New

Director, Cell Factory Operations

Broad Institute
paid time off, paid holidays, 401(k), retirement plan
United States, Massachusetts, Burlington
Jul 20, 2026
Description & Requirements The Broad Institute of MIT & Harvard is seeking a visionary and operationally excellent Director of Cell Factory Operations to lead our high-throughput cellular engineering and screening factory. 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. The Broad Institute is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations. Should you need a reasonable accommodation to complete the application or interview process, please contact recruiting@broadinstitute.org for assistance.