Scientific Partner & Sales Specialist

Overview

Portal is a rapidly scaling cell-engineering platform company redefining how scientists and clinicians engineer cells across research, drug discovery, and therapeutic applications. Since launching our first product in 2024, Portal has built a network of 100+ active customers, including most of the top 10 global pharmaceutical companies and leading academic hospitals worldwide.

Backed by $14M in venture funding and an $8M DARPA contract, our proprietary mechanoporation technology transiently perturbs cell membranes as they pass through a silicon microstructure. This enables efficient multiplex delivery of diverse cargos such as RNA, proteins, small molecules, and gene-editing tools without compromising cell function. Our approach is simple and scalable, supporting applications from high-throughput drug screening to clinical-scale manufacturing, and it works both as a stand-alone system and as an integrated component in third-party platforms.

With a leadership team bringing decades of experience in clinical cell-therapy development and biotech operations, Portal is positioned to become the foundational backbone of cell engineering in both research and clinical settings.

The Role:

We are seeking a PhD-level scientist who enjoys applying their scientific expertise beyond the bench while remaining deeply connected to cutting-edge science and technology. In this role, you’ll be instrumental in deploying Portal’s platform with customers and partner organizations by building trusted relationships and collaborating with a diverse mix of industry and academic professionals.

The ideal brings an extroverted, entrepreneurial mindset, a passion for scientific innovation, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, goal-oriented environment. This role sits at the intersection of science, strategy, and sales - perfect for someone who enjoys translating complex biology into real-world impact.

• Proactively identify, evaluate, and generate new business opportunities through outbound efforts, including digital prospecting tools, market research, and networking at events and conferences
• Partner closely with customers to design and execute experiments that explore new applications and support the successful adoption of Portal’s platform
• Effectively communicate Portal’s current and emerging technical capabilities through email, phone, virtual and in-person meetings, tailored presentations, and live demonstrations
• Take a consultative approach to engage scientific and business leaders, uncovering opportunities to grow customer value through thoughtful product positioning and differentiation
• Collaborate cross-functionally to advance partnerships, lead technical discussions, and support deal progression and negotiations
• Inform and support product development by maintaining a strong understanding of customer needs, market dynamics, and industry trends
• 2-5 years of experience in a consultative sales, business development, or technical commercial role within biotech, life science tools, or a related environment - experience with or understanding of cell and gene therapy (C>) products and technologies is a plus

• PhD in molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, immunology, stem cell biology or related field
• Located in Greater Boston or near a major metropolitan airport, with the ability to travel approximately 50% of the time
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey complex scientific concepts and translate technical details into compelling, partner-facing messaging
• A collaborative, team-oriented mindset with the ability to work effectively across functions in a growing organization
• Adaptability and learning agility, with a demonstrated ability to thrive in a fast-moving startup environment

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and to provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex or gender identity, national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, we comply with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment.