Director of Manufacturing & Lab Ops — Scale Biotech Growth

MileCell Biotechnology; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid vacation

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

MileCell Biotechnology, in San Diego, seeks a Director of Manufacturing & Laboratory Operations to lead all lab functions, scale manufacturing, and implement quality systems that support rapid growth. You will oversee manufacturing, R&D, QC, and laboratory operations while mentoring a high-performing science team.

The role requires a PhD or MS, 8+ years in biotech/pharma, and at least 3 years of leadership, with hands-on experience in primary cell products and process development.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or M.S. in Life Sciences or related field.
• 8+ years biotech/pharma experience.
• Min 3 years leadership of scientific or manufacturing teams.
• Strong experience with primary human cells or cell therapy products.
• Proven ability to develop manufacturing processes and workflows.
• Experience establishing SOPs and lab documentation systems.
• Excellent project management, organizational, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily manufacturing operations for primary cells and related biological products.
• Develop scalable manufacturing processes to improve product consistency, quality, and productivity.
• Oversee day-to-day laboratory operations across research, manufacturing, and quality functions.
• Ensure laboratory compliance with company policies, safety regulations, and scientific best practices.
• Develop and continuously improve laboratory SOPs and operational procedures.
• Recruit, mentor, and develop laboratory personnel.
• Build a high-performing scientific team with a culture of accountability and collaboration.
• Develop laboratory operational strategies aligned with company objectives.
• Prepare laboratory budgets, staffing plans, and capital equipment forecasts.
• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency while maintaining scientific excellence.
• Support customer technical discussions, partnership evaluations, technology due diligence, and scientific presentations when needed.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Science communication

Biotech experience

Education

PhD or MS in Life Sciences

Job description

MileCell Biotechnology, in San Diego, seeks a Director of Manufacturing & Laboratory Operations to lead all lab functions, scale manufacturing, and implement quality systems that support rapid growth. You will oversee manufacturing, R&D, QC, and laboratory operations while mentoring a high-performing science team.

The role requires a PhD or MS, 8+ years in biotech/pharma, and at least 3 years of leadership, with hands-on experience in primary cell products and process development.