Research Associate II

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:

We are seeking a highly capable, self-motivated Research Associate II for our Cell Analytics, Core Technology Department. This individual will contribute to the characterization of our gene edited Universal Donor Cells, by utilizing various cell culture techniques. They will work as a key member on a fast-paced team to culture pluripotent stem cells as well as run cellular assays to characterize our proprietary Universal Donor Cells.

Essential Job Responsibilities:

• Routinely performs aseptic cell culture of human pluripotent stem cells for general maintenance or experiment execution while adhering to strict internal SOPs.

• Maintains accurate records and assists other team members with recording and compiling experimental data in a timely manner. Documents qualified activities according to Universal Cells Quality Assurance Guidelines.

• Conduct various experiments involving differentiation, flow cytometry, dose-response assays, and more.

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

• Summarizes and presents data in both oral and written formats.

Qualifications Required:

• BS Degree with 2+ years or MS Degree with 0-2 years of relevant hands-on laboratory experience including aseptic technique and mammalian cell culture.

• Familiarity working with cell-based assay design and execution.

• Strong organizational, time management skills, and the ability to maintain accurate and up-to-date records.

• Ability to work effectively both independently and with other team members.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• Strong work ethic with a passion to learn and work in a fast-paced, dynamic and diverse work environment.

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

• Flexibility to work shifted schedule with at least one weekend day (Saturday or Sunday)

Preferred:

• Experience with pluripotent stem cell culture techniques.

• Experience performing assays within a Quality Assurance framework.

• Experience designing, troubleshooting, and optimizing cell-based assays.

• Experience with flow cytometry, FlowJo analysis software, and GraphPad Prism Software.

• Familiarity with standard molecular biology techniques.

Working Environment:

• This position is based in Seattle, Washington and will require on-site work five days a week.

• Must be able to work shifted schedule with at least one weekend day (Saturday or Sunday).

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

#LI-TR1

Category Technical Operations

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

EOE including Disability/Protected Veterans