Senior Scientist, CNS Glial Characterization

JOB PURPOSE

The CNS Glial characterization Scientist is responsible for developing as well as executing novel protocols for neural and glial differentiation in Sana's Cambridge CNS labs. You will both manage and participate in the operations of Sana's CNS Therapy lab, with direct oversight of at least one of its experimental programs. You will include technically diverse bench work and the training of research staff in techniques and protocols, across the CNS in vitro program.

The CNS Glial characterization Scientist will report to the CNS Cell Biology lead, and work under the broader direction of the Head of CNS Therapy.

You will have broad responsibilities in executing a variety of neuronal, glial and microglial cell differentiation protocols, as well as in developing new protocols, while managing the downstream analysis of cells generated. The position includes, but is not limited, to the routine use of genetically-encoded fluorophores, flow cytometry and fluorescence activated cell sorting, immunolabeling with confocal imaging, and RNA and DNA isolation and preparation for a variety of genomic analyses. The latter will include RNAseq, single cell RNASeq, ATAC-Seq, methylome and chromatin capture. In addition, the candidate should be comfortable with basic bioinformatic analytic approaches, and will work closely with computational biologists at Sana.

The CNS Glial characterization Scientist will be responsible for the conduct and execution of at least one of the major experimental programs of the CNS Cell Biology group. An initial focus will be on the development of improved and/or accelerated protocols for cell production, based on a review of relevant biochemical, metabolic and transcriptomic data. In addition, you are expected to manage the cell culture lab environment, including day to day operations and personnel coordination and assuring the quality of data collection on the part of staff.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Generation of neural and glial lineages from pluripotent stem cells
• Genomic and image documentation of cells, both in process and terminally
• Performance and supervision of flow cytometry and cell sorting
• Cell extraction and DNA/RNA analyses, including running protocols for RNAseq, single cell RNASeq, ATAC-Seq, methylome and chromatin capture
• Training junior staff and technicians, including teaching and troubleshooting these techniques
• Assuring compliance with all relevant lab safety, biosafety and radiation safety regulations
• Assuring the quality and integrity of all data collection and documentation by supervised staff
• Demonstrate Sana's core values and the attributes that support these core values (Lead from every seat, Thrive as a team, Make it happen)

QUALIFICATIONS

Basic Qualifications

• PhD in neuroscience or cell biology, chemistry or biotechnology
• Extensive hands-on expertise in pluripotent stem cell biology and in vitro neurobiology
• 2+ years of post-graduate academic or industry experience in neural and glial cell biology, including both in vitro and in vivo systems
• Significant expertise in and understanding of stem cell biology, with relevant publication record
• Significant experience with immunochemistry, digital image analysis, and confocal microscopy
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, problem-solving and project management skills
• Proficiency with some combination of standard cytometry, imaging and bioinformatic software; proficiency in R (e.g., FACSDiva, FlowJo; Imaris, Image J, Metamorph; Bioconductor)
• Must be an effective communicator both verbally and in writing
• 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

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Scheduled weekend and holiday coverage required for culture maintenance and analysis, on rotation with supervised technical staff, in order to ensure project performance at defined time points.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Lab-based role

DIRECT REPORTS

• Anticipate 1-2 research assistants, for cell preparation and characterization

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.