Scientist, Molecular Engineering

Scientist, Molecular Engineering Job Code 396YP
Fate Therapeutics is currently seeking a talented and highly motivated molecular biologist with strong genetic engineering background to join a multidisciplinary team dedicated to the discovery of novel cellular therapeutics for the treatment of hematological disorders and solid tumors. The candidate will be responsible for the design and optimization for the generation of multiple genetically modified cell types including induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines used for the development of off-the-shelf cell therapy products. The candidate will also be involved in developing and validating novel engineering modalities to support Fate's fast-growing preclinical pipeline. The successful candidate must demonstrate broad and in-depth knowledge of cutting-edge genomic engineering techniques as well as strong expertise in generation and characterization of genetically modified cell lines. The position will require innovative thinking, strong independent and collaborative research abilities, and excellent oral and written communication skills. This is a full-time, bench-level position in Molecular Engineering and is located at the Company's corporate headquarters in San Diego, California.

Responsibilities
• Generate stable/clonal genetically modified iPSC lines with comprehensive molecular and phenotypic characterization.
• Develop molecular strategies for genomic engineering by applying the latest genetic manipulation technologies for optimized efficiency and specificity scalable for manufacturing processes.
• Establish assays to characterize genetically engineered iPSCs to support early product characterization.
• Design, generate, and produce DNA constructs using standard cloning techniques including ligation and assembly.
• Perform lentivirus production and characterization by titration using ELISA/Flow cytometry/qPCR/digital PCR.
• Collect, maintain, and organize primary data and analyses accurately and timely in accordance with company policy.
• Communicate research and development findings in cross-disciplinary team meetings as well as with external partners.

Qualifications
• Ph.D. degree and a minimum of 2 years postdoctoral training in molecular biology, synthetic biology, bioengineering, cell biology, or related discipline. Industry experience preferred.
• Strong expertise in cutting edge gene editing technologies, including gRNA design, donor template building, genome cleavage assays, off-target editing evaluation, genomic integration analysis, etc.
• Extensive experience in molecular cloning, vector construction, transfection and viral infection, and transgene expression.
• Prior stem cell engineering experience including iPSC is preferred.
• Prior immunology experience including T cell and NK cell biology and chimeric antigen receptors is preferred.
• Experience with engineering and rewiring gene circuits at DNA and RNA levels is a plus.
• Experience in working with cGMP compliant/quality-controlled process development is a plus.
• Comfortable in a fast-paced environment and able to adjust workload based upon changing priorities.
• Desire to understand the fundamental aspect of technologies, and the ability to identify creative solutions to overcome current limitations.
• Excellent creativity, technical decision-making, and trouble shooting skills.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements
• Will require working with blood and cell lines of human and animal origin
• Will require working with hazardous materials
• 100% on-site work at corporate headquarters in San Diego, CA
• Occasional evening and weekend work will be required The preceding job description indicates the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. Additional and incidental duties related to the primary duties may be required from time to time. For consideration send cover letter and resume to: careers@fatetherapeutics.com and reference job code 396YP.

About Fate Therapeutics, Inc.
Fate Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the development of first-in-class cellular immunotherapies for cancer and immune disorders. The Company has established a leadership position in the clinical development and manufacture of universal, off-the-shelf cell products using its proprietary induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) product platform. The Company's immuno-oncology product candidates include natural killer (NK) cell and T-cell cancer immunotherapies, which are designed to synergize with well-established cancer therapies, including immune checkpoint inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies, and to target tumor-associated antigens with chimeric antigen receptors (CARs). The Company's immuno-regulatory product candidates include ProTmune™, a pharmacologically modulated, donor cell graft that is currently being evaluated in a Phase 2 clinical trial for the prevention of graft-versus-host disease, and a myeloid-derived suppressor cell immunotherapy for promoting immune tolerance in patients with immune disorders. Fate Therapeutics is headquartered in San Diego, CA. For more information, please visit www.fatetherapeutics.com.