Job Description
Research Associate for Process Development
The primary purpose of the Research Associate for Process Development is to work as part of a team planning/executing experiments to evaluate all aspects of culturing, gene-editing, and characterizing pluripotent stem cells. This Research Associate will assist in the development of programs and assays to support the generation of gene-edited Universal Donor Cells manufactured under controlled environment. This position will also be cross-trained in Good Manufacturing Practices and Good Documentation Practices and will support the Clinical Gene Editing team as needed.
Responsibilities and Accountabilities:

• 50-75% of the time will be spent in the laboratory environment on specified projects using aseptic cell culture technique in both research and controlled manufacturing environment.
• Stays cross-trained on batch record documentation and protocols, and performs cell culture and various in vitro assays in the process of establishing, gene editing, and evaluating pluripotent stem cells.
• Collaborates with the team to design and conduct experiments to develop and improve processes and create SOPs for establishing and evaluating pluripotent stem cells.
• Performs data collection, analysis, and interpretation with a high degree of scientific rigor. Presents results and conclusions, participates in discussions, and plans for next experiments at meetings.
• Lead and support project tasks in collaboration with project members and contribute to the advancement of the project.
• Growing technical knowledge and continued understanding of administrative operations with ability to troubleshoot and solve technical problems.
• Serves as a subject matter expert on experimental methods and production 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.

Requirements
Required Qualifications:

• BS degree with 4+ years of relevant laboratory experience or MS with 2+ years of laboratory experience.
• 2+ years of working knowledge of aseptic mammalian cell culture technique.
• Experience with method and assay development.
• 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, time management, and critical thinking 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.
• Ability to write and follow established SOPs.
• Willingness to learn new protocols, relevant equipment, and related software.
• Flexibility to work shifted schedule with at least one weekend day: Sunday-Thursday, or Tuesday - Saturday schedules, days.

Preferred Qualifications:

• MS degree in biology, bioengineering, genome sciences, or a related discipline.
• Experience with culturing, gene editing, and/or differentiation of pluripotent stem cells.
• Experience with primary human cells.
• Experience with in vitro assays for molecular and cell biology experiments, such as DNA/RNA/protein handling, PCR, qPCR, flow cytometry, recombinant virus handling.
• Experience in initiating/managing/leading projects.

Working Environment

• This position is based in Universal Cells and will require on-site work.
• This position is a shifted schedule, either Sun-Thurs or Tues-Sat.

Salary Range: $87,800 - $117,000 NOTE: Final salary could be more or less, based on experience)
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