Principal Scientist - Enhanced Lung
About The Position
We are the first publicly-traded biotech or pharmaceutical company to take the form of a public benefit corporation. Our public benefit purpose is to provide a brighter future for patients through the development of novel pharmaceutical therapies; and technologies that expand the availability of transplantable organs. United Therapeutics (Nasdaq: UTHR) seeks to travel down the corridors of indifference to develop treatments for rare, deadly diseases. We were founded in 1996 by a family seeking a cure for their daughter’s pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Today, we have six FDA-approved therapies that treat PAH, pulmonary hypertension associated with interstitial lung disease (PH-ILD) and neuroblastoma, a rare pediatric cancer. Our near-term pipeline seeks to develop additional therapies for PAH and pulmonary fibrosis (PF). The cure for end-stage life-threatening diseases like PAH, PH-ILD, PF, and many others is an organ transplant, but only a small percentage of donated organs are available to address the vast need. For this reason, we are working to create manufactured organs to address the shortage of kidneys, hearts, lungs, and livers available for transplant. We believe an unlimited supply of tolerable, transplantable organs will eliminate the transplant waiting list and cure end-stage organ diseases for which transplant is not currently an option. The Enhanced Lung Program focuses on developing novel technologies to enhance donor lung performance and improve transplant outcomes. Our scientists work at the intersection of organ perfusion, gene therapy, and bioengineering to modify and optimize lungs outside the body prior to transplantation. Ready to do the work that actually moves the needle? As a Principal Scientist on our Enhanced Lung program, you’ll own critical gene modification strategies and turn bold ideas into real, IND‑enabling progress. This is a hands‑on leadership role for someone who wants to make decisions, solve hard problems, and see their science come to life. You’ll guide platforms, shape translational paths, mentor strong scientists, and help build something that genuinely matters. If you’re motivated by impact, energized by execution, and driven by the belief that great science can change lives, you’ll feel at home here. Recognized SME within and outside United Therapeutics, the Principal Scientist will provide scientific leadership for gene modification strategies within the Enhanced Lung program. This role will include vector selection, editing strategy, durability goals, and translational development pathways to support clinical readiness. This role combines deep gene therapy expertise with strategic thinking to advance programs toward IND and early clinical development.
Requirements
- Master’s Degree in molecular biology, gene therapy, virology, biomedical engineering, or related field
- 10+ years of related biotech/pharma industry experience with a Master's Degree or 7+ years of related biotech/pharma industry experience with a PhD
- Deep gene therapy expertise with demonstrated strategic thinking and success advancing gene therapy programs toward IND or clinical stage
- Strong time management and organizational skills
- Strong written and verbal scientific communication/presentation skills
- Highly self-motivated
- Good written and oral communication skills
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, including multi-tasking, flexibility, and adaptability
- Ability to work well and collaborate with others, both in immediate teams and cross-functionally
Nice To Haves
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in molecular biology, gene therapy, virology, biomedical engineering, or related field
- Expertise in vector biology, biodistribution, immunogenicity, and durability of expression
- Experience in large-animal models
- Strong leadership and cross-functional collaboration skills
- Strategic mindset with ability to translate science into development plans
- Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced translational environment
- GLP/GMP cell therapy or biologics manufacturing experience
Responsibilities
- Evaluate and select delivery platforms (viral and non-viral) aligned with EVLP constraints
- Drive optimization of dose, timing, and delivery methods during ex vivo perfusion
- Lead IND-enabling studies, biodistribution analysis, and safety assessments
- Serve as resource/advisor to management on scientific or clinical development strategy
- Contribute to the development of project/program budgets, with direct budget responsibility
- Interface with regulatory teams on CMC and preclinical strategy
- Lead publication and patent submissions, protocols, abstract, poster, etc and other publication development
- Establish external collaborations (CDMOs, academic labs, vector partners)
- Oversee experimental plans and mentor scientific staff
- Contribute to long-term platform strategy across organ systems; contribute to strategic planning for department
- Direct and manage direct reports to include responsibilities for training, goal setting & achievement, performance evaluations/management, coaching, mentoring, career development and provide support for recruitment process (as needed)
- All other duties as required
Benefits
- Eligible employees may participate in the Company’s comprehensive benefits suite of programs, including medical / dental / vision / prescription coverage, employee wellness resources, savings plans (401k and ESPP), paid time off & paid parental leave benefits, disability benefits, and more.
- For additional information on Company benefits, please visit https://www.unither.com/careers/benefits-and-amenities
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Principal
