Principal Research Associate, Flow Cytometry

Principal Research Associate, Flow Cytometry

South San Francisco, CA February 19, 2026

Sana Biotechnology is growing, and we are hiring new team members who believe in the potential of engineered cells as medicines, who are passionate about delivering the possible to patients, and who lead with the desire to work on novel ideas. As a Principal Research Associate, Flow Cytometry, you will report to the Scientist, Flow Cytometry. You will either lead or support the development and implementation of flow cytometry methods for Sana’s cell therapy products, and support method transfer and qualification to enable GMP testing.

This role is onsite in South San Francisco, CA.

What you’ll do

• Develop and qualify multi-color flow cytometry assays to support the characterization, process development, release testing, and stability testing of cell therapy products
• Culture, bank, and characterize mammalian primary cells and immortalized cell lines for use in assay development or as controls
• Create detailed documentation of experimental procedures and results in the electronic laboratory notebook and complete the review and approval of notebook entries per established policy
• Give scientific presentations, prepare technical reports, and draft/revise analytical test methods
• Perform calibration, maintenance, and troubleshooting of instruments and reagents
• Maintain inventory of reagents and improve operational efficiency in the laboratory, adhering to laboratory safety standards
• Contribute to flow cytometry best practices and keep pace with innovations
• Support Quality Control on method transfer, qualification, and testing at CDMOs as well as internal laboratory operations and testing as needed

What we’re looking for

• Bachelor’s plus 6 years or MS with 4+ years or equivalent combination of education and work experience
• Experience with developing and qualifying multi-color flow cytometry assays for pluripotent stem cell or stem cell-derived pancreatic islet cell products per FDA, ICH, and USP regulatory guidelines
• Proficient in independently analyzing flow cytometry data using Flow Jo and/or FCS Express, drawing conclusions, and making recommendations for next steps
• Experience with performing mammalian cell culture and generating cell stocks using aseptic techniques
• Ability to multitask, communicate effectively, and quickly adapt to changing business conditions
• High degree of self-motivation and accountability

What will separate you from the crowd

• Experience using statistical software such as JMP for DOE, data visualization, and analysis
• Experience with development of analytical methods for commercial cell-based therapeutics
• Experience working in a Quality Control function to support GMP testing

What you should know

• There may be potential exposure to BSL2 and BSL2+ biohazard materials
• Occasional off-hours or weekend work may be required
• Physical Demands:
  Employees in this position may be required to perform the following physical activities: standing, walking, and sitting for extended periods of time; frequent use of the hands, fingers, wrist, and greater arm to handle small materials, tools, boxes, and trays; lifting and carrying objects up to 10 Ibs; occasional overhead reaches and lifts; occasional lifts and reaches below the knee;
  
  occasional pushing and pulling of materials and objects with moderate forces; occasional crouching/kneeling, twisting, and squatting movements.
• Must be able to successfully pass all job-related tests and certifications required for working in a cGMP, quality environment including but not limited to: inspections and GMP requirements to perform essential functions of the job.
• The base pay range for this position at commencement of employment is expected to be between $115,000 and $145,000/year; however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience

How we work together for patients

• Lead from every seat – we seek to understand, act with honesty, and engage in the crucial conversations
• Thrive as a team – we hire amazing people, are intensely curious, and cultivate inclusion and personal connectivity
• Make it happen – we…