Job Information
United Therapeutics Principal Scientist - Enhanced Lung in Silver Spring, Maryland
California, US residents click here (https://www.unither.com/docs/UNITHER%20Applicant%20Notice%20-%20%2812-22-23%29%20Final%202.15.24%20Combined%20EN%20and%20French.pdf#page=9) .
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.
The Enhanced Lung Program focuses on developing novel technologies to enhance donor lung performance and improve transplant outcomes. Our scientists work at the intersection of organ perfusion, gene therapy, and bioengineering to modify and optimize lungs outside the body prior to transplantation.
Who you are
Ready to do the work that actually moves the needle? As a Principal Scientist on our Enhanced Lung program, you’ll own critical gene modification strategies and turn bold ideas into real, IND‑enabling progress. This is a hands‑on leadership role for someone who wants to make decisions, solve hard problems, and see their science come to life. You’ll guide platforms, shape translational paths, mentor strong scientists, and help build something that genuinely matters. If you’re motivated by impact, energized by execution, and driven by the belief that great science can change lives, you’ll feel at home here.
Recognized SME within and outside United Therapeutics, the Principal Scientist will provide scientific leadership for gene modification strategies within the Enhanced Lung program. This role will include vector selection, editing strategy, durability goals, and translational development pathways to support clinical readiness. This role combines deep gene therapy expertise with strategic thinking to advance programs toward IND and early clinical development.
Evaluate and select delivery platforms (viral and non-viral) aligned with EVLP constraints
Drive optimization of dose, timing, and delivery methods during ex vivo perfusion
Lead IND-enabling studies, biodistribution analysis, and safety assessments
Serve as resource/advisor to management on scientific or clinical development strategy
Contribute to the development of project/program budgets, with direct budget responsibility
Interface with regulatory teams on CMC and preclinical strategy
Lead publication and patent submissions, protocols, abstract, poster, etc and other publication development
Establish external collaborations (CDMOs, academic labs, vector partners)
Oversee experimental plans and mentor scientific staff
Contribute to long-term platform strategy across organ systems; contribute to strategic planning for department
Direct and manage direct reports to include responsibilities for training, goal setting & achievement, performance evaluations/management, coaching, mentoring, career development and provide support for recruitment process (as needed)
All other duties as required
Minimum Requirements
Master’s Degree in molecular biology, gene therapy, virology, biomedical engineering, or related field
10+ years of related biotech/pharma industry experience with a Master's Degree or 7+ years of related biotech/pharma industry experience with a PhD
Deep gene therapy expertise with demonstrated strategic thinking and success advancing gene therapy programs toward IND or clinical stage
Strong time management and organizational skills
Strong written and verbal scientific communication/presentation skills
Highly self-motivated
Good written and oral communication skills
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, including multi-tasking, flexibility, and adaptability
Ability to work well and collaborate with others, both in immediate teams and cross-functionally
Preferred Qualifications
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in molecular biology, gene therapy, virology, biomedical engineering, or related field
Expertise in vector biology, biodistribution, immunogenicity, and durability of expression
Experience in large-animal models
Strong leadership and cross-functional collaboration skills
Strategic mindset with ability to translate science into development plans
Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced translational environment
GLP/GMP cell therapy or biologics manufacturing experience
The salary range for this position is $153,000 - $205,000 per year and reflects our good-faith estimate of the compensation for this role at the time of posting. An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on factors such as education, qualifications, experience, skills, geographic location, and business needs, as well as other factors permitted by law at the time of posting. This range may be modified in the future based on company and market factors.
Job Location
This role is based at our Silver Spring, MD location.
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 https://www.unither.com/careers/benefits-and-amenities
United Therapeutics Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.
We strive to be an organization that engages the minds, hearts, and most spirited efforts of each of our employees. Our sense of purpose transforms what we do from work into mission, occupation into vocation and achievement into success.
We challenge our employees with innovative and revolutionary projects, offer an environment which fosters high-level job performance and provide a highly competitive total rewards package. This is what makes United Therapeutics a stimulating place to work.