Senior Scientist - Gene Therapy & CAR-T

(Project Lead, CART-AI Platform)

Selvita

Kraków, Poland

We are seeking an experienced Senior Scientist with deep expertise in genetics, gene therapy, and CART engineering to take scientific ownership of our newly funded CARTAI project. This role will combine strategic scientific leadership, hands-on experimental work, and coordination of interdisciplinary teams across molecular biology, cell engineering, immunooncology, AI/ML modelling and in vivo pharmacology. The selected candidate will ensure scientific excellence and timely delivery of key milestones for the development of a novel, AI integrated platform for CART optimization, as described in the grant documentation.

Key Responsibilities

Oversee the scientific direction, planning and execution of the CARTAI project, ensuring alignment with grant objectives and timelines;
Coordinate experimental work across multiple domains, including genetic engineering, CAR-T construct development and cell-based functional assays (including cytotoxicity and avidity studies);
Lead scientific troubleshooting, data interpretation and decision making across project stages;
Ensure high quality reporting, documentation, and compliance with grant requirements and internal QA standards;
Guide the design, generation and optimization of CAR constructs, including scFv engineering, promoter/element selection and lentiviral vector strategies;
Supervise or perform laboratory work related to:
- Genetic modification of T cells and reporter lines;
- High-throughput selection of CAR variants (fluorescent reporter assays, library screening);
- In vitro cytotoxicity, binding/avidity assays, and kinetic functional testing of CAR-T cells;
- Transduction, expansion and characterization of primary human T cells;
- Integration and interpretation of AI/ML derived CAR sequence predictions together with wet lab results in collaboration with AI team.
Act as the main scientific point of contact for internal stakeholders, project managers and senior leadership;
Collaborate with computational biology, machine learning, in vitro pharmacology, HTS, and in vivo teams to ensure seamless execution of complex workflows;
Contribute to scientific communication, risk mitigation, publication planning and preparation of future grant extensions.

Your Background

PhD in molecular biology, immunology, biotechnology, gene therapy, or related field with 2+ years of postdoctoral/industry experience;
Strong, demonstrable expertise in:
- Molecular genetics & gene engineering (cloning, vector design, lentiviral systems);
- Gene therapy modalities and genetic modification of immune cells;
- CAR-T biology, including CAR architecture, signaling domains, functional readouts and T-cell biology.
Proven ability to lead complex, interdisciplinary research projects;
Hands-on experience with:
- Engineering and production of viral vectors (lentiviral/retroviral);
- Mammalian cell culture, primary T-cell isolation/activation, and transduction;
- Assay development for cell-based reporter systems, cytotoxicity, and receptor functionality;
- Flow cytometry, qPCR, Western blot, and fluorescence-based readouts.
Excellent project planning, documentation and communication skills;
Ability to supervise, mentor and coordinate work across multiple scientific teams;
Strong analytical mindset and ability to work independently in a dynamic R&D environment;
Experience collaborating with AI/ML teams or interpreting computational predictions is optional;
Knowledge of Lumicks (z-Movi, avidity) or similar technologies will be an advantage.