Scientist III – Immunologist, iPSC-derived allogeneic T-cell engineering

The mission of the Allen Institute is to unlock the complexities of bioscience and advance our knowledge to improve human health. Using an open science, multi-scale, team-oriented approach, the Allen Institute focuses on accelerating foundational research, developing standards and models, and cultivating new ideas to make a broad, transformational impact on science.

Join us on the ground floor to shape the future of programmable cell therapies. SeaBridge, a new translational incubator powered by SeaHub technology, is looking for an innovative immunologist to join our founding team. You’ll help launch and shape the incubator while driving our allogeneic (off-the-shelf) CAR-T cell therapy program.

We’re looking for someone with deep expertise in human iPSC culture, differentiation, and genetic engineering. You’ll be responsible for developing robust protocols to derive T-cell lines from iPSCs and applying cutting-edge CRISPR/Cas9 editing to enhance their therapeutic potential.

At the Allen Institute, we believe that science is for everyone – and should be open to everyone. We are dedicated to combating biases and reducing barriers to STEM careers more broadly. We also believe that science is better when it includes different perspectives and voices. We strive to make the Allen Institute a place where everyone feels like they belong and are empowered to do their best work in a supportive environment.

We are an equal-opportunity employer and strongly encourage people from all backgrounds to apply for our open positions.

Essential Functions

• Play a founding role in creating an incubator designed to turn discoveries into cures
• Shape and lead a cutting-edge allogeneic (off-the-shelf) CAR-T cell therapy program
• Drive innovation at the intersection of iPSCs, CRISPR, and translational science
• Develop robust protocols for deriving T-cell lines from iPSCs and for applying state-of-the-art CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technologies to enhance their therapeutic properties
• Design, execute, and analyze gene editing experiments using CRISPR/Cas9 and other technologies to modify iPSC-derived T-cells
• Maintain and expand high-quality human iPSC lines in a cGMP-compliant manner
• Engineer T-cells to express chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) for targeted cancer therapy
• Apply genome editing to remove or insert genes to enhance T-cell potency, reduce T-cell exhaustion, or mitigate off-target toxicity (e.g., knocking out TCR to prevent Graft-vs-Host Disease)
• Use multi-color flow cytometry, cell sorting, and functional assays to characterize iPSC-derived and engineered T-cells
• Assess T-cell functionality, such as proliferation, cytokine production, and antigen-specific cytotoxicity
• Conduct molecular characterization using techniques like ddPCR, qPCR, Sanger sequencing, and next-generation sequencing to confirm successful gene editing
• Work effectively in a cross-functional team, interacting with process development, analytical development, and regulatory affairs
• Document all experimental procedures and results in electronic lab notebooks and technical reports
• Present data and findings at internal meetings to advance CAR-T pipeline programs

Note: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions; it does not proscribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.

Required Experience and Education

• Ph.D. in Immunology, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Bioengineering, or a related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience
• 5 years of relevant postdoctoral or industry experience or equivalent experience

Preferred Education and Experience

• 5 – 8 years relevant post-doctoral experience
• Strong hands-on experience with human iPSC culture, maintenance, and differentiation protocols
• Extensive practical experience with CRISPR/Cas9 or other gene editing technologies in mammalian cells
• Proficiency in primary human T-cell culture and engineering is a strong plus
• Expertise in multi-color flow cytometry and cell sorting for cell characterization
• Experience with viral (lentivirus, AAV) and non-viral gene delivery methods
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative, fast-paced team
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities
• Demonstrated team management
• Demonstrated ability to build and lead a program

Physical Demands

• Fine motor movements in fingers/hands to operate computers and other office equipment

Work Environment

• Frequently required to sit, stand, walk, stoop, kneel or reach
• Possible exposure and handling of laboratory animals
• Laboratory atmosphere - possible exposure to chemical, biological or other hazardous substances

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

• This role is currently working onsite and is expected to work onsite for the majority of the working hours. We are a Washington State employer, and the primary work location for Allen Institute employees is 700 Dexter Ave N.; any remote work must be performed in Washington State.

Travel

• The successful candidate may be invited to attend occasional national and international conferences

Additional Comments

• **Please note, this opportunity offers relocation assistance**
• **Please note, this opportunity may offer work visa sponsorship**

Annualized Salary Range

• $128,050 - $160,050 *

* Final salary depends on required education for the role, experience, and level of skills relevant to the role, along with work location, where applicable

Benefits

• Employees (and their families) are eligible to enroll in benefits per eligibility rules outline in the Allen Institute’s Benefits Guide. These benefits include medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance. Employees are also eligible to enroll in the Allen Institute’s 401k plan. Paid time off is also available as outlined in the Allen Institutes Benefits Guide. Details on the Allen Institute’s benefits offering are located at the following link to the Benefits Guide:?https://alleninstitute.org/careers/benefits.

It is the policy of the Allen Institute to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, the Allen Institute will provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities.