Senior Manager – Cell Line Development

Main Mission

As Senior Manager – Cell Line Generation (part of CLD Department), you will lead a team of about 10 scientists and research associates in the development of high-performing, stable CHO cell lines for therapeutic protein production. You will oversee all technical and operational aspects of cell line development projects, from transfection to cell banking, ensuring scientific excellence, compliance, and timely delivery to clients.

This role is central to our CDMO operations, interfacing cross-functionally with other CLD sub-teams (Cell Line Engineering, Cell Line Lead Characterization, R&D) and KBI departments to ensure project success and client satisfaction.

Please note: This is an on-site management role with potential for limited travel to conferences.

Main Responsibilities

• You will manage and coordinate a multidisciplinary team (scientists and technicians) involved in all steps of CLD, including transfection, selection, screening, cryo-banking and stability studies.
• You will ensure that project deliverables are met according to quality, timelines, and regulatory standards.
• You will provide technical oversight and strategic input during client kick off meetings and execution phases.
• You will contribute to platform improvements, including the implementation of new tools (e.g., automation, cell imaging, single-cell technologies) to gain efficiencies to continue to reduce the cost of biologics development or shorten timelines.
• You will define priorities and allocate resources in alignment with internal and client project needs.
• You will act as the technical point of contact for complex project discussions and support troubleshooting activities.
• You will ensure accurate and timely documentation, data integrity, and compliance with internal SOPs and regulatory expectations.
• You will participate in recruitment, training, and career development of CLD team members.
• You will support the continuous improvement of the CLD platform, including integration of new transposase systems or host cell lines, in collaboration with R&D team.

Profile Sought

Education & Experience:

• PhD or equivalent in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in Cell Line Development, including at least 2 years in a managerial or project leadership role.
• Prior experience in a CDMO or pharmaceutical environment is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated expertise in the generation of CHO cell lines for therapeutic protein production.

Technical Skills:

• Expert knowledge in mammalian cell culture, cell line engineering and clone selection, especially CHO cells.
• Experience in mammalian cell transfection, single-cell cloning, monoclonality assessment, screening and selection of top clones (i.e. growth, expression profile, stability), generating Research Cell Banks (RCBs) and clone stability assessment
• Experience with transposon-based expression systems is an advantage.
• Experience in implementing automation or high-throughput screening tools is a plus.
• Experience with ClonePix, Beacon, cell printers and cell imagers is an asset.

Soft Skills:

• Strong leadership and organizational skills; ability to manage teams and projects simultaneously.
• Clear communicator, able to synthesize and present complex data internally and externally.
• Ability to foster a collaborative, performance-driven team culture.
• Strong problem-solving mindset and capacity to drive innovation.

Languages:

• Fluent in English (spoken and written); French proficiency is a strong asset.

KBI Biopharma, Inc. is an EEO/AA employer and actively seeks to diversify its work force. Therefore, all qualified applicants, regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability or veteran status, are strongly encouraged to apply.

I understand that neither the completion of this application nor any other part of my consideration for employment establishes any obligation for KBI Biopharma, Inc. to hire me. If I am hired, I understand that either KBI Biopharma, Inc. or I can terminate my employment at any time and for any reason, with or without cause and without prior notice. I understand that no representative of KBI Biopharma, Inc. has the authority to make any assurance to the contrary.

I attest with my signature below that I have given to KBI Biopharma, Inc. true and complete information on this application. No requested information has been concealed. I authorize KBI Biopharma, Inc. to contact references provided for employment reference checks. If any information I have provided is untrue, or if I have concealed material information, I understand that this will constitute cause for the denial of employment or immediate dismissal.