Senior Scientist, HLA/SLA Laboratory & R&D

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The job details are as follows:

Who We Are

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.

Who You Are

The Senior Scientist is responsible for supervising our HLA/SLA (Human and Swine Leukocyte Antigen) laboratory, including assay development and validation studies, training and supporting technologists, maintaining QC/QA documentation and regulatory readiness, and contributing to our robust research and development initiatives. This individual brings expertise in molecular typing, Luminex antibody testing, flow cytometric and CDC crossmatching, cell culture, supervisory experience in a CLIA/CAP-compliant environment, and a strong track record of translational or commercial research.

• Clinical Laboratory Oversight:

• Manage all aspects of HLA and SLA typing, antibody screening, and compatibility testing

• Perform assay development and validation studies

• Maintain QC/QA documentation and regulatory readiness

• Train and support technologists and junior scientists

• Research & Development Leadership:

• Manage strategic R&D projects focused on SLA typing technologies, including NGS and Nanopore platforms

• Supervise development of novel assays, such as single antigen bead arrays and customized antibody panels

• Collaborate with academic, commercial, or biotech partners on grant writing, publications, and technology transfer

• Strategic & Administrative Duties:

• Contribute to development of laboratory budgets, staffing, and capital planning

• Direct and manage team of technologists and trainees to include responsibilities for goal setting, performance reviews/ management, coaching, mentoring and career development

• Represent the lab at institutional leadership meetings, national societies (e.g., ASHI, AASV), and translational research symposia

• All other duties as required including but not limited to: perform high-resolution HLA and SLA typing using Oxford Nanopore or similar sequencing platforms, conduct Luminex-based antibody screening and flow cytometric crossmatches, isolate and culture T and B cells for immune functional assays.

Minimum Requirements

• Education and Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in biochemistry, chemistry, biology, or related discipline, and 10+ years of related experience, or

• Master's degree in biochemistry, chemistry, biology, or related discipline, and 8+ years of related experience, or

• PhD in biochemistry, chemistry, biology, or related discipline, and 5+ years of related experience

• 5+ years of experience in a high-complexity clinical lab with demonstrated leadership

• Experience with HLA and SLA typing technologies including NGS, Nanopore, PCR-SSP, and flow cytometry

• Proven record of research productivity, assay development, and/or grant acquisition

• Familiarity with regulatory requirements for clinical and animal-based immunogenetics

• Previous managerial experience

• Knowledge of current trends and advancements in biomedical research, particularly in the fields of immunology and transplant science

• Ability to develop and execute strategic plans for research and development projects, ensuring alignment with organizational goals

• Strong skills in analyzing and interpreting scientific data, including proficiency with bioinformatics tools and statistical software

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's Degree in biochemistry, chemistry, biology, or related discipline or
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in biochemistry, chemistry, biology, or related discipline
• Prior involvement in xenotransplantation or swine immunogenetics
• Experience with R&D commercialization pathways

Job Location

This position is located onsite at our Morrisville, NC location. This position may travel up to 25% in the first year.

At United Therapeutics, our mission and vision are one. We use our enthusiasm, creativity, and persistence to innovate for the unmet medical needs of our patients and to benefit our other stakeholders. We are bold and unconventional. We have fun, we do good.

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

United Therapeutics Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.