Senior Research Associate, Islet Cell Therapy
About The Position
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. You will join the Beta Islet Team at the Cambridge location as a Senior Research Associate and report to the Scientist. In this role, your primary responsibility will be to lead large-scale media preparation supporting in vitro differentiation of pluripotent stem cells into beta islet cells, including all aspects of media preparation, reconstituted factors, and reagents stocks. This position will also cover the differentiation of stem cell (SC)-islets, including all aspects of cell culture duties and downstream characterization assays, such as flow cytometry and immunocytochemistry. You should have sufficient personal expertise to teach as well as troubleshoot these techniques. In addition, you will be expected to adhere to all protocols and ensure the quality of data collection, both personally and as part of allied laboratory staff. A successful candidate will be well-organized, collaborative, and impact driven.
Requirements
- Extensive hands-on expertise in histology, methods necessary to assess transplanted animals, and microscopy (epifluorescent and confocal).
- Sufficient personal expertise and contribute towards the maintenance of both the histology and molecular lab environments, including day-to-day operations and personnel coordination, as well as assuring the quality of data collection.
- BA/MA or MS in cell biology, stem cell biology, biotechnology, or related fields.
- 2-3+ years of post-graduate academic or industry experience in cell biology, stem cell biology, biotechnology, or related fields.
- Experience with large-scale media preparation, filtration, and aliquoting into both bottles and bags.
- Experience with closed system media preparation equipment including mixers, tube welders, sealers, pumps, and pressure monitors.
- Ability to maintain sterility and consistency during large-volume media preparation and differentiations.
- Experience with stem cell differentiation into beta islet cells.
- Strong attention to detail and organization skills with consistent protocol adherence.
- Ability to manage time efficiently across multiple tasks in fast-paced environments.
- Clear communication skills and ability to work effectively within a team setting.
- Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and independent problem-solving skills.
Nice To Haves
- Strong background in beta islet cell biology
- Experience in suspension differentiation of pluripotent stems cells
Responsibilities
- Perform large-scale media preparation in closed systems, as well as participate in continuous improvement of media preparation workflows.
- Reconstitute small molecules/growth factors for beta islet cell differentiation.
- Manage inventory of raw materials and complete reagents to maintain uninterrupted workflow aligned with project timelines and program goals.
- Expand, maintain, and direct differentiation of pluripotent stem cells towards SC-islets.
- Cryopreserve pluripotent stem cells, SC-islets, and intermediates.
- Execute in vitro molecular and cellular characterization assays (e.g., flow cytometry, immunocytochemistry, DNA/RNA isolation, etc.).
- Closely adhere to batch records/protocols for both reagent preparation, beta islet differentiation, and cellular characterization assays.
- Maintain accurate documentation of executed activities in Electronic Lab Notebook (ELN) and/or written batch records.
- Assure compliance with all relevant lab safety and biosafety regulations.
- Demonstrate Sana’s core values and the attributes that support these core values (Lead from every seat, Thrive as a team, Make it happen).
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Ample 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
- 401(k) Plan with an immediately vested employer match
- Tuition Reimbursement and Student Loan Repayment
- Employee Stock Purchase Plan
- Commuter subsidy
- Variety of wellness offerings
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
Associate degree
