Research Associate I, Cell Process Development

Overview

Who We Are:

At Dendreon, we’re transforming the battle against cancer with personalized immunotherapy. Our flagship product, PROVENGE® (sipuleucel-T), was the first FDA-approved immunotherapy for metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer, utilizing a patient’s own immune cells to fight the disease.

If you’re driven by the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on cancer patients' lives, we invite you to join our team. With Immunotherapy Manufacturing Facilities in Seal Beach, CA, and Union City, GA, a strong Research & Development group, and a highly skilled Commercial team across the nation, Dendreon is at the forefront of cancer treatment innovation.

Core Values:

• Put Patients First: Every day is an opportunity to improve the lives of those living with cancer.
• Act with Integrity: We commit to transparency, honesty, and always doing what’s right.
• Build Trust: Trust is earned through candid, open communication and a collaborative approach.
• Raise the Bar: We embrace continuous improvement and innovation, always striving to elevate our people.
• Drive Results: We are accountable to each other and deliver success together.

Job Summary:

The Research Associate I, Cell Process Development supports the development, optimization, troubleshooting, transfer, and validation of cell therapy manufacturing processes. This role conducts laboratory studies, analyzes and documents experimental results, and contributes to process improvement initiatives that support the development and manufacture of cellular immunotherapy products. Working under the guidance of senior team members, the Research Associate I collaborates cross-functionally to generate data, execute study protocols, and support technical and operational objectives.

NOTE: This position is based onsite at our Seal Beach, CA facility and requires in-person attendance 5 days per week. THIS IS NOT A REMOTE ROLE.

Responsibilities

• Perform processing, handling, and evaluation of human blood and blood-derived samples in accordance with approved laboratory procedures and safety requirements.
• Support the development, optimization, transfer, and validation of cell therapy manufacturing processes.
• Design and execute laboratory studies and experiments according to approved protocols.
• Perform cellular and molecular assays, including ELISA and other analytical methods used to characterize cellular immunotherapy products and manufacturing processes.
• Support technical investigations related to process deviations, failures, and manufacturing challenges.
• Troubleshoot cell processing methods and recommend process improvements based on experimental results.
• Collect, analyze, interpret, and present experimental and manufacturing data.
• Prepare technical reports, summaries, and supporting documentation to communicate study results and recommendations.
• Draft and revise standard operating procedures (SOPs), work instructions, protocols, and other controlled documents.
• Support technology transfer and process implementation activities across development and manufacturing functions.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and coordinate routine calibration, maintenance, and troubleshooting activities.
• Manage laboratory inventories, supplies, reagents, and vendor-related activities to ensure uninterrupted laboratory operations.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing, Quality, Regulatory, and Technical Operations teams to support project and departmental objectives.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Job Requirements:

Required Experience and Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Biomedical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline.
• Experience processing and handling human blood and blood-derived samples.
• Experience following laboratory SOPs and maintaining accurate scientific documentation.
• Proficiency with standard laboratory techniques and equipment, including pipetting and centrifuge operation.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and organizational skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.

Preferred Experience and Education:

• Master's degree or other graduate degree in a related scientific discipline.
• Two (2) or more years of relevant laboratory experience in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, cell therapy, bioprocessing, or a related industry experience.
• Experience performing cellular and molecular assays, including ELISA, flow cytometry, qPCR, or similar analytical techniques.
• Experience with cell culture and aseptic laboratory techniques.
• Experience in a GMP-regulated biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or cell therapy environment.
• Experience supporting process development, technology transfer, manufacturing sciences, or validation activities.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:

• Primarily laboratory and office-based environment.
• Ability to stand, walk, and work in laboratory and manufacturing support areas for extended periods. 
• Manual dexterity and visual acuity sufficient to operate laboratory equipment, use computers and mobile devices, and accurately complete documentation.
• Ability to communicate effectively in person, by phone, and in writing.
• Ability to safely handle biological materials, blood-derived samples, laboratory reagents, and standard laboratory equipment while wearing required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Ability to work in laboratory, manufacturing, and clean room environments, including aseptic gowning as required.
• Occasional exposure to refrigerated, frozen, and cryogenic storage conditions (2°C to 8°C, -20°C, -75°C, and -196°C).
• Ability to regularly lift and move up to 25 pounds.
• May require occasional schedule flexibility to support study, project, or manufacturing activities.