Senior Research Associate, Research

Blue Rock Therapeutics, a wholly-owned and independently operated subsidiary of Bayer AG, is a leading engineered cell therapy company using its unique cell+gene platform to direct cellular differentiation and genetically engineer cells to create a new generation of cellular medicines that address large patient populations suffering from neurological, cardiovascular, and immunology diseases.

The convergence of cell biology and genetic engineering is creating fundamental new ways to impact disease. Founded in 2016 to capitalize on these technological breakthroughs, we are advancing our novel cell+gene platform to develop, manufacture, and deliver an entirely new generation of authentic and engineered cell therapies across three therapeutic areas: neurology, cardiology, and immunology.

What Are We Doing?

Our foundational science harnesses the ability to create and then direct the differentiation of universal pluripotent stem cells into authentic, functional cells that can be used as allogeneic cellular therapies to treat a broad array of diseases. We can also further engineer these cells, enabling them to produce enzymes, antibodies, and other proteins for additional therapeutic benefit.

We are passionate about delivering on the promise of cellular and gene therapy, shaping the future of cellular medicine, and delivering new therapies to millions of patients with treatment options.

We are seeking individuals who are collaborative, thrive in a fun and dynamic culture, and are steadfast in the commitment to advance cutting-edge cellular therapies to impact patients’ lives.

Description of Position:

The Senior Research Associate (SRA) is a senior-level individual contributor who plays a critical role in the development of assays used for establishing critical characterization and quality assays for cell therapy products and platforms at Blue Rock Therapeutics. Candidates in this role will be responsible for performing core analytics, conducting experiments, and collaborating with various functional groups including research teams, in vivo sciences, and gene editing to advance projects.

The ideal candidate will be a highly motivated, self-starting individual who enjoys hands-on scientific execution, collaboration, and is seeking valuable career experience.

• Demonstrate technical excellence in executing in vitro experiments to assess and develop novel assays, techniques, and technologies to characterize cell therapy manufacturing processes. Identify and determine appropriate ranges of (critical) assay process parameters to ensure robust, repeatable, and accurate results with minimal supervision.
• Champion assessing, designing, developing, evaluating, and implementing technologies, processes, and methods to improve understanding of therapeutic cell product candidates, intermediates, media, reagents, growth factors and other material critical to safety and quality of drug substance and drug product for use in patients.
• Act as a subject matter expert in performing flow cytometry, ELISA, analytical, cell-based, DNA-based, and other assays as required.
• Collect and analyze data from various assays, track, and trend data, and establish specifications for critical process controls.
• Author, review and approve SOPs, study protocols, reports, and other scientific and quality documents.
• Identify and evaluate new technologies and incorporate them into product quality assessments as appropriate.
• Present scientific data to colleagues in group meetings, prepare and present internal and external presentations (presentations, posters, publications), author and submit articles to peer-reviewed journals as required.
• Perform additional duties to support the safe and efficient operation of the laboratory, and other duties as assigned.
• Bachelor’s degree in relevant science with 5+ years' experience in industry and/or academia. Or Master’s degree 3+ years experience in relevant science industry and/or academia.
• Hands-on experience in analytical development of cell & gene therapy or biological therapeutics in various stages of development.
• Proven ability to structure, plan, and execute on complex projects and programs in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills, with demonstrated ability to extend these across a team and implement efficient operational processes
• Experience in supervising and guiding junior team members and working collaboratively in a matrix environment is preferred.
• Positive and team-oriented mindset.
• Salary Range: $85,000-$100,000/yr + Bonus

SETH ETTENBERG, PH.D.