Head of Cell Line Development

Alloy Therapeutics • Waltham, MA

1d • $150,000 - $215,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

As Head of Cell Line Development, you will lead technology evaluation, development, and strategy for stable cell line technologies. This is a senior leadership role responsible for shaping the scientific and technical direction of our cell line development capabilities, ensuring we remain at the forefront of innovation in stable transfection, clone selection, and cell line engineering.

This role will report directly to the CEO of the Antibody Powered Division in Waltham, MA, with autonomy owning various stakeholders, projects, and tasks in a dynamic start-up environment while keeping up the pace of Alloy.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemical Engineering, or a related field
• 10+ years of hands-on experience in cell line development within a CDMO or pharmaceutical/biotech company setting
• Demonstrated proven track record of successfully developing and advancing stable mammalian cell lines (e.g., CHO) for biologics production
• Deep familiarity with current and emerging technologies for stable transfection and cell line generation (e.g., electroporation, lipofection, viral-mediated delivery, targeted integration systems, novel selection markers, high-throughput clone screening platforms)
• Strong understanding of clone selection, cell banking, stability testing, and characterization requirements (including regulatory expectations such as ICH Q5D)
• Experience leading teams and managing complex, multi-stakeholder technical programs
• Excellent communication skills, with experience presenting to internal leadership, clients, and/or regulatory bodies

Nice To Haves

• Prior experience evaluating or implementing novel cell line development platforms (e.g., targeted integration systems, next-generation expression vectors, single-cell dispensing/imaging technologies)
• Experience with GMP-regulated environments and technology transfer to manufacturing
• Track record of publications, patents, or conference presentations in cell line development
• Experience in a client-facing CDMO environment

Responsibilities

• Lead technology evaluation and development strategy for stable cell line platforms, including host cell engineering, vector design, transfection methods, and clone screening/selection technologies
• Identify, assess, and implement next-generation technologies for stable transfection and cell line generation to improve titer, stability, product quality, and speed to clinic
• Set scientific strategy and roadmap for cell line development capabilities in alignment with broader organizational goals
• Stay current on emerging trends in stable cell line technologies (e.g., targeted integration, site-specific recombination, novel selection systems, high-throughput single-cell cloning, and next-gen expression platforms) and evaluate their applicability
• Represent the organization's cell line development capabilities in interactions with clients, partners, and at scientific conferences
• Develop and oversee IP strategy related to proprietary cell line technologies
• Ensure development activities meet relevant regulatory expectations (e.g., ICH Q5D) and support regulatory filings as needed
• Manage budgets, timelines, and resource allocation for cell line development programs

Benefits

• Competitive base and equity compensation commensurate with level of experience and independence
• 401(k) company match
• Generous personal and family medical, dental and vision benefits with 100% of premiums and deductibles covered
• Company-paid disability (STD, LTD) and life insurance
• Paid parental leave
• Family planning support up to $45,000 (e.g., IVF/PGT, adoption, surrogacy, egg retrieval)
• Unlimited PTO (paid time off) and flexible schedules
• Annual stipend for continuing education with commitment to your career through individualized professional development plan
• Wellness and Extensive Employee Assistance Program (EAP) including resources for mental wellness

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree