Senior Research Associate, Core Tech, Cell Analytics

Do you want to be part of an inclusive team that works to develop innovative therapies for patients? Every day, we are driven to develop and deliver innovative and effective new medicines to patients and physicians. If you want to be part of this exciting work, you belong at Astellas!

Astellas Pharma Inc. is a pharmaceutical company conducting business in more than 70 countries around the world. We are committed to turning innovative science into medical solutions that bring value and hope to patients and their families. Keeping our focus on addressing unmet medical needs and conducting our business with ethics and integrity enables us to improve the health of people throughout the world. For more information on Astellas, please visit our website at www.astellas.com.

Universal Cells , an affiliate of Astellas located in Seattle, WA, is focused on the development and commercialization of stem cell and regenerative medicine therapies. We conduct clinical-grade gene editing of stem cells to produce cells that avoid rejection and can be used in allogeneic cell therapy treatments to treat all patients that need them.

OUR GOAL - ONE CELL FOR EVERYONE

NO IMMUNE SUPPRESSION. NO DONOR MATCHING. NO REJECTION.

We are a dynamic team of research and scientific professionals who are passionate about turning science and innovation into medical solutions. Through our diversity, scientific knowledge, professional rigor and focus on innovation, we are merging our technology with the Astellas drug development expertise to unlock cures to many therapies. Join our team of committed, enthusiastic professionals devoted to making the most effective, life-saving cell therapy products in the world.

Universal Cells (UCI) is announcing a Senior Research Associate, Core Tech, Cell Analytics opportunity at their facility in Seattle, WA .

Purpose:

We are seeking a highly capable, self-motivated Senior Research Associate for our Core Technologies Department. This individual will contribute to the molecular engineering and characterization for our gene edited Universal Donor Cells, by utilizing cell culture techniques and developing standards for cell-based assays. They will work as a key member on a fast-paced team to culture pluripotent stem cells and run cellular assays to characterize our proprietary Universal Donor Cells.

Essential Job Responsibilities:

• Performs and optimizes cell culture techniques with human pluripotent stem cells including maintenance/expansion, differentiation, as well as contributing to the development of various cell-based assays such as ELISAs and flow cytometry.

• Maintains accurate records according to Good Documentation Practices and compiles experimental data in a timely manner. Documents qualified activities according to Universal Cells Quality Assurance guidelines.

• Defines and sets standards for controlled process workflows.

• Mentors and trains junior team members as needed.

• Completes experiments and gathers data in a systematic manner, utilizing strong time management skills.

• Summarizes and presents data in both oral and written formats; contributes to scientific discussion.

• Shows willingness to learn new protocols, relevant equipment, and related software.

• Performs other duties as assigned or special projects as needed.

Organizational Context:

• Will work closely with a team of Research Associates & Scientists

• As a Senior Researcher, this position works with minimal guidance and will work on multiple components of a project in the lab, interacting with varied research groups. Collaboration and teamwork is necessary for optimal performance.

Qualifications:

Required:

• BS Degree with 5+ or MS with 2+ years of relevant hands-on laboratory experience.

• 1-2 years' experience with aseptic technique and mammalian cell culture.

• Familiarity working with cell-based assay design and execution.

• Strong organizational, time management skills, and the ability to maintain accurate and up-to-date records.

• Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively with other team members.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• Strong work ethic with a passion to learn and work in a fast-paced, dynamic and diverse work environment.

• Ability to troubleshoot and think critically, with careful attention to detail.

• Flexibility to work shifted schedule with at least one weekend day.

Preferred:

• Experience with pluripotent stem cell culture

• Experience with flow cytometry

• Experience performing and qualifying cell-based assays within a Quality Assurance framework

• Experience designing, troubleshooting, and optimizing cell-based assays

• Experience with standard molecular biology techniques such as PCR, qPCR, and Sanger sequencing

• Experience with in vitro rAAV gene editing.

Benefits:

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance

• Generous Paid Time Off options, including Vacation and Sick time, plus national holidays including year-end shut down

• 401(k) match and annual company contribution

• Company paid life insurance

• Annual Corporate Bonus and Quarterly Sales Incentive for eligible positions

• Long Term Incentive Plan for eligible positions

• Referral bonus program

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Category Research and Development

Astellas is committed to equality of opportunity in all aspects of employment. EOE including Disability/Protected Veterans