Senior Research Associate, In Vivo Biology

JOB PURPOSE

Sana Biotechnology is seeking a creative and highly motivated individual to join the T-cell therapeutics team who will help bring gene and cell therapies to patients. This individual will be responsible for execution of a research-stage in vivo program to test and advance T-cell based therapies. Experiments will be carried out in both xenograft and syngeneic murine models, using both cell and gene therapeutic candidates. In addition to animal manipulation and sample collection, this individual will process biological samples to assess therapeutic efficacy using a variety of techniques. Success in this role will require active collaboration with internal immunology team members as well as other members of the gene therapy, pharmacology, and process development teams.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Participate in the execution of in vivo experiments in multiple xenograft and syngeneic murine tumor models to test efficacy of candidate T-cell therapeutics.
• Animal manipulation, sample collection, as well as processing and analysis of blood and tissue samples using a variety of techniques including flow cytometry, qPCR, ddPCR, and other molecular and cell biology techniques
• Conduct live-animal bioluminescent imaging and analysis.
• Assures compliance with protocols, interacts with the IACUC for protocols, amendments, audits, and reporting
• Collaborate with pharmacology and toxicology teams to support IND-enabling studies
• Function as an individual contributor while working closely with other members of the T-cell therapeutics, gene therapy, pharmacology, and process development teams to share and apply knowledge advancements.
• Reviewing and presenting data cross-functionally at department meetings and larger forums
• Comply with standard laboratory practices and company policies, including notebook documentation and biosafety policies
• Contribute to the overall Sana mission and culture
• Demonstrate Sana's core values and the attributes that support these core values (Lead from every seat, Thrive as a team, Make it happen)

QUALIFICATIONS

• A BS in a relevant discipline with a minimum of 3-4 years of relevant experience, or MS in a relevant discipline with an additional 1-2 years of experience. Proven proficiency in execution of in vivo experiments as well as sample collection, processing, and assessment using a variety of laboratory techniques.
• Previous experience with animal handling abilities as well as sample collection and processing.
• Familiarity with CAR-T based therapeutic development and evaluation. Hands on experience with these models is preferred.
• Experience and familiarity with handling and delivery of viral vector-based products
• Proficient with multiple routes of injection (i.m., i.p., i.v., etc.) and administration in murine models, as well as blood and tissue collection techniques.
• Familiarity and experience strongly preferred with bioluminescent live-imaging techniques using an IVIS type system or equivalent.
• Experience with characterization and assay of immune cell populations using state-of-the-art techniques (e.g. flow cytometry).
• AALAS certification is desirable.
• A strong self-starter, independent thinker, with a strong attention to detail.
• Experienced with interpersonal skills and an ability to adapt communication style to interact effectively with a range of collaborators including research associates, external technical experts, cell biologists, and therapeutic project teams.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, attention to detail and data quality, and experience working on diverse collaborative teams.
• Ability to travel 10% of the time.
• Working safely in person on a predictable and regular in-person basis is an essential job function for this position and the Company requires that all individuals working in-person, subject to certain exceptions, be fully vaccinated against COVID-19

To perform this job successfully, you must be able to perform each job responsibility satisfactorily. The job description listed above is representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required for this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions described above.

At Sana, we believe that a diverse workforce strengthens us as a company and helps us to achieve our mission to meaningfully change the outcome of many human diseases. This belief is a pillar of our business and is critical to our success. Our goal is that Sana is the place for talented people to bring their authentic selves to work, to have a great career and to deeply, positively impact patients.

We are committed to providing a workplace free of discrimination and harassment based on race, color, religion, age, gender, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental or sensory disability (including the use of a trained guide dog or service animal by a person with a disability), genetic information, actual or perceived HIV or Hepatitis C infection, medical condition (cancer or a record or history of cancer and genetic characteristics), marital status, sexual orientation, sexual preference, pregnancy (including childbirth and related medical conditions), disability, veteran status, political ideology, taking or requesting statutorily protected leave, status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.

Core to our values, we believe there is nothing more important than the health and wellness of you and your family. We cover 100% of the cost for employee health coverage and offer generous time-off, parental leave, short- and long-term disability, financial wellness programs, a 401(k) Plan, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, commuter subsidy and a variety of wellness offerings to support each person individually.