Principal Scientist, Drug Substance-Process Science/Immunology

About Allogene:

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 the role:

Allogene Therapeutics is seeking Principal Scientist, Cell Starting Material - Process Sciences group within the Process and Product Development organization. This role will be responsible for driving innovation, developing new cell therapy technologies, and implementing robust CAR-T processes to advance Allogene’s core technologies in our GMP manufacturing facilities. This individual will be responsible for characterization of cell starting material and developing cell isolation technologies.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the design and execution of high-impact Cell Starting Material characterization studies using QbD principles.
• Responsible for execution of characterization activities focused on elucidating dependencies between cell starting material and drug product quality attributes
• Responsible for evaluating and developing innovative cell isolation technologies
• Develop and implement technical strategies aligned with departmental and program objectives.
• Drive process understanding and control strategy development to support clinical and commercial manufacturing.
• Serve as a subject matter expert (SME) in cell therapy process sciences, providing scientific and technical leadership.
• Interpret complex datasets and communicate findings to cross-functional teams and leadership.
• Identify process risks and opportunities; propose and implement innovative solutions and process improvements.
• Support the preparation of technical reports, regulatory documents (e.g., IND/BLA sections), and scientific publications.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with R&D, Analytical Sciences, MSAT, Quality, and Regulatory teams to ensure seamless program execution.
• Act as a technical mentor, coaching scientists on study design, data interpretation, and scientific decision-making.
• Remain current with relevant cell therapy, immunology, and bioprocessing literature.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Position Requirements & Experience:

• Ph.D. in Molecular & Cell Biology, Immunology, or a related field with at least 7 years of relevant experience; or MS with at least 10 years of industry experience; or BS with at least 12 years of industry experience.
• Desired expertise in immunology and/or cellular biology
• Demonstrated expertise in aseptic technique, cell-based assays, and cell culturing.
• Experience in cell isolation and enrichment from a variety of biological sources.
• Experience with cell isolation technologies for cell therapy
• Experience optimizing cryopreservation media and processes
• Strong analytical mindset for interrogating datasets.
• Demonstrated experience building robust experimental frameworks to interrogate biological systems, with a strong emphasis on interdependencies among different cell types, process characterization, DOE, and data-driven decision-making.
• Strong understanding of cell therapy manufacturing processes (e.g., gene editing, viral transduction, cell expansion, formulation).
• Proven track record of leading complex technical programs and cross-functional initiatives.
• Strong leadership, mentorship, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including authoring technical documents and presenting to senior leadership.
• 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 $155,000 - $180,000 per year. 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.