Sr. Scientist, Cell Therapy Editing Strategy and Analytics

Job Description Sr. Scientist, Cell Therapy Editing Strategy and Analytics About Astellas Astellas is a global life sciences company committed to turning innovative science into VALUE for patients. We provide transformative therapies in disease areas that include oncology, ophthalmology, urology, immunology and women's health. Through our research and development programs, we are pioneering new healthcare solutions for diseases with high unmet medical need.

Learn more at  Are you driven to make a real difference in the lives of patients? We're seeking passionate individuals who thrive in dynamic environments, embrace new ideas, and aren't afraid to take intelligent risks. People who act with unwavering integrity and are deeply committed to making a tangible impact.

Purpose & Scope The primary purpose of the Sr. Scientist, Cell Therapy Editing Strategy and Analytics role is to provide scientific expertise from the bench through planning and reporting teams, to inform editing strategies for cell therapy programs across Astellas Primary Focus indications. This position will work as part of a cross-functional team planning and executing gene-editing activities of pluripotent stem cells.

This is a primarily laboratory-based role in a fast-paced environment with opportunities for bringing cutting-edge technologies to ensure efficient operation and on-time delivery of edited cells to ensure program timelines.

Role and Responsibilities Design and execute complex and novel AAV-mediated gene-editing of pluripotent stem cells to develop strategies compatible with allogenic cell therapy product creation, this could extend to nuclease or recombinase-based editing systems

Lead efforts to evaluate new cutting-edge gene editing technologies, develop genome engineering & hypo immune strategies; develop molecular and cellular assays for characterization of edited cells

Work cross-functionally, including on project teams to generate representative clones for downstream teams Perform and oversee data collection, analysis and interpretation with a high degree of scientific rigor

Contribute to and oversee internal milestone achievements and generation of key deliverables

Communicate results in both oral and written formats by participating regularly in team meeting preparations and presentations

Lead group meeting discussions and regularly presents at cross-functional team meetings to drive decision-making and priorities

Proactively identifies challenges and proposes solutions to management in a timely manner.

Prepare and review the work of others to include, but not limited to, technical slide decks, reports and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
Serve as a subject matter expert for tech transfer and preparation of regulatory filings

Ensure smooth day-to-day operations, including on the weekends

Perform other duties as assigned or special projects as needed

Stay up to date on literature and mentor junior members on product development

May manage a team

Job Requirements

Required Qualifications A Ph.D. in biology, genome sciences, or a related discipline with 5+ years of relevant post-graduate experience, or a MS with 8+ years, or a BS with 12+ years of highly relevant experience Solid technical background in aseptic mammalian cell culture and process optimization

Gene editing of pluripotent stem cells and associated analytical characterization assays

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 and time management 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

Experience building and managing databases

Ability to write and follow established SOPsDemonstrate and understanding of working under controlled environment

Experience managing a team Willingness to learn new protocols, relevant equipment, and related software

Ability to work occasional days on weekends and holidays as required

Flexible way of working to attend early morning or late-night teleconference meetings

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with tech transfer to other departments and sites

Strong background in immunology and immune assays

Experience with product development

Familiarity with cell and gene therapy regulatory landscape

Location and Working…