Manufacturing Associate I-II - Contractor

Artiva Biotherapeutics Inc.; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 69,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Beautiful facility

Entrepreneurial, collaborative, and创新

Job summary

Artiva Biotherapeutics Inc. in San Diego is seeking a hands-on manufacturing specialist to join our cell therapy production floor.

You will execute GMP-compliant operations for cell culture, harvest, and fill-finish, contributing to the manufacture of revolutionary NK cell therapies. The role requires 1+ year in cGMP biologics or cell culture, aseptic gowning experience, and familiarity with bioreactor and cryopreservation processes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant science or engineering field or equivalent work experience.
• Minimum 1 year of cGMP biologics or cell culture manufacturing experience; biotech or cell therapy experience preferred.
• Experience with aseptic gowning and ISO 7 cleanroom manufacturing is a plus.
• Familiarity with fill-finish and cryopreservation processes is beneficial.

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 line with regulatory and GMP requirements.
• Apply cell culture expertise to media and buffer preparation, passaging, bioreactor production, and harvesting.
• Lead after-action reviews to improve efficiency and KPIs, identify gaps/risks, and drive improvements.
• Support equipment and process change controls through implementation.
• Work on the floor in Grade B and Grade C cleanroom environments.
• Perform hands-on manufacturing operations directly on the floor.

Skills

cGMP knowledge

Cell culture

Aseptic processing

Documentation

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant science or engineering

Tools

Sartorius

CliniMACS Prodigy

M1 filler

AT-vial

Single-use bioreactors

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.