Faculty Position in Cell & Gene Therapy and All Drug Conjugate Research

Xi'an Jiaotong - Liverpool University – Academy of Pharmacy

School: Academy of Pharmacy

Position: Faculty [Open Rank]

Contract Type: Fixed-term, renewable. The third contract becomes open-ended.

ABOUT XJTLU

Established in 2006 through a partnership between Xi’an Jiaotong University and the University of Liverpool, Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) delivers a unique international education experience. XJTLU combines academic strengths from East and West to prepare students for global careers. With over 25,000 students across campuses in Suzhou and Liverpool, the University is poised to grow to 28,000 by 2025. Among approximately 2,000 staff, half are international academics, fostering a truly global educational environment. XJTLU offers more than 100 undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. 

The University is entering an exciting phase with its ten-year strategic plan, focused on the Syntegrative Education (SE) model. This includes the development of the Entrepreneur College (Taicang), expansion of academic partnerships, and the establishment of four new Academies. The SE model aims to address future societal and industrial challenges through innovative education. 

To learn more, visit www.xjtlu.edu.cn.

ABOUT THE ACADEMY OF PHARMACY

Founded on November 11, 2020, the Academy of Pharmacy focuses on pharmaceutical sciences and recruits global talent. It collaborates closely with Suzhou Industrial Park to deliver high-quality education and cutting-edge research. Facilities include a Pharmaceutical Analysis Lab, a Laboratory Animal Research Centre, and a Pharmaceutical Research Core Facility. 

Suzhou, a rapidly growing pharmaceutical hub, hosts over 600 pharma and biotech companies and the Cold Spring Harbor Asia conference center. The Academy’s research areas span novel therapeutic development, AI-assisted drug discovery, gene and cell therapy, clinical pharmacy, and vaccine innovation. It offers programmes at undergraduate, Master's, and PhD levels in Applied Statistics (Biostatistics Pathway), Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutics, and Biopharmaceuticals.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in relevant fields.
• Conduct and publish impactful research in cell & gene therapy and Drug Conjugates.
• Supervise graduate students and support the development of junior researchers.
• Undertake academic service roles, including administrative duties.
• Foster collaboration with local industry to support translational research and practical training.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Essential:

• PhD in a relevant discipline such as cellular biology, molecular biology, physiology, pathology, biochemistry, genetics, immunology, or related biomedical sciences.
• Candidates from Medical Scientist Training Programs or equivalent (e.g., 7- or 8-year integrated clinical/research tracks) with strong research backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
• Ideally at least 5 years of research experience in cell/gene therapy with expertise in tumor immunology, iPSC-derived functional cells, CAR-T/NK/TIL therapy, etc.
• Ideally over 3 years of R&D, including payload, antibody design and/or conjugates study or ideally over 2 years experience in preclinical evaluation and translational research in XDC fields.
• Experience with GMP compliance or IND filing is highly desirable.
• For Associate Professor and above: demonstrated excellence in teaching, supervision, international research collaboration, and a proven record of research funding.

Desirable:

• Prior experience in the pharmaceutical/biotech industry or collaborative research with industry partners.
• Candidates with hands-on experience in ADC manufacturing, process optimization, or regulatory submission (e.g., IND/NDA) or collaborations with biopharmaceutical companies in ADC development are particularly encouraged to apply.

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• Creativity and vision in research and education
• Leadership in building and managing academic/research teams
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English
• Professionalism, adaptability, and a strong work ethic
• A collaborative spirit and respect for diversity

CITIZENSHIP AND VISA REGULATIONS

Employment at XJTLU is governed by Chinese labor laws and provincial regulations. Candidates over the age of 60 may not be eligible for a work visa in China.

CAREER DEVELOPMENT

• Clear Career Path: Structured promotion system with annual performance reviews.
• Professional Development: Access to teaching, leadership, and grant writing training workshops.
• Mentorship and Collaboration: Supportive academic environment with senior mentoring and peer networks.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Salary: Highly competitive, based on qualifications and experience.

Benefits include:

1. Allowances: Housing, travel, child education, relocation, and more.
2. Insurance: Comprehensive international insurance for staff and eligible family members.
3. Leave:

• • 11 public holidays
  • 36 days of annual leave
  • Paid sick leave, family leave, parental leave, marriage and paternity leave, etc.

4. Visa Support: Full assistance with work visa and residence permit.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Apply via the XJTLU recruitment portal by clicking the 'Apply' button

Application Package (PDF format):

• Cover letter
• Curriculum Vitae (including nationality, and highest degree)
• A three-year research and teaching plan
• Contact information for three referees

Inquiries:

• Academic: Prof. Lei Fu, Executive Dean, Academy of Pharmacy (lei.fu@xjtlu.edu.cn)
• HR: Zhi Yang (Zhi.Yang@xjtlu.edu.cn) or Xinyun Yang (Xinyun.Yang@xjtlu.edu.cn)

Please include the job title and ID in your correspondence.