Associate Scientist, Process Development

Fate Therapeutics is seeking a talented and highly motivated cell biologist to join our company’s Upstream Process Development team to support the company’s off-the-shelf cellular immunotherapy programs. The successful candidate will join a multidisciplinary team pursuing the development of iPSC-derived NK and T cell products for cellular therapeutic purposes. This role will be primarily responsible for supporting preclinical and IND-enabling activities including the development of robust iPSC-derived CD34 (iCD34) cell differentiation processes and process characterization. Candidates must have extensive cell culture experience with an emphasis on human embryonic stem cells/iPSCs, and an understanding of immunology and developmental biology is preferred. This role will require close cross-functional collaboration with R&D, Manufacturing, Analytical Development, and QC departments. This position is located at our corporate headquarters in San Diego, California, and reports to a Scientist in Process Development.
Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and analyze experiments to develop and refine the parameters for iPSC expansion and iCD34 differentiation for iPSC-derived NK and T cell product manufacturing.
• Identify critical process parameters and develop strategies aimed at improving robustness of Fate’s manufacturing platforms.
• Evaluate and implement new technologies for specific manufacturing processes, as appropriate.
• Collaborate with the Manufacturing team to identify potential process improvements and design appropriate experiments to evaluate and implement those changes.
• Perform characterization of stage-specific processes utilizing flow cytometry, FACS sorting, gene expression profiling, and media analysis.
• Collect, organize, and analyze data in a timely manner and in accordance with company policy.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive programs forward to meeting program goals including IND submission, CMC amendments, initiation of manufacturing, etc.
• Present data to Process Development team, program-specific teams, and the bigger R&D group.

Qualifications

• MS degree with a minimum of 5 years of experience in a relevant biological or technical field
• In-depth experience with adherent mammalian cell culture
• Hands-on experience with human ES/iPSC culture is preferred
• Prior experience with gene expression data analysis would be an advantage
• In-depth experience with multi-color flow cytometry data acquisition and manual analysis using FlowJo
• Excellent data organization and analysis using Excel, Prism or Spotfire
• Working knowledge of statistical and analytical tools, such as JMP, is preferred 
• Prior experience in Process Development or Manufacturing setting is a plus
• Strong attention-to-detail, verbal, and written communication skills
• Comfortable in adjusting workload based upon adjustment of priorities 
•  Ability to work independently, multi-task, and work effectively in a dynamic and fast-paced setting
• Positive outlook, willingness to learn and test new ideas, and a desire to work collaboratively in a team environment

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

• Will require working with cell lines of human origin and/or animal origin
• Will require working with hazardous materials
• 100% on-site work at corporate headquarters in San Diego, CA
• Evening and weekend work as necessary

The preceding job description indicates the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. Additional and incidental duties related to the primary duties may be required from time to time.

About Fate Therapeutics, Inc.
Fate Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the development of first-in-class cellular immunotherapies for patients with cancer. The Company has established a leadership position in the clinical development and manufacture of universal, off-the-shelf cell products using its proprietary induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) product platform. The Company’s immuno-oncology pipeline includes off-the-shelf, iPSC-derived natural killer (NK) cell and T-cell product candidates, which are designed to synergize with well-established cancer therapies, including immune checkpoint inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies, and to target tumor-associated antigens using chimeric antigen receptors (CARs). Fate Therapeutics is headquartered in San Diego, CA. For more information, please visit www.fatetherapeutics.com.