Scientist, Functional Assay Development

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 Scientist, you will lead the development of functional assays for our Pluripotent Stem Cell (PSC)-derived beta islet program. The position represents an excellent opportunity for career development, working closely with experienced cell and gene therapy scientists in a highly collaborative environment.

What you’ll do

• Design and develop assays to understand biology, heterogeneity, and function of our PSC-derived cells
• Document experimental procedure and data in electronic laboratory notebooks
• Author Standard Operating Procedures, Technical Report, method qualification protocol and reports
• Lead assay transfer and assay training activities
• Participate on cross-functional team meeting and contribute to assay strategy
• Collaborate with stakeholders in PD, AD, Quality and Regulatory on technical and strategic activities
• Author and review relevant sections of CMC documentation in support of INDs
• Present scientific data at internal and external meetings

What we’re looking for

• PhD in cell Biology, molecular biology, or related disciple and up to 2+ yrs academic or industry experience; BA and/or MS plus 7+ yrs or equivalent combination of education and work experience
• Knowledge of ELISA, flow cytometry, qPCR and ddPCR principles, method development, and data analysis
• Hand on experience developing ELISA and flow cytometry-based assays
• Prior experience in development and execution of assays using qPCR and/or ddPCR
• Hands on experience developing beta islet cell characterization assays is preferred but not required
• Excellent bench skills with attention to detail and high standards for data integrity and quality
• Good verbal and written communication skills for technical and non-technical audiences
• Demonstrated strong critical thinking and organizational skills
• Demonstrated ability to work in cross-functional teams as a strong team player

What will separate you from the crowd

• Experience in pluripotent stem cell and beta cell therapy product development

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
• The base pay range for this position at commencement of employment is expected to be between $125,000 and $155,000/year; however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience
• 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 (various paid time off benefits, such as holidays, vacation, sick time, and parental leave), short- and long-term disability, employer paid basic life insurance, additional voluntary life insurance protection, financial wellness programs including financial planning resources, a 401(k) Plan with an immediately vested employer match, Tuition Reimbursement and Student Loan Repayment, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, commuter subsidy and a variety of wellness offerings to support each person individually.  Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if a candidate receives an offer of employment

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.

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, social class (including caste/caste identity), 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.