Research Associate I/ II Stem Cell Biology

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Astellas Institute of Regenerative Medicine (AIRM) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Astellas Pharma Inc and focused on the development and commercialization of stem cell and regenerative medicine therapies. Astellas is an R&D-driven global pharmaceutical company whose philosophy is to contribute to the improvement of people's heath around the world through the provision of innovative and reliable pharmaceutical products.

AIRM has a world-class R&D team, and is pursuing a diverse range of disease indications, ranging from macular degeneration (currently in clinical trials) and other ocular indications to vascular and autoimmune disease. AIRM's intellectual property portfolio includes pluripotent stem cell platforms -- both embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells as well as other cell-based therapy research programs. AIRM is headquartered in Massachusetts.

Astellas is announcing a Research Associate I/II, Stem Cell Biology opportunity at their Astellas Institute of Regenerative Medicine (AIRM) site in Westborough, MA.

Purpose:

We are seeking a highly motivated and talented Research Associate I/II to join our Research team and play a key role in developing human pluripotent stem cell (PSC)-derived macrophages for clinical applications. The successful candidate will have a track record of success in a collaborative research environment with proficiency in pluripotent stem cell culture, various standard immunology and cell biology techniques and a proven ability to plan and execute experiments and analyze data independently. The Research Associate will apply their knowledge of pluripotent stem cell culture and immune cell assays towards the generation of an exciting cell therapy opportunity

Essential Job Responsibilities:

• Performs feeding and maintenance of pluripotent stem cell cultures.

• Differentiates PSCs into macrophages and other cell types as required for the team's needs.

• Independently contributes to scienfitic experiments, such as flow cytometry, ELISAs, PCR, or other molecular biology and immunology techniques.

• Makes detailed observations, analyzes data and interprets results.

• Maintains a bank of differentiated and undifferentiated cells.

• Prepares technical reports, summaries, protocols, and quantitative analyses.

• Ordering and monitoring of experiment supplies.

• Detailed note-keeping skills in laboratory notebooks and appropriate databases in a timely manner.

Quantitative Dimensions:

• Ability to effectively and efficiently perform laboratory experiments

• Demonstrates clear conceptual understanding of project goals, experimental design, data analysis and troubleshooting

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

• Demonstrates effective collaboration with team members and other teams

Organizational Context:

• Reports to a Senior Scientist

• Communicates with other members of multidisciplinary teams

Qualifications:

Required:

• Education: RA I: BS with 0-3 years of experience or RA II: BS with 3+ or MS with 0-2 years laboratory experience. Title aligned with experience.

• Hands-on experience with maintenance of pluripotent stem cells and their differentiation.

• Prior experience performing basic molecular biology techniques such as qPCR and ELISA.

• Adept learner with a willingness to learn new techniques.

• Ability to work independently as well as collaborate effectively in a team science environment.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills

• Proficiency in Excel, Word, Powerpoint, and Prism.

Preferred:

• Experience in human hematopoietic cell differentiation.

• Hands on experience with in vitro assays of macrophage functions or other hematopoietic cell functions.

• Familiarity with lentiviral transduction of mammalian cells.

• Demonstrated ability to perform flow cytometry.

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