Associate, Cell Therapy Manufacturing

Allogene Therapeutics, with headquarters in South San Francisco, is a clinical-stage biotechnology company pioneering the development of allogeneic chimeric antigen receptor T cell (AlloCAR T) products for cancer and autoimmune disease. Led by a management team with significant experience in cell therapy,  Allogene is developing a pipeline of “off-the-shelf” CAR T cell product candidates with the goal of delivering readily available cell therapy on demand, more reliably, and at greater scale to more patients. 

About this role:

We are seeking a highly motivated Associate, Cell Therapy Manufacturing to join our Manufacturing team. They will work within the Manufacturing team in supporting our efforts in an exciting new area of cancer immunotherapy. This position will be on site five days a week, based out of our Newark, California location.

The position will support the successful tech transfer and operational readiness process, using knowledge of cGMP regulations to ensure manufacturing readiness. Responsibilities of primary importance are to ensure the successful, time-sensitive GMP manufacture and release of cell therapy products; to follow all processes and procedures related to operations in full compliance with cGMP, CFRs, site quality systems and company policies; and to promote a culture of quality and compliance. The successful candidate will have experience in a regulated biotech or pharmaceutical setting and will have proven competency and expertise in the GMP manufacture of cell-based therapies.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Perform process unit and support operations described in standard operating procedures (SOPs) and batch records including: PBMC, media and solution preparation; CAR-T cell drug substance preparation; and CAR-T drug product fill operations
• Accurate and timely completion of documentation required by protocols, SOPs, and batch records
• Maintain aseptic technique during processing of products to ensure the integrity, viability and sterility of cell therapy products from PBMC thaw to final formulated drug product cryopreservation
• Perform tasks in a manner consistent with safety policies, quality systems, and cGMP requirements
• Timely completion of training assignments to ensure the necessary technical skills and knowledge are applied compliantly during GMP operations
• Assist in setting up manufacturing areas and equipment, including complex automated cell processing, cell expansion and filling equipment
• Update and revise manufacturing operating procedures that are technically sound, promote effective and efficient operations, and comply with cGMP requirements·
• Routinely monitor, clean, prepare and operate processing and analytical equipment in Grade B/C areas
• Follow all cleaning and gowning procedures for the facility
• Perform error free calculations of media component and cell concentration, dilution, viability during production
• Must maintain and apply knowledge regarding donor information, screening and testing, labeling and product acceptability and release criteria
• Be flexible and adaptable to schedule and procedural changes to ensure timely preparation of products with highest quality
• Maintain current inventory of supplies kept in specified kitting and staging areas and CAR-T suites
• Other duties as assigned

Position Requirements & Experience:

• Bachelors or Associates degree in relevant science or engineering discipline with 1-3 years of experience in cGMP biologics or cell therapy manufacturing; or 3+ years in cGMP manufacturing biologics or cell therapy manufacturing
• Aseptic processing in Grade A biosafety cabinets and Grade B clean rooms
• Cell culture processing experience in handling and propagation of human primary cells strongly preferred
• Universal precautions for handling human derived materials in BSL-2 containment areas
• Knowledge of cGMP regulations and FDA guidance applicable to biologics and/or cell therapy
• Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills
• Strong technical writing ability strongly preferred
• Ability to work off-shift and long hours as required
• Frequent use of a computer monitor, keyboard and mouse required; lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling up to 30 pounds required; periods of sitting, walking, and standing required; Frequent use of personal protective equipment required
• Occasional climbing stairs or ladders, bending or stooping, crouching or squatting required; fine finger dexterity/ including grasping or pinching required; use of hazardous materials and chemicals required; work in cold rooms and freezers required; Color, vision, and depth perception required for inspection or test related jobs.
• Candidates must be authorized to work in the U.S.

We offer a chance to work with talented people in a collaborative environment and provide a top-notch compensation and benefits package, which includes an annual performance bonus, equity, health insurance, generous time off (including 2 annual holiday company-wide shutdowns) and much more. The expected salary range for this role is $43.00 -$48.00 per hour. Actual pay will be determined based on experience, qualifications, geographic location, business needs, and other job-related factors permitted by law.

As an equal opportunity employer, Allogene is committed to a diverse workforce. Employment decisions regarding recruitment and selection will be made without discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, genetic information or characteristic, gender identity and expression, veteran status, or other non-job-related characteristics or other prohibited grounds specified in applicable federal, state and local laws. We also embrace differences in experience and background, and welcome diversity of opinions and thought, designed to create a stronger and better Allogene that is focused on developing life-changing products for patients.

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