Manufacturing Associate I-II - Contractor

artivabio; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 69,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Beautiful facility

Collaborative environment

Job summary

Artiva Biotherapeutics in San Diego is seeking a hands-on manufacturing specialist to produce cell therapies on the production floor in a state-of-the-art cGMP facility. You will execute GMO manufacturing operations, aseptic processing, and fill-finish to deliver AlloNK-based products.

The role requires knowledge of cGMP, strong lab skills, and collaboration in a high-performance team of manufacturing associates. Prior biotech experience is preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a relevant science/engineering field.
• Minimum 1 year of cGMP biologics or cell culture manufacturing experience.
• Experience with aseptic gowning, ISO 7 cleanroom, and cell processing equipment.
• Familiarity with batch records, SOPs, and regulatory expectations for biologics.

Responsibilities

• Execute GMO manufacturing operations including cell expansion, harvest, and fill-finish.
• Perform aseptic process validation and participate in annual aseptic qualification.
• Follow cGMP standards and maintain regulatory compliance.
• Support development of batch records, workflows, and SOPs.
• Apply cell culture expertise to media preparation, passaging, bioreactor production, and harvesting.
• Work on the manufacturing floor in Grade B and Grade C environments.

Skills

cGMP compliance

Aseptic processing

Cell culture

Bioreactor production

Documentation & SOPs

Gowning & ISO 7 cleanroom

Cell counting platforms

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant science or engineering discipline

Equivalent work experience

Tools

Sartorius systems

Miltenyi CliniMACS Prodigy

M1 filler

AT-vial

LOVO experience

Job description

About Artiva:

We are a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing natural killer (NK) cell-based therapies. Our mission is to develop effective, safe, and accessible cell therapies for patients with devastating autoimmune diseases. We aim to develop therapies that patients and physicians can utilize in a community setting. Our lead product candidate, AlloNK®, is a non-genetically modified, cryopreserved NK cell therapy being evaluated in combination with B-cell targeted monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). We believe the compelling cell-killing properties of NK cells, when combined with mAbs for targeting, create an opportunity to generate potentially transformative therapies. For more information, visit www.artivabio.com

Join Artiva Biotherapeutics in San Diego and work directly on the manufacturing floor to produce our innovative, off-the-shelf cell therapies in a state-of-the-art cGMP facility. Apply your expertise across cell culture, aseptic processing, harvest and fill-finish, playing a direct role in advancing therapies for patients with autoimmune diseases. This is a contract-only position.

Summary

The successful candidate will play a key role in the manufacturing of cell therapies internally at Artiva. He/she will execute hands-on manufacturing processes to deliver new revolutionary therapeutics. The ideal candidate will demonstrate in-depth knowledge of cGMP compliance, strong hands-on laboratory skills and work in a high-performing team of manufacturing associates.

Key Responsibilities

• Execute GMO manufacturing operations including cell expansion, harvest, and fill-finish.
• Perform Aseptic Process Validation and participate in annual aseptic qualification.
• Follow cGMP standards and procedures to maintain compliance.
• Support development of batch records, workflows, and SOPs in accordance with regulatory and GMP requirements.
• Apply cell culture expertise to media/buffer preparation, cell passaging, bioreactor production, and harvesting.
• Lead after-action reviews to improve operational efficiency and KPIs, identify process gaps/risks, and implement sustainable improvements.
• Support equipment and process change controls through implementation.
• Work in Grade B and Grade C cleanroom environments.
• Perform hands-on manufacturing operations directly on the floor.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant science or engineering discipline, or equivalent work experience.
• Minimum 1 year of cGMP biologics or cell culture manufacturing experience; biotech or cell therapy experience preferred.
• Preferred experience with:
  • Aseptic gowning and ISO 7 cleanroom manufacturing
  • Cell counting platforms
  • Cell culture and expansion using bag systems and single-use large-scale bioreactors; Sartorius experience a plus
  • Lentiviral transduction
  • Automated and manual cell harvesting/washing; LOVO experience a plus
  • Cell selection/depletion using Miltenyi CliniMACS Prodigy
  • Fill-finish and cryopreservation in bags and vials; M1 filler and AT-vial experience a plus
• Knowledge of cGMP regulations and FDA guidance applicable to biologics and cell therapy manufacturing.
• Innovative, adaptable, and able to apply best practices in a small, growing environment.
• Self-motivated with strong ownership, organizational skills, and the ability to prioritize and deliver results on time.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

• Work with cells and cell lines of human origin.
• Ability to stand and work gowned for prolonged periods.
  

NO AGENCIES PLEASE

In addition to a great culture, we offer:

• A beautiful facility
• An entrepreneurial, highly collaborative, and innovative environment

If all this speaks to you, come join us on our journey!

Base Salary: $36-$50 per hour. Exact compensation may vary based on level, skills, and experience.