Sr. Scientist, Cell Therapy Editing Strategy and AnalyticsPurpose & Scope The primary purpose of the Sr. Scientist, Cell Therapy Editing Strategy and Analytics role is to provide scientific expertise from the bench through planning and reporting teams, 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 primarily 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.
Role and Responsibilities - Design and execute complex and novel AAV-mediated gene-editing of pluripotent stem cells to develop strategies compatible with allogenic cell therapy product creation, this could extend to nuclease or recombinase-based editing systems
- Lead efforts to evaluate new cutting-edge gene editing technologies, develop genome engineering & hypo immune strategies; develop molecular and cellular assays for characterization of edited cells
- Work cross-functionally, including on project teams to generate representative clones for downstream teams
- Perform and oversee data collection, analysis and interpretation with a high degree of scientific rigor
- Contribute to and oversee internal milestone achievements and generation of key deliverables
- 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 to drive decision-making and priorities
- 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 tech transfer and preparation of regulatory filings
- 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
Required Qualifications - A Ph.D. in biology, genome sciences, or a related discipline with 5+ years of relevant post-graduate experience, or a MS with 8+ years, or a BS with 12+ years of highly relevant experience
- Solid technical background in aseptic mammalian cell culture and process optimization
- Gene editing of pluripotent stem cells and associated analytical characterization assays
- 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 and time management 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
- Ability to work occasional days on weekends and holidays as required
- Flexible way of working to attend early morning or late-night teleconference meetings
Preferred Qualifications - Experience with tech transfer to other departments and sites
- Strong background in immunology and immune assays
- Experience with product development
- Familiarity with cell and gene therapy regulatory landscape
Location and Working EnvironmentThis position is based in Northbrook, Illinois. Remote work from anywhere in the US is available.
At Astellas we recognize the importance of work/life balance, and we are proud to offer a hybrid working solution allowing time to connect with colleagues at the office with the flexibility to also work from home. We believe this will optimize the most productive work environment for all employees to succeed and deliver. Hybrid work from certain locations may be permitted in accordance with Astellas' Responsible Flexibility Guidelines.
Salary Range$119,000-$170,000(Final compensation will be determined based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to skills, experience and organizational equity considerations)
Benefits:- Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
- Generous Paid Time Off options, including Vacation and Sick time, plus national holidays including year-end shut down
- 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
- Company fleet vehicle for eligible positions
- Referral bonus program
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