Principal Research Associate - In Vitro Pharmacology

JOB PURPOSE

Sana Biotechnology is looking to expand our team with hard-working individuals who believe in the potential of cells as engineered medicines, have the vision to do creative things, and the determination to execute upon that vision. As a member of the In Vitro Pharmacology and Biomarker Discovery group, you will work within a highly dynamic and cross-functional environment on projects of diverse scope and across multiple therapeutic areas. To accelerate the development of transformative medicines, we seek a Principal Research Associate to build essential platform capabilities as well as develop and implement bioanalytical and functional assays to support research programs. The Principal Research Associate will have extensive experience culturing a diverse array of primary cell types and experience establishing and phenotypically characterizing in vitro models of disease. The successful candidate will have demonstrated technical proficiency, exhibit scientific rigor and independent thought as well as the ability to thrive in a team-oriented environment.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Uses professional concepts in accordance with company objectives to solve complex problems in creative and effective ways.
  • Culture and maintain multiple primary cell types including but not limited to hepatocytes, T-cells, PBMC's, splenocytes, cardiomyocytes, as well as endothelial and stromal cell types.
  • Develop an understanding of liver and immune biology, relevant biological systems, and disease area(s) to contribute to the development and characterization of in vitro disease models.
  • Establish and validate in vitro functional assays using a variety of platforms (high-content imaging, incucyte, flow cytometry, ELISA, MSD, Luminex, HTRF, qPCR)
  • Responsible for thoughtful planning, coordination and execution of experiments.
  • Makes detailed observations, interpret results and document experimental methods in a well-maintained laboratory notebook.
  • Proven ability to work independently.
  • Presents results regularly at team meetings.
  • Facilitates discussion with other team members as necessary to ensure the completion of the team's research projects.
  • Train and mentor junior associates.
  • Comply with standard laboratory practices and company policies

QUALIFICATIONS

Basic Qualifications

Bachelors' degree in a scientific specialty with a minimum of six years or MS with at least four years of experience. Established track-record performing independent research characterized by the ability to design and effectively execute experimental plans.
  • Extensive hands-on experience culturing mammalian cell lines (primary and immortalized) with demonstrated competence in sterile cell culture technique and standard laboratory procedures.
  • Experience developing and characterizing in vitro models of disease.
  • Experience in the development of cell-based assays using a variety of platforms (Incucyte, High-content imaging, TR-FRET, ELISA, MSD, Flow Cytometry, Luminex, qPCR).
  • Ability to proactively engage groups with diverse functions within a highly matrixed organization.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills, attention to detail and data quality, and experience working on cross-functional teams.
  • Technical proficiency, scientific creativity, independent thought and ability to actively communicate with scientists throughout the organization.

Preferred Qualifications
  • 3+ years of industry experience
  • Experience with primary cell culture is highly preferred.
  • Research experience in liver biology and/or immunology.
  • Experience characterizing metabolic pathways and disease modeling