Scientist, Genome Modification

About the role

Sana Biotechnology is developing advanced delivery and genome engineering technologies to enable the next generation of cell and gene therapies. We are looking for a highly motivated and creative Scientist to join our Genome Modification group. You will report to the Senior Director of Genome Modification. You will work with colleagues to develop strategies for delivering therapeutic gene editing payloads in non-integrating viral vectors. The environment is exciting and fast-paced and offers the opportunity to work and publish at the cutting edge of gene editing research.

What you’ll do

• Discover approaches to deliver gene editing payloads to diverse cell types in vitro and in vivo for Sana fusogen (gene therapy) programs
  • Design, build and test libraries to optimize production and delivery of gene editing payloads
  • Develop assays to measure editing of targets in diverse cell types
  • Assist in production and purification of viral vectors
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams to develop editing strategies for therapeutically relevant targets
  • Develop lead guide RNA candidates for targets in multiple tissues
  • Optimize delivery of gene editing payloads with tissue-selective fusogen vectors
• Work closely with development teams to adapt reagents, assays and methods to clinical manufacturing
  • Adapt process to support scaling and regulatory requirements as programs progress towards the clinic
• Communicate and document findings via verbal and written methods
• Opportunity to manage laboratory personnel (as needed)
• Engage in crucial conversations by providing and receiving feedback supporting the growth and development of team members
• Demonstrate ability to engage and effectively influence team members across multidisciplinary teams while prioritizing multiple projects and meeting deadlines
• Drive curiosity, scientific rigor and excellent problem-solving skills across a fast-paced performance driven environment

What we’re looking for

• PhD +2 years of academic/industry experience or BA/MS +7 years academic/industry experience
• Proficiency in the culture and editing of diverse mammalian cell types
• Experience quantifying indels in gene edited samples via sequencing methods (Sanger/NGS), T7E1, and functional assays such as flow cytometry, western blotting, qRT-PCR, microscopy
• Experience with the production of viral vectors including lentivirus and AAV
• Strong scientific background and publication record with proven high levels of performance
• Excellent communication skills; ability to present effectively to teams with diverse backgrounds
• Ability to adapt to increasing scope and complexity of work as projects mature
• Must be comfortable in a fast-paced research environment with minimal direction, and able to adjust workload based upon changing priorities

What will separate you from the crowd

• Strong molecular biology skills
• Familiarity with viral vector titering methods including ELISA for viral proteins like p24, flow cytometry, and viral integration (VCN)
• Experience with high-throughput screening and automation platforms
• Expertise in multicolor flow cytometry and FACS sorting

What you should know

• Carrying, handling and reaching for objects up to 25 lbs
• Prolonged standing and/or sitting
• Manual dexterity required to operate office and lab equipment
• 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 be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, including receipt of a vaccine booster shot if recommended by the CDC

How we work together

• Lead from every seat – we seek to understand, act with honesty, and engage in the crucial conversations
• Thrive as a team – we hire amazing people, are intensely curious, and cultivate inclusion and personal connectivity
• Make it happen – we value vigorous debate, alignment around our decisions, and resilient execution

Get to know us

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.

Core to our values, we believe there is nothing more important than the health and wellness of you and your family. For benefit eligible employees, 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.

We are 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.

To perform this job successfully, you must be able to perform each job responsibility satisfactorily. The job description listed above is representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required for this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions described above.