Director, T cell Therapeutics - Stem Cell Differentiation

JOB PURPOSE

A successful candidate will build and lead a team to develop and utilize biologically relevant assays and model systems to advance programs in iPS T cells and other therapeutic areas. This candidate should be recognized as an industry leader in immunology and pluripotent stem cell biology with experience driving programs to the clinic. This candidate should have a deep understanding of the developmental biology of hemopoietic lineages from stem cells, especially T and B cell development. The candidate will both lead and execute Sana's in-vitro and in-vivo efforts developing next-generation cell engineering technologies to create engineered cells as medicines. Experience with trans-differentiation is a plus. This person should be a team player, fantastic at cross-functional communication, and willing to be in the lab performing experiments alongside their team members on a daily basis. We expect our scientific leaders to innovate, solve difficult problems, and thrive in a team environment.

Lead a cross-functional team to apply the Sana cell therapy platform to T cells and beyond. Bring your expertise in iPSC differentiation, stem cell biology, and stem cell phenotypic definition. Together, we can create transformational therapies.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Simultaneous culture of iPSCs with different gene modifications, their characterization and purification
• Establish iPSC-based T cell differentiation protocols to support the discovery and characterization of therapeutic programs
• iPSC clonal selection, culture and functional characterization (in vitro and in vivo)
• Work and provide subject matter expertise with a cross-disciplinary team to optimize cell culture approaches
• Pristine communication with respect to scientifically rigorous findings via verbal and written communications, visualizations, and presentations
• Inspire his/her teammates from the bench
• Liaise to development function and executive leadership regarding project timelines and deliverables
• Provide strategic direction in creating patent applications
• Create strategic partnerships that lead to collaborations through networking and publication
• Understands and applies relevant scientific literature to the design of experimental protocols. This may include literature from outside of the Scientist's primary field of research
• Actively contribute to the strategic direction of the department and company objectives in creative and effective ways

QUALIFICATIONS

Basic Qualifications

• Ph.D. in biological science or equivalent and a minimum of 10+ years of stem cell and T cell biology related experience
• Strong track record leading teams to deliver therapeutic programs to the clinic
• Direct experience in in vitro and in vivo cell differentiation systems and stem cell culture
• Experience in iPSC-relevant experimental techniques, including both in vitro cellular assays and in vivo transplant models
• Strong scientific background and publication record with proven high levels of performance
• Excellent written communication skills and the ability to present effectively to teams with diverse scientific backgrounds
• Ability to adapt to increasing scope and complexity of work brought on by growth/change and helps others manage through change
• Comfortable in a fast-paced research environment with minimal direction, and able to adjust workload based upon changing priorities
• 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 in differentiating hematopoietic stem cells from iPSC
• Experience in immunobiology assays to study adaptive and innate immune responses in vitro and in vivo
• Expertise in advanced genomic platforms for cell characterization
• Experience with gene editing technologies

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Carrying, handling and reaching for objects up to 25 lbs
• Prolonged standing and/or sitting
• Exposure to hazardous/toxic/dangerous chemicals
• Manual dexterity required to operate office and lab equipment

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.