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

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

Join Allen Institute as Scientist III – Immunologist, iPSC‑derived allogeneic T‑cell engineering. Allen Institute’s mission is to unlock the complexities of bioscience and advance human health through open science, multi‑scale, team‑oriented research.

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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.

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

• Relocation assistance
• Work visa sponsorship

• $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

• 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…