Chenchen Li

About Chenchen Li

I am a Senior Research Investigator at the Center for Cellular Immunotherapies (CCI) and Translational Center of Excellence (TCE ) in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Engineering at the University of Pennsylvania. I am benchmarking the clinical development of genetically engineered hematopoietic stem cells and CAR-T cell platforms for next-generation cellular immunotherapies. My work is conducted under the leadership of Dr. Friederike Herbst-Nowrouzi, Dr. Saar Gill, and Dr. Carl June at the University of Pennsylvania, integrating cutting-edge gene editing with translational immuno-oncology. I have a five-year postdoctoral experience at the University of Pennsylvania, where I explore novel bioactive compounds, gene editing technologies, and single-cell sequencing methods to expand and improve hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) transplantation for sickle cell anemia and other blood disorders. I collaborate with academic labs and pharmaceutical companies, such as Blueprint Medicines and NextStage Bio, to validate new pharmacotherapies for myelodysplastic syndrome and HSC therapies for sickle cell anemia. I have a Ph.D. in Cell Biology from the University of Science and Technology of China, where I explore RNA binding protein and RNA therapies for cancer development and cancer metabolism.With over 13 years of experience in hematology/oncology, cell and molecular biology, RNA biology, and cancer metabolism research, I have published 10 peer-reviewed articles (citation>400), including 8 original research papers and 2 reviews, in prestigious journals including first-author Nature Communication and EMBO Reports. I have also contributed to writing NIH grants and funding applications, reviewed more than 15 peer-reviewed articles, and mentored medical students and undergraduates. I have been selected by Leadership and Management Skills Program for Postdoctoral Trainees Pursuing Research in Non-Malignant Hematology. I am a self-starter, an excellent communicator, and a team collaborator who values innovation, management, and impact.

Experience

1. Senior Research Investigator

   Center For Cellular Immunotherapies Upenn

   Dec 2024 — Present · Philadelphia, PA, US

   Led by world-renowned pioneers Dr. Friederike Herbst-Nowrouzi, Dr. Saar Gill, and Dr. Carl June•Lead the hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) engineering program in a fast-paced, industry-aligned translational environment, integrating genome editing, stem cell biology, and manufacturability considerations to drive milestone-based execution.•Orchestrate high-intensity cross-functional teamwork across preclinical, analytics, bioinformatics, and assay development to generate integrated readouts (function, phenotype, and molecular profiling) that inform program decisions.•Partner closely with internal stakeholders to support tech transfer and clinical manufacturing readiness by aligning process requirements, timelines, and documentation and translating preclinical workflows into scalable, GMP-compatible approaches.•Contributed to a successful FDA IND submission by coordinating IND-enabling inputs across preclinical, analytical, and manufacturing functions and assembling core regulatory components (CMC/manufacturing narratives, QC/release strategy, and supporting study summaries).•Partner with Danaher/Cytiva to evaluate LNP delivery performance and scalability for gene editing, aligning on experimental design, data review, and go/no-go decisions in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment.

Education

• University of Science and Technology of China

  Doctor of Philosophy - PhD, Cell Biology

  2011 — 2017