Research Associate 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 www.astellas.com.

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 Research Associate II, Editing Strategy role is to execute experiments to evaluate AAV vector constructs to support product development across Primary Focus indications. This Research Associate II role will work as part of a cross-functional team to plan and generate data to evaluate all aspects of culturing, gene-editing, and processing of pluripotent stem cells. This position will be provided training to perform all required fundamental skills. This position will also be cross trained in Good Manufacturing Practices and Good Documentation Practices and will support the production teams as needed.

Essential Job Responsibilities:

• 75% of the time will be spent in the laboratory environment on specified projects using aseptic cell culture technique.

• Assists with the design and execution of complex laboratory experiments to evaluate editing processes.

• Demonstrates understanding and execution of batch record documentation and protocols, and ability to record data using Good Documentation Practices with minimal guidance.

• Supports other departments with the maintenance of pluripotent stem cell cultures.

• Collaborates with other departments to proactively identify and troubleshoot challenges in manufacturing processes.

• Communicates results in both oral and written formats in a timely manner, and actively participates in team meetings (including cross-functional team meetings) and presentation preparations.

• Keeps detailed records including lab notebooks and batch documentation and has the ability to prepare controlled documents and data summaries independently.

• Shows initiative in learning new protocols, relevant equipment, and related software and assists with implementation of new processes.

• Ensures smooth day-to-day operations of the cell culture lab, assisting junior members as needed.

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

• Understands and contributes to meeting project timelines and key deliverables.

• This position will acquire further versatility in routine procedures, technical knowledge, understanding of administrative operations, and general troubleshooting.

Qualifications Required:

• An MS with 0-2 years or a BS with 3+ years of highly relevant laboratory experience.

• Solid years of working knowledge of aseptic mammalian cell culture technique and GDP.

• Flexibility to work shifted schedule with at least one weekend day.

• Ability to troubleshoot and think critically, with scientific attention to detail.

• 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 organization and record keeping.

Preferred:

• Industry experience with cell culture processes and immunology strongly preferred.

• Experience with culturing, gene editing, and/or differentiation of pluripotent stem cells.

• Experience working in a GMP or controlled environment.

Working Environment:

• This position is based in Seattle and will require on-site work.

• This position is a shifted schedule, either Sun-Thurs or Tues-Sat.

Salary Range: $74,300- $99,000NOTE: 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

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Category Technical Operations

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

EOE including Disability/Protected Veterans