Senior Research Associate, Analytical Development

JOB PURPOSE

Sana Biotechnology is looking for a highly-motivated individual to join a dynamic, rapidly growing, and collaborative team in the Analytical Development Group. This individual will be a part of the forefront of gene therapy approaches utilizing a novel biological platform, and he/she will support analytical characterization of viral vectors for in-vitro research-based experiments. The candidate will execute assay development activities and work closely with our automation team to increase assay throughput, decrease hands on time, and reduce assay variability. The position represents an excellent opportunity for career development, working closely with experienced cell and gene therapy scientists in a highly collaborative environment.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

As a member of the analytical development team, the individual will contribute to the development of Sana's scalable vector manufacturing process platforms through:

• Developing, optimizing and executing robust and reproducible assays in support of both discovery research and pre-clinical development.
• Utilizing and developing methods on liquid handlers (e.g. Hamilton) to support upstream and downstream process development teams
• Act as an automation SME within the analytical development team by transferring existing methods to automated platforms and working closely with automation team
• Execute assays for vector characterization, such as functional titer, physical particle counts, particle aggregation, and infectivity.
• Generating and maintaining various cell lines used by gene therapy process development.
• Implementing superb documentation of procedures and experiments to support tech transfer.
• Excellent communication, documentation, and presentation skills
• The candidate should be a team player, highly organized and demonstrate curiosity and scientific rigor with excellent problem-solving skills.
• Ability to engage in crucial conversations - providing and receiving feedback
• Contributing to and being a part of Sana's mission and culture.

QUALIFICATIONS

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's plus 4 yrs or MS w 1-2 yrs or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• Prior experience in development and execution of assays to characterize and measure proteins and DNA using a variety of methodologies including flow cytometry, qPCR, ddPCR, electrophoresis, ELISA, and imaging.
• Experience with adherent and/or suspension mammalian cell culture, such as CHO, HEK293, or similar cell lines.
• Excellent bench skills with attention to detail and high standards for data integrity and quality.
• Able to critically analyze data and troubleshoot methods and equipment.
• Ability to work in a high-paced team environment and meet deadlines
• Working safely in person on a predictable and regular in-person basis is an essential job function for this position and the Company requires that all individuals working in-person, subject to certain exceptions, be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with liquid handler automation platforms (e.g. Hamilton Vantage, Integra, Tecan)
• Experience will cell-based viral titration assays (e.g. flow cytometry, PCR, ELISA).
• Experience with viral vector systems, production and/or purification.
• Familiarity with GxP principles and regulations as demonstrated by technology transfer to GxP manufacturing, GxP clinical manufacturing, or significant laboratory support of IND/BLA submissions.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Flexibility to work some evenings or weekends in support of cell culture processing
• Ability to travel

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to perform assays, standard cell culture in a development lab.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The job description listed above is representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

At Sana, we believe that a diverse workforce strengthens us as a company and helps us to achieve our mission to meaningfully change the outcome of many human diseases. This belief is a pillar of our business and is critical to our success. Our goal is that Sana is the place for talented people to bring their authentic selves to work, to have a great career and to deeply, positively impact patients.

The Company is committed to providing a workplace free of discrimination and harassment based on race, color, religion, age, gender, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental or sensory disability (including the use of a trained guide dog or service animal by a person with a disability), genetic information, actual or perceived HIV or Hepatitis C infection, medical condition (cancer or a record or history of cancer and genetic characteristics), marital status, sexual orientation, sexual preference, pregnancy (including childbirth and related medical conditions), disability, veteran status, political ideology, taking or requesting statutorily protected leave, status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.

Core to our values, we believe there is nothing more important than the health and wellness of you and your family. We cover 100% of the cost for employee health coverage and offer generous time-off, parental leave, short and long term disability, financial wellness programs, a 401(k) Plan, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, commuter subsidy and a variety of wellness offerings to support each person individually.