Associate, Cell Therapy Manufacturing (Contract)

About Allogene Therapeutics, Inc:

Allogene Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company with a single-minded focus on pioneering the development of investigational allogeneic chimeric antigen receptor T cell (AlloCAR T™) products for cancer. Led by world-class management with significant experience in cell therapy, our fully integrated, in-house team of researchers is dedicated to discovery and translational research, development, and cell manufacturing.

At Allogene, we are developing a pipeline of off-the-shelf CAR T cell candidates, with the goal of delivering readily available cell therapy faster, more reliably, and at greater scale to more patients. For more information, please visit www.allogene.com, and follow @AllogeneTx on Twitter and LinkedIn.

About the role:

We are seeking a highly motivated Associate, Cell Therapy Manufacturing to join our Manufacturing team. This is a 6+ month contract role that could be extended before a decision on the full-time role is made. This role will work within the Manufacturing team in supporting our efforts in an exciting new area of cancer immunotherapy. This position is based out of Newark, CA.

The position will report to the Senior Manager, Manufacturing and 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 error free calculations of media component and cell concentration, dilution, viability during production
• Accurate and timely completion of documentation required by protocols, SOPs, and batch records
• Maintain current inventory of supplies kept in specified kitting and staging areas and CAR-T suites
• Perform tasks in a manner consistent with safety policies, quality systems, and cGMP requirements
• Routinely monitor, clean, prepare and operate processing and analytical equipment in Grade B/C areas
• 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
• 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
• Update and revise manufacturing operating procedures that are technically sound, promote effective and efficient operations, and comply with cGMP requirements·
• Must maintain and apply knowledge regarding donor information, screening and testing, labeling and product acceptability and release criteria
• Other duties as assigned
• 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
• Be flexible and adaptable to schedule and procedural changes to ensure timely preparation of products with highest quality
• Follow all cleaning and gowning procedures for the facility

Position Requirements & Experience:

• Frequent use of a computer monitor, keyboard and mouse required
• Frequent periods of sitting, walking, and standing required
• Occasional fine finger dexterity/ including grasping or pinching required
• Occasional use of hazardous materials and chemicals required
• Occasional work in cold rooms and freezers required
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Bachelors or Associates in relevant science or engineering discipline with 0-2 years of experience in cGMP biologics or cell therapy manufacturing
• Aseptic processing in Grade A biosafety cabinets and Grade B clean rooms
• Universal precautions for handling human derived materials in BSL-2 containment areas
• Color, vision, and depth perception required for inspection or test related jobs.
• Knowledge of cGMP regulations and FDA guidance applicable to biologics and/or cell therapy
• Strong interpersonal skills including verbal and written communication are essential in this collaborative work environment.
• Ability to work off-shift and long hours as required
• Candidates must be authorized to work in the U.S.
• Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills
• Cell culture processing experience in handling and propagation of human primary cells is strongly preferred
• Candidates must be authorized to work in the U.S.
• Occasional climbing stairs or ladders, bending or stooping, crouching or squatting required
• Excellent organizational skills and an ability to prioritize effectively to deliver results within reasonably established timelines.
• Strong technical writing ability is strongly preferred
• Frequent lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling up to 30 pounds required
• Frequent use of personal protective equipment required

We offer a chance to work with talented people in a collaborative environment. The expected salary range for this role is $34.00 to $37.00/hr. 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 with active recruitment and internships designed to create a stronger and better Allogene that is focused on developing life-changing products for patients.

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