Scientist II / Senior Scientist - - Viral Vector / Discovery

Scientist II/ Senior Scientist – Viral Vector / Discovery  

(Hybrid – Greater Boston, on-site lab work required)

Why Work With Us? 

At Candel, our people drive our mission to transform cancer care. We value curiosity, collaboration, and bold science in a supportive environment where everyone has visibility and impact. You’ll join a team that embraces creativity, trusts its people, and fosters growth through coaching and open discussion. This is the place to bring your ideas forward, dig deep into data, and see your work make a real difference for patients. 

Our Science: Advancing Cancer Immunotherapies 

Candel is a clinical-stage biopharma company developing off-the-shelf, multimodal immunotherapies designed to stimulate personalized, systemic anti-tumor responses. Our platforms use genetically modified adenovirus and HSV constructs, advancing novel treatments through discovery, IND-enabling studies, and into clinical development. With positive Phase 3 results for our lead candidate and multiple pipeline programs on the horizon, it’s an exciting time to join us. Learn more:

Position Summary

This is a highly visible, hands-on role reporting directly to the VP of Research. As Scientist II /Senior Scientist, (We will determine final title and level based on your experience and background.) you’ll balance bench work and strategic contributions to advance novel viral vectors into IND-enabling studies and first-in-human trials. You’ll gain full-spectrum exposure across discovery, development, regulatory, and clinical programs, while contributing to the future of Candel’s viral immunotherapy platform.

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.