Director Technology Development Research at kyowakirinusa90

Compensation

$190,700 – $246,800/yr

Setup: Hybrid
Location: San Diego, California
Type: Full-time
Level: not_specified
Posted: Aug 7, 2026

Description

Kyowa Kirin is seeking a Director Technology Development Research to lead strategic, scientific, and technical efforts in cell and gene therapy programs, focusing on allogeneic immune cell platforms. This role involves developing core capabilities in iPSC biology, immune cell differentiation, cellular engineering, and genome editing. The director will define scientific strategies, oversee research execution, and produce decision-ready data packages for downstream development. Additionally, they will manage and develop scientific teams, drive collaborations, and represent Technology Research internally.

Required Skills

cell therapy research
stem cell biology
iPSC-derived immune cell platforms
human iPSC culture
immune cell differentiation
phenotypic and functional characterization
cell engineering approaches
genome editing
viral and/or non-viral delivery methods
process characterization
analytical strategy
technology transfer support
IND submission
scientific, translational, CMC, regulatory, and external partner inputs
regulatory guidelines and quality frameworks
GMP, ISO, and ICH
FDA or other Health Authorities
CROs and CDMOs
CAR immune cell engineering
flow cytometry
immunostaining
functional assays
Microsoft Office Suite

Additional Information

Required Previous Experiences: 10+ years in biopharmaceutical industry, with significant experience in cell therapy research and strong expertise in stem cell biology and iPSC-derived immune cell platforms.
Hands-on experience with human iPSC culture, immune cell differentiation, phenotypic and functional characterization, and cell engineering approaches, including genome editing and viral and/or non-viral delivery methods.
Demonstrated experience translating early-stage research and process development into CMC-relevant deliverables, including process characterization, analytical strategy, documentation, and technology transfer support.
Experience advancing cell and gene therapy programs toward IND submission, including integration of scientific, translational, CMC, regulatory, and external partner inputs into a coherent development strategy.
Deep understanding of relevant regulatory guidelines and quality frameworks, including GMP, ISO, and ICH; direct experience engaging with FDA or other Health Authorities for cell therapy products is strongly preferred.
Experience selecting, managing, and providing scientific oversight of CROs and CDMOs to ensure timely execution, delivery, and alignment with project objectives.
Demonstrated ability to serve as the accountable scientific lead for assigned projects, providing strategic guidance and data-driven experimental decision-making.
Experience leading development, qualification, or validation of potency assays and other QC release assays is desirable.
CAR immune cell engineering experience is a strong plus.