Sr. Scientific Advisor CAR T Technologies

Responsibilities

• Serve as a scientific expert in due diligence efforts for external platforms, technologies and partnership opportunities.
• Evaluate CAR T and gene delivery approaches, including vector systems, targeting strategies, and immune cell engineering methodologies.
• Assess the scientific validity, differentiation, and translational potential of emerging technologies in the context of autoimmune disease.
• Review and interpret preclinical datasets (in vitro and in vivo pharmacology) generated by external partners or collaborators.
• Evaluate pharmacokinetics, biodistribution, CAR expression, immune activation, and therapeutic activity.
• Assess durability, safety signals, and immune modulation associated with CAR T technology approaches.
• Identify key risks, gaps, and data limitations, and propose mitigation strategies.
• Advise on translational relevance of preclinical findings, including implications for clinical development, dose selection, and biomarker strategies.
• Provide guidance on autoimmune disease biology and appropriate preclinical models to assess therapeutic potential.
• Contribute to shaping Kyverna’s broader CAR T and immune engineering technology strategy through an external innovation lens.
• Partner with internal teams across Research, Translational Science, Clinical, CMC, and Business Development to align on technology evaluations.
• Support business development activities, including scientific input into partnership discussions and technical presentations.
• Interface with external collaborators, biotech partners, and CROs as needed to clarify data and approaches.
• Present due diligence findings and recommendations to senior leadership and cross-functional stakeholders.

Qualifications

• PhD in Immunology, Biotechnology, Genetic Medicines, or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in immunology and inflammation (I&I) drug discovery, and cell/gene therapy.
• Deep expertise in CAR T, immune cell engineering, and/or gene delivery technologies including autologous, allogeneic and in-vivo approaches.
• Strong experience designing and executing CAR T pharmacology studies in immunology or autoimmune disease.
• Experience working with gene delivery technologies (e.g., AAV, lentivirus, lipid nanoparticles, or other delivery systems) strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with CAR biology, immune cell engineering, or cell therapy approaches.
• Experience working with autoimmune disease models or immune-mediated disease biology preferred.
• Ability to interpret complex datasets and translate findings into actionable program insights.
• Prior experience supporting scientific due diligence or external technology evaluation strongly preferred
• Demonstrated ability to assess early-stage technologies with incomplete data and provide clear, actionable recommendations.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills with ability to work effectively with cross functional internal and external teams.