture structure, with two highly established partners, provides us with the financial stability and long-term horizon to achieve our organizational goals.

At CTMC, we value our employees and offer a variety of development opportunities within our novel corporate structure to inspire professional growth and satisfaction. We foster a team-first culture and a balanced work-life environment to ensure our staff is energized and engaged in our mission to accelerate cell therapies from bench to bedside for patients who need them. If you share our passion for advancing the frontiers of medical science with innovative therapeutics and want to join a highly dedicated team committed to delivering novel cures to patients, we invite you to submit your application. We look forward to hearing from you and exploring how your skills and expertise can help us achieve our mission.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a key contributor to analytical development initiatives supporting lot release and product characterization for CAR-T, TILs, and other cell therapy modalities.
• Design, plan, and execute experiments to develop assays evaluating cell identity, purity, and potency.
• Perform and optimize analytical methods including flow cytometry, ddPCR, ELISA, and functional co-culture assays to support product and process development.
• Develop and execute studies to support assay qualification and technology transfer to QC.
• Conduct routine laboratory operations including equipment maintenance, reagent preparation, inventory management, and ordering supplies.
• Lead data analysis, interpretation, and reporting to guide project decision-making.
• Drive execution of project deliverables to meet development milestones and timelines.
• Maintain comprehensive and accurate documentation of experimental plans, raw data, results, and analyses.
• Author and review technical documentation such as assay protocols, qualification protocols, development reports, and regulatory submission content.
• Present scientific data and project updates to internal teams and senior leadership.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with process development, quality control, quality assurance, and regulatory affairs to align analytical strategies with program needs.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior team members.
• Perform additional duties as assigned in support of departmental and organizational goals.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications/Skills

• Ph.D. in Biotechnology, Biology, Immunology, or a related field; or a Master’s degree with a minimum of 4 years of relevant experience.
• 0–1+ years of industry experience in cell and gene therapy, analytical development, or related disciplines (prior experience preferred but not required).
• Strong foundational knowledge in cell biology and/or immunology with proven application in assay and/or product development; knowledge of CAR-T and TILs is a plus.
• Hands-on experience in laboratory techniques including mammalian cell culture, flow cytometry, ELISA, PCR, and functional co-culture assays are required.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively in a multi-disciplinary team.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with a demonstrated drive for results and continuous improvement.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present complex data to diverse audiences, including senior management.
• Sound judgment, problem-solving ability, and conflict resolution skills; able to navigate ambiguity with creativity and professionalism.
• Capable of working independently with minimal supervision.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and other relevant software tools.

Working Conditions, Equipment, Physical Demands

The incumbent in this position works in a laboratory environment as well as an office environment. The incumbent in this position will use the following equipment and shall have the following physical demands:

Equipment-

• Computer, printer, fax, telephone
• Laboratory equipment

Physical Demands-

• Frequent standing and walking required.
• Frequent sitting, reaching, and computer/keyboard usage.
• Occasional lifting, pushing, and pulling up to 20 lbs. required.
• Must be able to stand or sit for extended periods.
• Must be able to wear personal protective equipment when required.

The physical demands and work environment that have been described are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The above job description is an overview of the functions and requirements for this position. This document is not intended to be an exhaustive list encompassing every duty and requirement of this position; your supervisor may assign other duties as considered necessary.