Director of Cellular Immunotherapy GMP Manufacturing
City of Hope
Duarte, CA
Job posting number: #7323996 (Ref:10033169)
Posted: February 23, 2026
Application Deadline: Open Until Filled
Job Description
Join the forefront of groundbreaking research at theBeckman Research Institute of City of Hope, where we're changing lives and making a real difference in the fight against cancer, diabetes, and other life-threatening illnesses. Our dedicated and compassionate faculty and staff are driven by a common mission: Contribute to innovative approaches in predicting, preventing, and curing diseases, shaping the future of medicine through cutting-edge research.
We are looking for a leader to head the Manufacturing of Cellular Immunotherapies in Cell and Gene Therapy Operations. This role reports to the Vice President of Cell and Gene Therapy Operations / Director of the Center for Bioinnovation and Manufacturing.
COH has a mission to transform the future of cancer care. In support of this mission, COH has over 20+ years of experience in GMP production of Cell and Gene Therapies holding >120 active INDs and supported by an 80+ person GMP team. The new Director will oversee a Manufacturing team of >15 people that focuses primarily on autologous production of >60 CAR-T therapies per year in support of early clinical trials. Additional relevant areas of expertise are manufacturing of TILs and CAR-NK.
As a successful candidate you will:
· Lead and manage a high-performing team responsible for cGMP manufacturing of cellular immunotherapy products.
· Ensure execution of manufacturing processes that meet rigorous safety, quality, and compliance standards.
· Oversee GMP manufacturing logistics, including scheduling, resource allocation, and throughput optimization.
· Troubleshoot and resolve issues, identify root causes, and implement process improvements with clear communication to senior leadership and project PIs.
· Develop and monitor KPIs for productivity, efficiency, and compliance.
· Drive continuous improvement initiatives, leveraging advanced technologies and best practices.
· Ensure adequate staffing, facilities, equipment, and documentation to meet evolving priorities and capacity needs.
· Collaborate with internal stakeholders to align manufacturing operations with institutional goals.
· Partner with Project Management to develop budgets for internal and external projects.
· Recruit, train, and mentor team members, fostering professional growth and career development.
· Establish organizational structure, policies, and production schedules to support operational excellence.
· Promote a culture of collaboration, accountability, and innovation
Your qualifications should include:
· Bachelor’s degree in biological sciences, engineering, or related field (Masters or PhD preferred).
· Minimum of 5 years of experience working with human T-cells, primary human cells, immune systems or similar biological systems.
· Minimum of 2 years of experience in cGMP cell therapy and/or biological product manufacturing, ideally with immunoeffector cell therapy focus.
· Minimum of 2 years supervisory experience and leading teams of greater than 5 people in a highly matrixed and milestone-driven environment.
· Strong understanding of CAR-T biology, including T-cell activation, cytotoxicity, and exhaustion.
· Strong Interpersonal and collaboration skills to interface with external groups.
· In-depth knowledge of cGMP regulations and FDA guidance for biologics and cell therapy.
· Experience in regulatory documentation (e.g., FDA CMC submissions).
City of Hope employees pay is based on the following criteria: work experience, qualifications, and work location.
City of Hope is an equal opportunity employer.
To learn more about our Comprehensive Benefits, pleaseCLICK HERE.
Salary / Pay Rate Information:
Pay Rate: $86.07 - $143.74 / hour
The estimated pay scale represents the typical [salary/hourly] range City of Hope reasonably expects to pay for this position, with offers determined based on several factors which may include, but not be limited to, the candidate’s experience, expertise, skills, education, job scope, training, internal equity, geography/market, etc. This pay scale is subject to change from time to time.
City of Hope is a community of people characterized by our diversity of thought, background and approach, but tied together by our commitment to care for and cure those with cancer and other life-threatening diseases. The innovation that our diversity produces in the areas of research, treatment, philanthropy and education has made us national leaders in this fight. Our unique and diverse workforce provides us the ability to understand our patients' needs, deliver compassionate care and continue the quest for a cure for life-threatening diseases. At City of Hope, diversity and inclusion is a core value at the heart of our mission. We strive to create an inclusive workplace environment that engages all of our employees and provides them with opportunities to develop and grow, both personally and professionally. Each day brings an opportunity to strengthen our work, leverage our different perspectives and improve our patients’ experiences by learning from others. Diversity and inclusion is about much more than policies and campaigns. It is an integral part of who we are as an institution, how we operate and how we see our future.


