Research Associate, iPSC T cell Differentiation

---

Job description

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. We are seeking a research associate to join the T cell Therapeutics group in Seattle, WA. One of the group's missions is to use cell engineering and pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) to create a new class of iPSC derived T cells for our novel hypoimmune (HIP) T cell therapy platform. We are looking for a candidate experienced in cell-based assays, ideally with an immune function or immuno-oncology focus. The candidate possesses a working knowledge of immune system biology and assay principles. Experience with cell culture is necessary, and stem cell culture experience is preferred. As a research associate, you will report to the Principal Scientist, iPSC T Cell Therapeutics to develop and perform cell-based assays focused on iPSC T cell differentiation and functional characterization. The candidate must be scientifically independent and accustomed to taking initiative while problem solving. The position requires organization skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work as a team. We value diversity, and welcome applicants from both industry and academia.

What you'll do

• Culture and differentiation of human pluripotent stem cell
• Culture and expansion of primary immune cells and cell lines
• Design and execute assays to evaluate T cell functionality and evaluate cell culture and differentiation performance
• Contribute and pursue novel avenues of cell differentiation and modification that may result in improved iPSC T cell differentiation and functionality
• Generate, analyze, and effectively communicate experimental data
• Maintain detailed records of experimental protocols, results, and inventory in an electronic lab notebook
• Performs other duties as assigned

What we're looking for

• Bachelor's degree (B.S./B.A.) or equivalent in a scientific related discipline such as Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Immunology. Related Master's degree (M.S./M.A.) preferred
• Minimum of 3 years related experience in the contract research, academic, or pharmaceutical industry
• Proficient in handling mammalian cell lines, especially suspension cells and the isolation and manipulation of human primary immune cells from blood or tissue
• Hands-on work experience and proficiency with standard techniques to assess immune cell function including but not limited to multi-color flow cytometry, ELISA, ELISpot, and in vitro cell based assays (e.g., activation, cytotoxicity, proliferation)
• Strong organizational skills and record keeping
• Ability to work efficiently and productively as a team member in a fast-paced environment
• Strong trouble shooting and problem-solving ability, as well as enthusiasm to learn new techniques

What you should know

• Working safely on a predictable and regular basis is an essential job function for this position and the Company requires that all individuals, subject to certain exceptions, be fully vaccinated against COVID-19

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.

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, parental leave, short- and long-term disability, financial wellness programs, a 401(k) Plan, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, commuter subsidy and a variety of wellness offerings to support each person individually.

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, 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.