Position: Executive/Senior Executive / Assistant Manager / Deputy Manager – Cell & Gene Therapy (CGT)
(Final designation will be aligned with candidate experience)
Function / Department: R&D – In Vitro CAR-T & Gene Therapy
Division: Vaccines R&D
Location: Genome Valley, Biotech Park, Shameerpet, Hyderabad
Role Overview
The role involves contributing to preclinical proof-of-concept studies for innovative in vivo cell and gene therapy programs. The incumbent will work on cutting-edge therapies including CAR-T and gene therapy approaches targeting β-thalassemia and sickle cell disease (SCD), supporting translational research and early development.
Key Responsibilities
- Independently design, plan, execute, and troubleshoot complex CGT experiments within defined timelines.
- Analyze, interpret, and present experimental data to support scientific decision-making and project advancement.
- Collaborate closely with supervisors and cross-functional teams to align on experimental outcomes and future strategies.
- Support the establishment, operation, and maintenance of mammalian cell culture and CGT laboratories in compliance with quality and regulatory standards.
- Contribute to process development activities including optimization, scale-up considerations, and technology transfer.
- Participate in equipment selection, procurement, installation, and qualification for CGT lab operations.
- Ensure adherence to Good Documentation Practices (GDP), including accurate and timely recording of experimental data in laboratory notebooks or electronic systems.
Qualifications & Experience
- M.Sc. with 5–10 years of relevant industry/academic experience
- OR
- Ph.D. with 3–5 years of postdoctoral or industry experience
- Prior experience in Cell & Gene Therapy development is highly preferred
Required Skills & Expertise
Cell Culture & Immunology:
- Hands-on experience in mammalian cell culture, including primary T-cells, CD34+ stem cells, and cancer cell lines
- Isolation and culture of immune cells (PBMCs, T-cells, B-cells, NK cells)
- T-cell proliferation, co-culture systems, cytotoxicity assays, and other immunological assays
Molecular & Gene Editing Techniques:
- Experience with gene editing tools such as CRISPR, ZFN, TALEN
- Transfection techniques including chemical methods, electroporation, lentiviral vectors, and mRNA-LNPs
- Lentivirus generation, titration, and transduction
- Stable cell line development (Knock-Out, Knock-In, Knock-Down)
Analytical & Instrumentation Skills:
- Multicolor flow cytometry, cell sorting, and Incucyte/live-cell imaging systems
- ELISA, multiplex assays, Western blotting
- Knowledge of plasmid mapping, sequence analysis, gene editing validation, and qRT-PCR
Additional Expectations
- Strong problem-solving and analytical capabilities
- Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a fast-paced R&D environment
- Good communication and scientific presentation skills
