Scientist III – Immunologist, 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, synthetic biology, and genome engineering. You will develop robust platforms to derive and engineer iPSC-derived T-cell products and build next-generation control systems that integrate genome editing, signal-responsive recording, and state-dependent actuation to enhance therapeutic potency, persistence, and safety.

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

• Lead the design and advancement of an allogeneic CAR-T cell therapy platform based on iPSC-derived T cells
• Develop and apply genome engineering and synthetic biology strategies to improve therapeutic potency, persistence, safety, and overall product performance
• Build, optimize, and scale iPSC engineering, maintenance, and differentiation workflows to support platform and product development
• Design and execute studies to generate, characterize, and evaluate engineered cell products across molecular, phenotypic, and functional readouts
• Advance platform innovation through thoughtful experimental design, rigorous data interpretation, and iterative optimization
• Partner closely with cross-functional colleagues to support the translational advancement of engineered cell therapy 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 Education and Experience

• Ph.D. in a relevant life sciences or engineering discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• 5+ years of relevant postdoctoral and/or industry experience in immune cell engineering, stem cell engineering, synthetic biology, translational research, or a related field
• Experience with mammalian genome engineering and synthetic regulatory system design

Preferred Education and Experience

• Experience with human iPSC engineering and differentiation, ideally toward immune cell lineages
• Experience with primary and/or iPSC-derived T-cell engineering; allogeneic platform experience is a plus
• Experience with sequencing-based analysis, immune phenotyping, and quantitative evaluation of engineered systems
• Familiarity with viral and non-viral cell engineering methods
• Demonstrated leadership, mentorship, and ability to advance research platforms from concept through experimental validation and translational application
• Experience contributing to innovative research programs in collaborative, multidisciplinary settings
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey scientific concepts and findings across diverse teams
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in collaborative, cross-functional, and fast-paced research environments

We recognize that candidates may bring relevant experience in different ways and encourage applicants to apply even if their background does not align perfectly with every preferred qualification. We are committed to building a collaborative, inclusive environment where diverse perspectives and experiences drive scientific innovation.

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 outlined 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.