Director, Cell Factory Operations

Broad Institute

$120K — $150K *
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Bioengineering, or related field; or Master's with 10+ years experience.
  • 5-8+ years of relevant industry experience with at least 3 years managing multi-tiered teams.
  • Expertise in molecular biology, viral vector prep, and functional genomics.
  • Extensive hands-on experience with immortalized lines, primary cells, and iPSCs.
  • Experience with laboratory automation and managing large data workflows.
  • Strong communication skills for client and executive interactions.
  • Proven problem-solving skills in dynamic environments.

Responsibilities

  • Provide scientific oversight and strategic direction for laboratory operations.
  • Lead scaling and optimization of existing workflows while implementing automation.
  • Troubleshoot complex biological and operational challenges.
  • Manage budgets, equipment procurement, and resource forecasting.
  • Directly manage, mentor, and develop a multi-tiered laboratory team.
  • Act as the primary technical liaison for customer projects.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align outputs with company goals.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
  • Life and disability insurance offerings.
  • 401(k) retirement plan with employer contributions.
  • Flexible spending and health savings accounts.
  • At least 13 paid holidays including winter closure.
  • Paid time off and parental/family care leave.
  • Employee assistance programs and additional perks.
Full Job Description
In this role, you will oversee large-scale operations spanning cell engineering, molecular biology, virus preparation, and functional genomic perturbation screens.

You will be the scientific and operational anchor of the lab, driving continuous improvement, troubleshooting complex biological workflows, and scaling our platforms. Managing a growing, multi-tiered team, you will ensure the seamless execution of high-quality pipelines utilizing immortalized, primary, and iPSC models. Additionally, you will serve as a key technical liaison for external and internal customers, translating custom project requirements into scalable, reproducible scientific realities.

Key Responsibilities:

Scientific & Operational Leadership

Drive Strategic Direction: Provide scientific oversight and strategic vision for all laboratory operations, including cell engineering, molecular cloning, viral vector production, and pooled/arrayed screens.

Scale & Optimize

Lead the scaling of existing workflows, implementing automation, continuous improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean/Six Sigma principles), and rigorous QC/QA standards.

Technical Troubleshooting

Serve as the ultimate technical escalation point for complex biological and operational hurdles across diverse cell types (immortalized, primary, and iPSCs).

Resource Allocation

Manage laboratory budgets, equipment procurement, and resource forecasting to ensure project timelines are met efficiently.

Team Management & Development

Lead a High-Performing Team: Directly manage, mentor, and develop a multi-tiered organization, initially comprising:
  • Associate Director of Cell Works (overseeing a team of 4 focused on cell engineering and iPSC differentiation).
  • Manager of Cell Factory (overseeing a high-throughput production team of 15).
  • Culture of Excellence: Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high-accountability environment focused on scientific rigor and career growth.


Customer & Stakeholder Interaction

  • Technical Consultation: Act as the primary technical point of contact for customers, collaborating on the design, scoping, and execution of custom cell engineering and screening projects.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner closely with Data Science, Automation Engineering, and Business Development teams to align factory outputs with company goals.


Education & Experience
  • Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Bioengineering, or a related scientific discipline with 5-8+ years of industry experience; OR a Master's degree with 10+ years of equivalent industry experience.
  • Minimum of 3+ years of experience successfully managing multi-tiered teams (managing managers or associate directors) in a high-throughput biotechnology, pharma, or CRO environment.
  • Deep expertise across molecular biology, viral vector prep (lentivirus, AAV), and functional genomics (CRISPR, RNAi screens).
  • Extensive, hands-on experience handling and scaling cultures of immortalized lines, primary cells, and iPSCs (including differentiation protocols).
  • Proven track record of implementing laboratory automation (liquid handlers, automated incubators) and managing large data workflows.
  • Excellent communication and consultative skills; comfortable presenting to and collaborating with external clients and executive leadership.
  • Strong problem-solving mindset with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic, and matrixed environment.


The expected base pay range for this position as listed above is based on a 40 hour per week schedule. Broad provides pay ranges representing its reasonable and good faith estimate of what the organization reasonably expects to pay for a position at the time of posting. Actual compensation will vary based on factors including but not limited to, relevant skills, experience, education, qualifications, and other factors permissible by law.

At Broad, your base pay is just one part of a comprehensive total rewards package. From day one, this role offers a competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance; a 401(k) retirement plan; flexible spending and health savings accounts; at least 13 paid holidays; winter closure; paid time off; parental and family care leave; and an employee assistance program, among other Broad benefits.

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