Scientist II, Editing Strategy

Scientist II, Editing Strategy

Are you a highly motivated, collaborative, and scientifically curious individual? If so, we're seeking you, and your bold ideas, to co-lead and accelerate the development of our research programs for patients in need. Here, at Astellas, we are a driven bunch with a passion for testing the capabilities of iPSC-derived cells and for developing them into transformational therapies. If you want to be part of this exciting work, you belong at Astellas!

Astellas Pharma Inc. is a pharmaceutical company conducting business in more than 70 countries around the world. We are committed to turning innovative science into medical solutions that bring value and hope to patients and their families. Keeping our focus on addressing unmet medical needs and conducting our business with ethics and integrity enables us to improve the health of people throughout the world. For more information on Astellas, please visit our website at ~~~.

Universal Cells, an affiliate of Astellas located in Seattle, WA, is focused on the development and commercialization of stem cell and regenerative medicine therapies. We conduct clinical-grade gene editing of stem cells to produce cells that avoid rejection and can be used in allogeneic cell therapy treatments to treat all patients that need them. Through our diversity, scientific knowledge, professional rigor and focus on innovation, we are merging our technology with the Astellas drug development expertise to unlock cures to many indications.

OUR GOAL - ONE CELL FOR EVERYONE

NO IMMUNE SUPPRESSION. NO DONOR MATCHING. NO REJECTION.

Universal Cells (UCI) is announcing an Associate Director, Program Management, Cell Therapy opportunity at our facility in Seattle, WA.

Purpose and Scope:

The primary purpose of the Scientist 2, Editing Strategy role is to provide scientific expertise from the bench to inform editing strategies for cell therapy programs across Astellas Primary Focus indications. This position will work as part of a cross-functional team planning and executing gene-editing activities of pluripotent stem cells. This is a laboratory-based role in a fast-paced environment with opportunities for bringing cutting edge technologies to ensure efficient operation and on-time delivery of edited cells to ensure program timelines.

Essential Job Responsibilities:

• Design and execute complex and novel AAV-mediated gene-editing of pluripotent stem cells to develop strategies compatible with product creation.

• Perform data collection, analysis and interpretation with a high degree of scientific rigor.

• Contribute to internal milestone achievements and generation of key deliverables.

• Work cross-functionally, including on project teams, and provides expertise in immunology and gene editing technologies to generate representative clones for downstream teams.

• Communicate results in both oral and written formats by participating regularly in team meeting preparations and presentations.

• Lead group meeting discussions and regularly presents at cross-functional team meetings.

• Proactively identifies challenges and proposes solutions to management in a timely manner.

• Prepare and review the work of others to include, but not limited to, technical slide decks, reports and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

• Serve as a subject matter expert for preparation of regulatory filings and during tech transfer.

• Ensure smooth day-to-day operations, including on the weekends.

• Perform other duties as assigned or special projects as needed.

• Stay up to date on literature and mentor junior members on product development.

• May manage a team.

Qualifications Required:

• A Ph.D. in biology, genome sciences, or a related discipline with 2+ years of relevant post-graduate experience, or a MS with 7+ years, or a BS with 10+ years of highly relevant experience.

• Solid technical background in aseptic mammalian cell culture and process optimization.

• Gene editing of pluripotent stem cells.

• Ability to identify opportunities for process improvement and to problem solve in a timely manner.

• Strong work ethic and adaptability with a passion for working in a fast-paced, dynamic, and diverse work environment.

• Strong organizational, time management, and problem solving skills with scientific attention to detail.

• Ability to work effectively both independently and in collaboration with other teams.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• Excellent record keeping.

• Experience building and managing databases.

• Ability to write and follow established SOPs.

• Demonstrate and understanding of working under controlled environment.

• Experience managing a team.

• Willingness to learn new protocols, relevant equipment, and related software.

Preferred:

• Experience with tech transfer to other departments and sites.

• Experience with product development.

• Familiarity with cell and gene therapy regulatory landscape.

Working Environment:

• This position is based in Seattle and is full-time on-site work.

Salary Range ( only posted for specific states ) : $114,800 -$153,000 (NOTE: Final salary could be more or less, based on experience)

Benefits:

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance

• Generous Paid Time Off options, including Vacation, Sick time, plus national holidays including Heritage Days, and Summer and Winter Breaks

• 401(k) match and annual company contribution

• Company paid life insurance

• Annual Corporate Bonus and Quarterly Sales Incentive for eligible positions

• Long Term Incentive Plan for eligible positions

• Referral bonus program

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or on the basis of disability.

Benefits:

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance

• Generous Paid Time Off options, including Vacation, Sick time, plus national holidays including Heritage Days, and Summer and Winter Breaks

• 401(k) match and annual company contribution

• Company paid life insurance

• Annual Corporate Bonus and Quarterly Sales Incentive for eligible positions

• Long Term Incentive Plan for eligible positions

• Referral bonus program

Category Technical Operations

Astellas is committed to equality of opportunity in all aspects of employment.

EOE including Disability/Protected Veterans