Senior Research Associate, In Vivo Biology

About the role

Sana Biotechnology is growing, and we are hiring new team members who believe in the potential of engineered cells as medicines, who want to challenge status quo, and who lead with the desire to work on novel ideas.  As a senior research associate, you will report to the senior director of viral vector discovery. As a member of the in vivo research team, you will be responsible for comprehensive execution of a research-stage in vivo program to test and advance T-cell based therapies. Experiments will be carried out in both xenograft and syngeneic models, using both cell and gene therapeutic candidates. In addition to vector and cell injection and sample collection, you will process biological samples to assess therapeutic efficacy using a variety of techniques. Success in this role will require active collaboration with internal immunology team members as well as other members of the gene therapy, pharmacology, and process development teams.

What you’ll do

• Comprehensive execution of in vivo experiments in multiple xenograft and syngeneic models to test efficacy of candidate T-cell therapeutics
• Contribute to the design of experiments for in vivo testing of therapies in collaboration with team members and program leadership
• Vector and cell injection, sample collection, as well as processing and analysis of tissue samples using a variety of techniques including flow cytometry, qPCR, ddPCR, and other molecular and cell biology techniques
• Staying up to date with current knowledge to enable onboarding and implementation of state-of-the-art innovative and novel models
• Assure compliance with all established IACUC protocols and reporting requirements
• Collaborate with pharmacology and toxicology teams to support IND-enabling studies
• Function as an independent individual contributor while working closely with other members of the T-cell therapeutics, gene therapy, pharmacology, and process development teams to share and apply knowledge advancements
• Provide mentorship to others through active engagement of junior team members and by presentation and discussion of scientific results
• Reviewing and presenting data cross-functionally at department meetings and larger forums.
• Comply with standard laboratory practices and company policies, including notebook documentation and biosafety policies
• Contribute to the overall Sana mission and culture

What we’re looking for

• A BS or MS in a relevant discipline with 4-6 years of total relevant experience and proven proficiency in design and execution of in vivo experiments as well as sample assessment using a variety of laboratory techniques
• Previous experience with xenograft and syngeneic cancer models, including sample injection as well as sample collection and processing
• Familiarity and experience with CAR-T based therapeutic development and evaluation
• Familiarity and experience with handling and delivery of viral vector-based products
• Demonstrated expertise in novel model development and implementation, including the development and generation of humanized models
• Familiarity and proficiency with multiple routes of injection (i.m., i.p., i.v., etc.) and administration, tissue and blood collection techniques, as well as live-imaging techniques for monitoring of cell populations in vivo
• Advanced experience with characterization and assay of immune cell populations using state-of-the-art techniques (e.g. Spectral flow cytometry)
• AALAS certification is desirable
• A strong self-starter, independent thinker, with a strong attention to detail
• Experienced with interpersonal skills and an ability to adapt communication style to interact effectively with a range of collaborators including research associates, external technical experts, cell biologists, and therapeutic project teams
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, attention to detail and data quality, and experience working on diverse collaborative teams

What will separate you from the crowd

• AALAS certification is desirable

What you should know

• 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.