Director of Cellular Therapy

Company/Institution:	Huntsman Cancer Institute/University of Utah
Department:	Internal Medicine Division of Hematology & Hematologic Malignancies
Location:	Salt Lake City, UT, USA
Degree Requirements:	MD, PhD and/or MD, DO, Board Eligible, Board Certified	Salary:	Not available
Job Type:	Faculty	Posted:	May 20, 2026
Job Setting:	Medical School, Hospital/Clinical Facility	Application Period:	May 20, 2026-May 20, 2027

We are seeking an MD or MD/PhD with expertise in cellular therapy to serve as the Director of Cellular Therapy. This position will provide strategic leadership for the expansion of cellular therapy programs across Huntsman Cancer Institute and the University of Utah Health system.

The successful candidate will play a central role in building and leading a comprehensive cellular therapy network, advancing innovative therapies for patients with hematologic malignancies and other diseases. The Director will work closely with clinical, translational, and laboratory leaders to integrate discovery, manufacturing, and clinical application of cellular therapies.

This leadership position includes protected administrative time, the possibility of an endowed chair, and dedicated programmatic resources to support program development, research initiatives, and network expansion.
The Director will hold a faculty appointment in the Division of Hematology and Hematologic Malignancies within the Department of Internal Medicine and will become an investigator at Huntsman Cancer Institute, an NCI-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Program Overview
The Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine (CTRM) Program at the University of Utah provides state-of-the-art infrastructure to support the development and manufacturing of cellular therapy products. The CTRM facility supports:
•Processing of blood and marrow transplant products
•Manufacturing and cryopreservation of cellular therapy products
•Development of investigator-initiated cellular therapies
•Support for clinical trials involving advanced cellular therapies

The program has the capability to develop and produce clinical-grade cellular therapies in-house, enabling investigators and clinicians to translate innovative cellular therapies from bench to bedside.

Key Responsibilities
•Provide strategic leadership for cellular therapy programs across Huntsman Cancer Institute and University of Utah Health.
•Build and lead a cellular therapy network across the institution to expand patient access to advanced therapies.
•Collaborate with leaders of the Blood and Marrow Transplant Program, CTRM, and clinical investigators to develop and implement new cellular therapy programs.
•Oversee development and translation of novel cellular therapy products, including investigator-initiated therapies.
•Work closely with CTRM leadership to support cell processing, manufacturing, and regulatory compliance.
•Partner with investigators to design and implement innovative cellular therapy clinical trials.
•Support grant development, collaborative research initiatives, and extramural funding opportunities.
•Foster multidisciplinary collaborations among clinical, translational, and laboratory investigators.
•Mentor faculty, trainees, and fellows involved in cellular therapy research and clinical programs.
•Contribute to national leadership and visibility in the field of cellular therapy.

Minimum Qualifications
•MD or MD/PhD
•Board certification or eligibility in Hematology/Oncology
•Demonstrated expertise in cellular therapy, including clinical or translational research
•Eligibility for faculty appointment at the University of Utah School of Medicine

Preferred Qualifications
•Experience with hematopoietic cell transplantation and cellular therapy clinical programs
•Experience leading or developing cellular therapy networks or programs
•Expertise in cell processing, manufacturing, and regulatory frameworks
•Track record of clinical trial development and extramural funding
•Strong record of academic leadership, mentorship, and collaborative research

The Division of Hematology and Hematologic Malignancies offers numerous opportunities for clinical, translational, and basic research with mentoring by internationally respected Hematologists and provides ongoing collaborative and infrastructure support for academic programs. Our vision is to establish an interdisciplinary stem cell and regenerative medicine program serving the Intermountain region of the US.

Located in the foothills of the spectacular Wasatch Mountains, the University of Utah is the State’s academic flagship institution. The Hematology Division is one of the oldest and most highly respected programs in the US. Salt Lake City has been recently voted one of the best places to live in the country, and the city has been cited for cultural diversity, an outstanding school system, and unrivaled accessibility to outdoor activities.

About the Employer

About Huntsman Cancer Institute and the University of Utah

Huntsman Cancer Institute is an NCI-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center and the flagship cancer center for the Mountain West. The University of Utah Health system provides a dynamic academic environment with strong infrastructure supporting translational science, clinical innovation, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
This position offers a unique opportunity to lead the next phase of cellular therapy expansion at Huntsman Cancer Institute and the University of Utah by integrating discovery science, advanced manufacturing capabilities, and cutting-edge clinical care.

The University of Utah Health (U of U Health) is a patient focused center distinguished by collaboration, excellence, leadership, and Respect. U of U Health values candidates who are committed to fostering and furthering the culture of compassion, collaboration, innovation, accountability, acceptance, integrity, quality, and trust that is integral to our mission.
The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education. Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.

Consistent with state and federal law, the University of Utah does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran’s status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.

To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX (OEO). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator’s office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number, can be located at https://www.utah.edu/nondiscrimination/.

 Online reports may be submitted at https://oeo.utah.edu.

How to Apply

Apply online: Interested candidates should submit a Curriculum Vitae, with a letter of interest and letters of recommendation (multiple preferred) at the following link: https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/201694

Inquiries may be sent to: Dr. Ramiro Garzon, Division Chief, Division of Hematology & Hematologic Malignancies, at Ramiro.garzon@hci.utah.edu.

Contact Information

Jens Lohr
2000 Circle of Hope RN 4241
Salt Lake City, UT 84112 USA
https://medicine.utah.edu/internal-medicine/hematology
Jens.Lohr@hci.utah.edu

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