Senior Research Associate, Stem Cell Differentiation

Do you want to be part of an inclusive team that works to develop innovative therapies for patients? Every day, we are driven to develop and deliver innovative and effective new medicines to patients and physicians. 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.

OUR GOAL - ONE CELL FOR EVERYONE

NO IMMUNE SUPPRESSION. NO DONOR MATCHING. NO REJECTION.

We are a dynamic team of research and scientific professionals who are passionate about turning science and innovation into medical solutions. 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 therapies. Join our team of committed, enthusiastic professionals devoted to making the most effective, life-saving cell therapy products in the world.

Universal Cells (UCI) is announcing a Senior Research Associate, Stem Cell Differentiation

opportunity at their facility in Seattle, WA .

Purpose:

The primary purpose of the Senior Research Associate is to conduct research focused on the differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells into various hematopoietic cell types. This position will work primarily in a laboratory setting in close collaboration with a lead scientist and other R&D teams.

Essential Job Responsibilities:

  • Differentiate human pluripotent stem cells into various hematopoietic cell types.

  • Culture and maintain human pluripotent stem cells and other cell types, including primary immune cells and cell lines.

  • Characterize undifferentiated and differentiated cell types using a variety of techniques including multi-color flow cytometry.

  • Perform experiments independently with careful attention to detail, accurately record procedures/data/results in a timely manner.

  • Interprets data, draws appropriate conclusions from experimental work, and presents findings in team meetings. Compiles and summarizes experiments for reports as needed.

  • Closely collaborate with other members of the R&D team and with other teams within Universal Cells to support multi-disciplinary studies.

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

Quantitative Dimensions:

  • Direct impact on research related to pre-clinical research programs.

  • Potential to generate intellectual property.

  • Assay and protocol development.

Organizational Context:

  • Reports to Associate Director

  • Collaborates regularly with Scientists and RA’s in Universal Cells.

Qualifications:

Required:

  • BS degree with 5+ years or MS with 2+ years of relevant laboratory experience.

  • Experience with mammalian cell culture. Strong preference for prior human pluripotent stem cell culture experience.

  • Previous experience performing multiparameter flow cytometry (4+ colors) and data analysis (FlowJo).

  • Demonstrated willingness to learn and enthusiasm to be part of the development and translation of a cutting-edge therapy platform.

  • Strong organizational, time management, and problem solving skills.

  • Ability to work independently with supervision and ability to effectively collaborate with other teams in a fast-paced environment.

  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

  • Ability to work weekends, as needed.

Preferred:

  • Prior work in human pluripotent stem cell differentiation

  • Relevant background in immunology, hematopoiesis, or cancer, including work with immune cell subsets.

  • Experience in relevant cell and molecular biology techniques (e.g. qRT-PCR, ELISA, cytotoxicity assays)

Salary Range:

$77,300 - $103,000 (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

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Category Research & Development

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

EOE including Disability/Protected Veterans