Associate Staff Scientist

Primary Location

Location T

Department

Pediatrics / CCRF Admin

Shift

Day (United States of America)

Schedule

Full time

Weekly Hours

40

FTE

1

Employee Status

Regular

Job Profile Summary

The Associate Staff Scientist is a hands-on, bench-based scientific role supporting high-potential projects within the GENESIS Cell & Gene Therapy Program as they advance toward IND-enabling studies. This position is designed for a scientist who wants to remain deeply engaged in experimental research, with the potential for a leadership role in 2-3 years as the program develops.

Importantly, this is an institutionally supported scientific position that will report to the Vice Chair of Basic Research, Data Sciences and Education, and will be accountable to the Genesis steering committee, while being embedded within the laboratory of the faculty investigator whose project has received GENESIS funding. This structure allows the scientist to work side-by-side with the investigator and laboratory team while retaining a broader institutional connection to GENESIS and its scientific leadership.

The successful candidate brings in-depth conceptual and applied expertise in cell and gene therapy research, with proficiency in cell and molecular biology techniques and platforms. Familiarity with virtual protocol and results documentation systems is preferred. This individual executes complex tasks with minimal supervision, coordinates cross-functional activities, and contributes meaningfully to the scientific and operational progress of multiple C&GT programs simultaneously.

PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Conduct Research –

• Design, execute, and interpret laboratory experiments; apply and critically evaluate scientific protocols; independently develop and refine methods appropriate to C&GT research goals.
• Develop new assays and protocols relevant to cell and gene therapy programs: design experimental formats, standardize procedures, and validate new techniques within the GENESIS portfolio.
• Synthesize experimental findings and present actionable insights to program leadership and the Steering Committee.
• Maintain accurate, detailed, and reproducible records of all laboratory work in compliance with institutional standards and IND-stage documentation requirements.
• Draft, write, and edit scientific reports, program updates, regulatory documents and IND-supporting materials as programs advance toward clinical translation.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Operations & Scientific Infrastructure –

• Serve as a consistent scientific and operational presence across multiple GENESIS programs, building trusted working relationships with faculty investigators, research scientists, and external collaborators.
• Track and document program milestones against independently verified go/no-go criteria; prepare progress summaries for Steering Committee review.
• Support LOI and application review logistics during competitive program selection cycles.
• Train and supervise junior laboratory personnel as programs require.

Publish –

• Draft, write, and edit scientific reports, journal articles, abstracts, and program updates.
• Present research at local, national, and international scientific meetings as needed.
• Contribute to regulatory documents and IND-supporting materials as programs advance toward clinical translation.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

• PhD in a relevant biomedical science discipline
• 3+ years of post-doctoral or equivalent research experience in cell and/or gene therapy, molecular biology, or a related field
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to present scientific and operational content to diverse audiences
• Evidence of high-level data generation through first author or co-author publications.

At Cincinnati Children’s, we come to work with one goal: to make children’s health better. We believe in a holistic team approach, both in caring for patients and their families, and in advancing science and discovery. We strive to do better and find energy and inspiration in our shared purpose. If you want to be the best you can be, you can do it at Cincinnati Children’s. 

 Cincinnati Children's is: 

• Recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 10  best Children's Hospitals in the nation for more than 15 years 

• Consistently among the top 3 Children's Hospitals for National Institutes of Health (NIH) Funding 

• Recognized as one of America’s Best Large Employers  (2025), America’s Best Employers for New Grads (2025) 

• One of the nation's America’s Most Innovative Companies as noted by Fortune 

• Consistently certified as great place to work 

• A Leading Disability Employer as noted by the National Organization on Disability 

• Magnet® designated for the fourth consecutive time by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) 

 We Embrace Innovation—Together.  We believe in empowering our teams with the tools that help us work smarter and care better. That’s why we support the responsible use of artificial intelligence. By encouraging innovation, we’re creating space for new ideas, better outcomes, and a stronger future—for all of us.

Comprehensive job description provided upon request.

Cincinnati Children’s is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating an environment of dignity and respect for all our employees, patients, and families. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, genetic information, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. EEO/Veteran/Disability