--- title: 'Senior Manager/Associate Director, External Manufacturing at Obsidian Therapeutics' canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/senior-manager-associate-director-external-manufacturing-obsidian-therapeutics-hgkn17088xp8' type: 'job' last_seen: '2026-09-05' --- # Senior Manager/Associate Director, External Manufacturing at Obsidian Therapeutics - **Company:** Obsidian Therapeutics - **Location:** Bedford, MA - **Compensation:** $153k–$220k - **Work type:** hybrid - **Posted:** 2026-08-19 - **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-05 - **Apply:** https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/obsidiantherapeutics/jobs/6144134004 ## Job description ## About Us… Obsidian Therapeutics is pioneering engineered cell and gene therapies to deliver transformative outcomes for patients. Obsidian’s programs apply our cytoDRiVE® technology in Cell and Gene therapy products to control expression of proteins for enhanced therapeutic efficacy and safety. Obsidian’s lead program is currently in clinical development for the treatment of patients with metastatic melanoma and non-small cell lung cancer. We’re proud of our diverse talented team and committed to cultivating an environment of inclusion where each person feels a strong sense of belonging and is supported to continuously learn and contribute their best work. Our Research team is based in the heart of Cambridge, MA, and Technical Operations team is based in our purpose built facility in Bedford, MA.   Obsidianites enjoy a highly collaborative culture, competitive salary and benefits, and potential for ownership through stock options. Our Opportunity... We are looking for a highly motivated Senior Manager/Associate Director External Manufacturing, with a strong background in CDMO management of viral vector and ancillary materials production. As a key contributor within the External Manufacturing organization, you’ll lead front-line oversight of viral vector and ancillary material production, helping to drive the development of our first autologous cell therapy program targeting solid tumors In addition, you’ll establish a new phase appropriate manufacturing specialist function that will be responsible for deviation management, change control, MBRs, and continuous improvement across the manufacturing network. You’ll be responsible for the manufacturing value stream, including adherence to production scheduling, CDMO training, site PIP management, CDMO operational performance, triage and management of investigations, batch record revisions, change controls, continuous improvement, CDMO operational readiness, financial reporting and budget adherence. As a member of our Technical Operations team, you will be a vital part of a highly collaborative group working to unlock the promise of precision cell therapy for patients, starting with our lead program amsoki-cel (OBX-115), a novel engineered tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) cell therapy that uses our proprietary cytoDRiVE® platform. This is a unique opportunity to be a valuable contributor in a well-funded clinical company with field-leading advisors, best-in-class partners, and an experienced team. This is a Hybrid role based out of our Bedford, MA location. You Will... Core responsibilities - Deeply understand Obsidian’s viral vector, ancillary material and autologous cell therapy DP manufacturing processes to ensure exceptional manufacturing success rates, product consistency, and on-time delivery. - Oversee execution of viral vector and ancillary drug substance manufacturing across a network of CDMO partners to ensure supply chain continuity and high-quality supply to the clinic - Manage or collaborate on critical CDMO investigations, technical batch record review, MBR/ EBR revisions, change controls and continuous improvement projects as needed to enable exceptional manufacturing success rate, on time production and lot disposition. - Oversee CDMO performance metrics for manufacturing and internal stakeholders, driving understanding of operational strengths, outcomes of strategic initiativese and continuous improvement opportunities - Ensure ongoing operational readiness at CDMOs with a focus on operator training, suite/ equipment readiness, solution preparation and on the floor materials management. - Contribute to cost-of-goods (COGS) optimization and value creation by leading continuous improvement initiatives with CDMO partners, including system/ process optimization, improvement of success rates, deviation generation rates and ways of working - Participate in strategic sourcing, vendor selection, capacity planning, SOW/ forecast review, and ongoing supplier relationship management for key services - Partner closely with QA, MS&T, QC, CMC Project Management and Supply Chain to ensure systems are fit for purpose for program phase. - Coach CDMOs on phase appropriate standards for operations, including scheduling, operational performance metrics, batch release, equipment maintenance, and financial reporting - Foster a high-performance culture with CDMO partners and internally. - Enable team success and individual growth through clear expectations, high standards/support, stretch assignments, and coaching. You Bring... Core Qualifications - Bachelor's Degree in Life Sciences, Engineering, or related discipline with; Senior Manager 8+ (MS 6+), Associate Director 10+ (MS 8+) years of experience in manufacturing or MS&T roles in the biotech/pharma industry. - Demonstrated success leading outsourced manufacturing operations across a network of CDMOs, including technology transfers, late-stage clinical/  commercial production, issue/ change management and continuous improvement, preferably in cell and gene therapy or other complex biologic modalities. - Extensive experience designing and implementing batch records, EBRs, and MES integrated systems - Deep experience in quality systems, deviation management, root cause analysis, change control, and risk management in a GMP environment. - Proven application of Lean manufacturing and operational excellence tools and techniques to improve manufacturing cycle times and right first-time execution. - Strong understanding of GMP regulations, quality requirements, and global regulatory expectations for advanced therapies - Proficiency in developing and managing SOWs,  change orders, contract negotiations, CDMO budget planning, financial reporting, and budget management - Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams to achieve ambitious goals, manage complex projects, and influence at all levels of the organization - Ability to travel 25-30% of time - Excellent planning, coordination, and time management skills - Excellent oral, written, and visual communication skills. You listen to understand and communicate effectively and persuasively with partners, colleagues, and leadership. - A desire and ability to work in a dynamic, collaborative environment; building productive and healthy relationships within and across functions - Cultivates collaboration, transparency, and accountability within and across teams; recognizes success requires interdisciplinary thinking and partnership. - Inspires confidence, credibility, and trust internally and externally; recognized for high integrity. - Operates with Urgency, adept at building buy-in and driving alignment within and across teams, senior leadership, and external partners. - Exceptional communication skills in verbal, written, and visual formats, and adapted to the audience. - Tenacious and resilient – has navigated significant challenges (scientific and business) and is not easily daunted. - Excellent organizational skills; able to manage multiple tasks of varying degrees of complexity in parallel. - Remains calm under pressure and leads others through complex situations. - Seeks the data, information, and support needed (internally and externally) to make efficient and informed decisions and meet objectives. - Builds followership by being transparent, persuasive, excited about the work, and willing to work hard together to get the job done. - Continuous learner – actively follows innovations in area of expertise, fosters innovative thinking, and adopts novel approaches that are fit for purpose. - Reflective and self-aware; leads by example with a growth mindset. Bonus Qualifications - Experience leading internal manufacturing teams for cell and gene therapy - Experience with tech transfer and GMP production of fill/ finish processes - Experience with cell therapy commercialization internally or at a CDMO Obsidian is committed to equitable and transparent pay practices. The anticipated base salary range for this role is below. The actual base salary offered will be determined based on a combination of factors, including applicable qualifications, level of education, the depth of experience, unique skills, geographic location, internal equity, and/or business needs. The actual base salary offered will be in accordance with federal, state, and/or local wage requirements for the role’s location. Our competitive compensation package includes an annual incentive bonus as a percentage of actual base salary and long-term incentives in the form of employee stock options, both of which are commensurate with the role’s level. We also offer a generous benefits package which includes comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage; company contributions to health savings and retirement accounts; ample paid time off; access to wellness programs; and rich career growth opportunities. Anticipated Base Salary Range $153,000—$220,000 USD Obsidian is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, cultivating a welcoming and diverse environment. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status or any other applicable legally protected characteristics. ## About Obsidian Therapeutics ## Company Overview - **One-liner**: Obsidian Therapeutics is a biotechnology company pioneering engineered tumor‑infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapies for solid tumors using its proprietary cytoDRiVE® platform to regulate protein expression with an FDA‑approved small molecule. - **Entity Type**: Private (later‑stage; most recent Series C closed April 2024; entered a merger agreement with Galera Therapeutics and a concurrent $350M private placement announced in 2025) - **Headquarters**: Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States (with a laboratory facility in Bedford, MA) - **Founded**: 2015 - **Founders**: Not publicly disclosed on the company website; the leadership team includes a CEO, CTO, CMO, CFO, and Chief People Officer. ## Core Business - **Primary industry**: Biotechnology (cell and gene therapy, oncology) - **Target customers**: B2B / healthcare – primarily developing therapies for patients with solid tumors; partners with academic centers, clinical sites, and biopharma companies. - **Mission / purpose statement**: “Pioneering engineered cell and gene therapies to deliver transformative outcomes for patients.” The company emphasizes urgency for patients and a commitment to safer, more effective TIL therapies. ## Products & Services - **cytoDRiVE® Platform**: A proprietary technology that uses drug‑responsive domains (DRDs) to control the function of therapeutic proteins inside cells using an FDA‑approved small‑molecule ligand. The platform can be applied to membrane‑bound, intracellular, or secreted proteins. - **OBX‑115 (cytoTIL15)**: Lead clinical‑stage engineered TIL cell therapy that expresses membrane‑bound IL‑15 (mbIL15) to enhance TIL persistence and activity without the need for co‑administered IL‑2. Currently in Phase 1 trials for metastatic melanoma and non‑small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). (ClinicalTrials.gov identifiers: NCT05470283, NCT06060613) - **Pipeline**: Early‑stage research exploring OBX‑115 in combination with PD‑1 inhibitors, as well as additional undisclosed cytoTIL programs for other solid tumor indications. ## Market Standing - **Valuation / Market Cap**: Not disclosed (privately held). - **Key Metric – Total Funding**: $325 M in known equity rounds (Series A: $49.5 M led by Google Ventures, 2017; Series B: $115 M led by The Column Group, 2021; Series C: $160.5 M led by Wellington Management, 2024). Additionally, a $350 M private placement was announced in connection with a merger agreement with Galera Therapeutics (the transaction is ongoing). - **Notable Investors / Partners**: The Column Group, Wellington Management, Google Ventures (GV), and 14 other investors across rounds. - **Growth Signals**: Lead program OBX‑115 has completed enrollment in a single‑center melanoma study and is now enrolling in a multi‑center Phase 1 study (Agni‑01) for melanoma and NSCLC. The company acquired Galera Therapeutics and secured significant additional capital via a concurrent private placement, indicating strong investor confidence. Headcount as of mid‑2025 is ~92 employees, with a recent slight decline (-11.7% YoY) typical of a focused R‑stage biotech. Active job postings increased 100% month‑over‑month, suggesting renewed hiring. ## Competitive Advantages - **cytoDRiVE® Platform**: Provides tunable, on‑demand control of therapeutic proteins using an approved small molecule – a unique differentiator that can improve safety and efficacy in cell therapy. - **Focus on TIL therapy**: Targets the challenging solid tumor space where conventional TIL therapy is limited by IL‑2 toxicity. OBX‑115 removes the need for high‑dose IL‑2, potentially broadening patient access. - **Proprietary DRD library**: A growing, internally discovered set of drug‑responsive domains that enable rapid optimization for different cell types and protein classes. - **Well‑funded and experienced team**: Backed by top‑tier investors and led by executives with deep cell therapy and oncology expertise. ## Strategic Focus - **Clinical execution**: Advancing OBX‑115 through Phase 1 trials in melanoma and NSCLC, with plans to expand indications and combinations. - **Platform expansion**: Applying cytoDRiVE® to other cell and gene therapy modalities (e.g., CAR‑T, TCR, gene editing) through partnerships and internal programs. - **Manufacturing and scaling**: Building internal capabilities in process development, quality control, and supply chain to support commercial‑scale production. - **Talent growth**: Active hiring across R&D, quality, manufacturing, and IT (8 open positions at time of data pull), with a focus on hybrid roles in Cambridge and Bedford, MA. ## Why Work Here - **Culture**: The company describes itself as collaborative, curious, and authentic, with a strong sense of urgency to deliver therapies to patients. Emphasis on “no silos or hierarchies” and mutual respect. - **Work model**: Hybrid (Cambridge, MA and Bedford, MA). Some roles may offer remote flexibility; most job postings specify hybrid. - **Notable benefits**: - Employee stock options, 401(k) with HSA options. - Flexible time off (unlimited PTO policy). - 6 weeks fully paid bonding leave for new parents, plus fully paid medical maternity leave. - Generous health/dental coverage with low out‑of‑pocket costs and an annual HSA contribution. - Perks: gym, massage therapy, and meditation reimbursements; company‑sponsored lunches and social events. - Professional development: mentorship, training programs, tuition reimbursement, and career matrices for planning growth. - **Engineering / science culture**: Strong cross‑functional collaboration between research, process development, quality, and clinical teams. The company values diversity and inclusion and reports gender pay equity. ## Sources 1. [obsidiantx.com](https://obsidiantx.com/) – Company overview, platform, pipeline, and career page 2. [obsidiantx.com/about-us](https://obsidiantx.com/about-us/) – About Us, management team, vision 3. [obsidiantx.com/join-our-team](https://obsidiantx.com/join-our-team/) – Culture, benefits, open positions 4. [linkedin.com/company/obsidian-therapeutics](https://www.linkedin.com/company/obsidian-therapeutics) – Employee count, funding, headcount trends, recent departures 5. [clinicaltrials.gov](https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05470283) – OBX-115 melanoma study 6. [clinicaltrials.gov](https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT06060613) – OBX-115 Agni-01 study ## Other roles at Obsidian Therapeutics - [Quality Systems Manager/Senior Manager](https://feeny.ai/job/quality-systems-manager-senior-manager-obsidian-therapeutics-bedford-vxx8rmqffbpa) — Bedford, MA - [Cell Orchestration Manager/Senior Manager](https://feeny.ai/job/cell-orchestration-manager-senior-manager-obsidian-therapeutics-bedford-dqw9f7h63y87) — Bedford, MA - [Director/Senior Director, G&A Digital Business Partner](https://feeny.ai/job/director-senior-director-g-a-digital-business-partner-obsidian-therapeutics-4fz5det3zr6d) — Cambridge, MA - [Director/Senior Director, Manufacturing Science and Technology (MSAT)](https://feeny.ai/job/director-senior-director-manufacturing-science-and-technology-msat-obsidian-c49qf00rk467) — Bedford, MA - [General Interest Application - Obsidian Talent Community](https://feeny.ai/job/general-interest-application-obsidian-talent-community-obsidian-therapeutics-r3k8fnqhwtmp) — Cambridge, MA