Senior Scientist in Plano, Texas at Secretome Therapeutics

Secretome Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in Plano, Texas, developing novel therapies derived from neonatal cardiac progenitor cells (nCPC). The Company's lead product candidate, STM-01, is a cellular therapy designed to modulate inflammatory and fibrotic pathways and support myocardial function in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) and Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction (HFpEF). Secretome is also advancing STM-21, a secretome-based therapeutic currently in preclinical development, and other novel nCPC-based products.

About the role

Secretome Therapeutics is seeking a Scientist/Senior Scientist to support the Analytical Development within the CMC Group. This role will be responsible for characterization of cell products and processes and will work closely with the Process Development team and external partners such as CDMOs and collaborators. The ideal candidate brings technical background in various analytical methods, strong communication skills, and the ability to work effectively in a fast-moving, collaborative biotechnology environment.

You will design and execute characterization studies for intermediates and drug product, with a focus on flow cytometry and functional assays to contribute to comparability studies and IND-enabling product understanding.

What you'll do

• Development and optimization of analytical methods and potency assays for the characterization of cell therapy products, including those based on Flow Cytometry, ELISA, and qPCR
• Collaboration with CDMOs and CTLs to facilitate Tech Transfer of analytical methods
• Support additional projects and business needs as assigned
• Execution of analytical testing for in-process samples, cell banks and cell products

This role is expected to be onsite. Occasional travel may be required.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• PhD or Master's degree in cell biology, immunology, biochemistry, or bioengineering
• 5+ years of experience in analytical development, analytical/product characterization for cell therapy or gene therapy drug products
• Experience with Flow Cytometry assays and their development to qualification
• Strong background in experimental design and result interpretation
• Ability to optimize and performance-evaluate characterization methods to ensure they are scientifically sound and fit for purpose, documenting outcomes in protocols and reports
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently, manage priorities, and collaborate effectively in a small-company environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Understanding of QC testing requirements for drug product release
• Experience with MSCs and cell-based potency assays
• Prior experience in a fast-paced startup or emerging biotech environment

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Demonstrated hands-on experience developing and executing functional cell-based assays
• Ability to independently develop an assay
• Comfortable operating in a dynamic, collaborative, and growing organization
• High attention to detail and strong follow-through
• Excellent organizational skills and effective time management
• A history of problem solving within a team
• Ability to troubleshoot and communicate clearly