Principal Scientist, Cancer Immunotherapy (Platform Evolution)

Fate Therapeutics is seeking a scientific innovator to join a talented team of research scientists working on platform evolution of our iPSC derived effector cell therapies. A background in effector cell biology (innate or adaptive), immune cell development, functional screening and/or genetic editing are all relevant. The team works with multiple departments from molecular and iPSC engineering to translation, and from process development to quality, to curate and assess new therapeutic designs based on novel technology, through to advancement of candidate profiles toward the clinic.  Knowledge and understanding of current disease models is essential, as well as a willingness to learn and thoroughly understand and advance the iPSC platform. An ability to work collaboratively both within Fate and with our many scientific collaborators and research partners will provide excellent opportunities to do groundbreaking research with a clear and proven path to clinical implementation. This is a fulltime, exempt role based at the company’s corporate headquarters and research facilities in San Diego, California, and reports to a Director, Cancer Immunotherapy. 
Responsibilities

• Initiate innovation efforts focused on implementation of current and future novel technologies in Fates iPSC derived effector cell platforms
• Initiate discovery efforts aimed at generation and evaluation of new technologies to be implemented in future generations of existing and new platforms
• Provide subject matter expertise on discovery and innovation efforts to all levels and across departments, including senior management
• Maintain a positive and encouraging on-site presence and provide mentorship, oversight and direction to a growing team of highly motivated scientists
• Scientific and strategic decision-making and development and execution of research initiatives both within Fate and with external partners
• Significant interdepartmental communication, coordination, and oversight

Qualifications

• PhD degree in Immunology, Cell Biology or related fields with 5 or more years relevant experience in NK cell, T-cell or other immune effector biology and/or therapy
• Excellent laboratory skills, in-depth experience conceptualizing, developing, and executing assays with primary human cells, or with stem cell derived effector cells.
• Familiarity with current approaches to molecular and viral based engineering and genomic  editing of iPSC and primary T, NK or other immune cells
• Familiarity with biochemical and bioinformatics based discovery screening approaches
• Understanding of multiplex engineering and platform design and development
• Familiarity with current approaches to functional evaluation of potency and efficacy (including IncuCyte, xCELLigence, Isoplexis, Ella or zmovi)
• Familiarity with in vivo xenograft models of hematologic and solid tumors
• Proven ability to coordinate with multiple stake holders for execution of research initiatives
• Excellent communication and organization skills
• Prior team and project management experience

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

• Will require working with cells and cell lines of human and/or animal origin
• Will require working with hazardous materials
• On-site work at our research facilities in San Diego, CA
• Evening and weekend work as necessary
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs.

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.

Equal Employment Opportuntiy
Fate Therapeutics, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

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.