Candel Therapeutics, Inc.
Scientist II / Senior Scientist - – Viral Vector / Discovery
Candel Therapeutics, Inc., Needham Heights, Massachusetts, us, 02494
Scientist II/ Senior Scientist – Viral Vector / Discovery
(Hybrid – Greater Boston, on-site lab work required)
NOTE: Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a permanent basis. At this time, the Company does not provide, and will not provide in the future, sponsorship for employment visas.
Overview
Position summary and expectations are provided below. This is a highly visible, hands-on role reporting directly to the VP of Research. As Scientist II /Senior Scientist (final title and level will be determined based on experience), you’ll balance bench work and strategic contributions to advance novel viral vectors into IND-enabling studies and first-in-human trials, with exposure across discovery, development, regulatory, and clinical programs. We’re looking for a scientist who thrives in a fast-paced biotech with a can-do mindset — someone versatile enough to design experiments at the bench, analyze data, and present insights across functions. If you’re inquisitive, data-driven, and energized by the chance to innovate while still being hands-on, this role offers both the challenge and growth you’re seeking. What You Will Do
Support scientific strategy and execution for viral immunotherapy programs from discovery through IND-enabling studies. Design and optimize viral vectors (e.g., HSV) for therapeutic applications, including genome engineering and payload design. Oversee and perform in vitro and ex vivo assays to evaluate vector potency, transduction efficiency, and immunological activity. Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including CMC and Regulatory to ensure seamless program progression. Guide the development and transfer of analytical and process development methods to the CMC team. Mentor and manage junior scientists and research associates; foster a culture of scientific rigor, innovation, and collaboration. Contribute to regulatory documentation, including IND-enabling study design and data interpretation. Stay current with scientific literature and emerging technologies in viral vector design, immunotherapy, and oncology. What You Will Bring
Ph.D. in Virology, Molecular Biology, Immunology, or related field with 3–5+ years biotech industry experience Extensive hands-on experience with viral vector systems, including design, production, purification, and characterization; HSV experience a plus Strong background in mammalian cell culture, transduction assays, and molecular biology techniques (qPCR, ELISA, flow cytometry) Demonstrated experience developing and implementing platform-based approaches in cell and gene therapy (e.g., scalable vector design, modular assays, standardized workflows) Familiarity with IND-enabling studies, GLP/GMP environments, and regulatory expectations for gene therapy products Comfort running your own bench work while also contributing strategically Proven ability to thrive in a lean, entrepreneurial environment without big-pharma infrastructure Curious, data-driven mindset — eager to ask questions, revisit data, and generate new insights Excellent written and verbal communication skills with confidence to present across levels and functions Must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Sponsorship is not available; U.S. citizenship or permanent residency is required Preferred Attributes
Desire to grow into leadership, with experience mentoring or guiding junior staff Work Environment
This is a hybrid role based in Greater Boston, with significant on-site lab work (bench and data analysis). Expect to be onsite most of the week to fully engage with research, team collaboration, and laboratory execution.
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Position summary and expectations are provided below. This is a highly visible, hands-on role reporting directly to the VP of Research. As Scientist II /Senior Scientist (final title and level will be determined based on experience), you’ll balance bench work and strategic contributions to advance novel viral vectors into IND-enabling studies and first-in-human trials, with exposure across discovery, development, regulatory, and clinical programs. We’re looking for a scientist who thrives in a fast-paced biotech with a can-do mindset — someone versatile enough to design experiments at the bench, analyze data, and present insights across functions. If you’re inquisitive, data-driven, and energized by the chance to innovate while still being hands-on, this role offers both the challenge and growth you’re seeking. What You Will Do
Support scientific strategy and execution for viral immunotherapy programs from discovery through IND-enabling studies. Design and optimize viral vectors (e.g., HSV) for therapeutic applications, including genome engineering and payload design. Oversee and perform in vitro and ex vivo assays to evaluate vector potency, transduction efficiency, and immunological activity. Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including CMC and Regulatory to ensure seamless program progression. Guide the development and transfer of analytical and process development methods to the CMC team. Mentor and manage junior scientists and research associates; foster a culture of scientific rigor, innovation, and collaboration. Contribute to regulatory documentation, including IND-enabling study design and data interpretation. Stay current with scientific literature and emerging technologies in viral vector design, immunotherapy, and oncology. What You Will Bring
Ph.D. in Virology, Molecular Biology, Immunology, or related field with 3–5+ years biotech industry experience Extensive hands-on experience with viral vector systems, including design, production, purification, and characterization; HSV experience a plus Strong background in mammalian cell culture, transduction assays, and molecular biology techniques (qPCR, ELISA, flow cytometry) Demonstrated experience developing and implementing platform-based approaches in cell and gene therapy (e.g., scalable vector design, modular assays, standardized workflows) Familiarity with IND-enabling studies, GLP/GMP environments, and regulatory expectations for gene therapy products Comfort running your own bench work while also contributing strategically Proven ability to thrive in a lean, entrepreneurial environment without big-pharma infrastructure Curious, data-driven mindset — eager to ask questions, revisit data, and generate new insights Excellent written and verbal communication skills with confidence to present across levels and functions Must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Sponsorship is not available; U.S. citizenship or permanent residency is required Preferred Attributes
Desire to grow into leadership, with experience mentoring or guiding junior staff Work Environment
This is a hybrid role based in Greater Boston, with significant on-site lab work (bench and data analysis). Expect to be onsite most of the week to fully engage with research, team collaboration, and laboratory execution.
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