Associate Director - SeaBridge

Are you ready for new challenges and new opportunities? Join our team in Seattle! Current job opportunities are posted here as they become available. Associate Director, Immune Cell Engineering The Allen Institute accelerates science for a healthier world through large-scale research designed to answer some of the most complex questions in biology. Our multi-disciplinary teams generate foundational knowledge, tools, and data to understand how our brain, cells, and immune system work. We share our work openly so others can build on it, move faster, and ask bigger questions. We drive discovery forward and create new possibilities for improving human health. 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 Leadership & Track Record 7+ years leading T‑cell therapeutics discovery Demonstrated leadership and mentorship, advancing research platforms from concept through experimental validation and translational application Technical & Scientific Expertise 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 CAR design, optimization, and multiplexed engineering (e.g., transgene‑encoded synthetic outputs, small‑molecule‑regulated CAR activity) CRISPR/Cas9 and Cas12b gene editing, plus protein engineering (site‑directed/error‑prone mutagenesis) Familiarity with viral and non‑viral cell engineering methods Cellular/molecular assay development, qualification, and tech transfer (ddPCR, cytotoxicity, flow‑based potency assays) for internal use and external partner handoff Experience with sequencing‑based analysis, immune phenotyping, and quantitative evaluation of engineered systems Experience contributing to innovative research programs in collaborative, cross‑functional, fast‑paced, multidisciplinary settings Strong communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey scientific concepts and findings across diverse teams 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 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 Additional Eligibility Qualifications All employees who work with live animals must complete an Occupational Health medical history form and/or consultation with an Occupational Health Provider and receive clearance to work with animals. Depending on your health history and job responsibilities, an annual respiratory health screening and clearance to use a respirator may also be required Annualized Salary Range $167,850 - $209,750 * * Final salary depends on required education for the role, experience, and level of skills relevant to the role, along with work location, where applicable 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: 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr