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Form of workSenior Research Associate, Discovery Bioscience
Do you want to be part of an inclusive team that works to develop innovative therapies for patients? Every day, we are driven to develop and deliver innovative and effective new medicines to patients and physicians. 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.
About Astellas Gene Therapies
Astellas Gene Therapies is an Astellas Center of Excellence developing genetic medicines for patients with rare, life-threatening diseases. Based on our innovative approach to developing genetic medicines, as well as our industry-leading internal manufacturing capability and expertise, we have become the Astellas Center of Excellence for their newly created Genetic Regulation Focus Area. We are currently exploring three gene therapy modalities: gene replacement, exon skipping gene therapy, and vectorized RNA knockdown, with plans to expand our focus and geographic reach under Astellas. We are based in San Francisco, with manufacturing and laboratory facilities in South San Francisco and Sanford, North Carolina. For more information, please visit our website: www.astellasgenetherapies.com.
The Role
The Research Associate will support the Discovery Bioscience team and assist in developing and executing screening assays for the evaluation of AAV vector products. The Research Associate will be located in our South San Francisco R&D laboratories.
Responsibilities
- Molecular cloning using restriction digest and Gibson assembly techniques
- Perform cell culture work, including thawing, maintaining, expanding, cryopreserving immortalized and primary cell lines
- Execute cell-based assays to test AAV vector candidates using routine procedures (AAV transduction, transfection, titer measurements, and cell differentiation)
- Perform DNA, RNA, and protein isolation from mammalian cells
- Analyze gene and protein expression through the application of a variety of techniques (RT-PCR, qPCR, digital PCR, western blot, immunofluorescence, and ELISA)
- Collect, process, and evaluate data; Accurately document assay results and analyze data through the maintenance of an updated electronic laboratory notebook, prepare study reports, and communicate results and research progress in lab meetings as needed
- Participate in sample management activities such as receiving, processing, storage, and shipping pre-clinical samples
- Collaborate with other teams to acquire and aliquot vector lots, document characterization of vectors (vg titer, capsid titer, alkaline gel results)
- Collaborate in laboratory management activities such as receiving, tracking, storage, and maintenance of laboratory reagent stock
- Additional duties as assigned
Location(s)CA, San Francisco (1CNS0100)
Requirements
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Molecular Biology, Biology, Life Sciences, or a related discipline with 5+ years of experience or a Master’s Degree with 3+ years of experience in molecular and cell biology techniques.
- Proven hands-on experience with sterile technique for handling and growing mammalian cell lines, including maintenance, cell characterization and differentiation, expansion, and banking
- Demonstrated experience with routine molecular biology techniques (DNA/RNA/protein isolation, cDNA synthesis, RT-PCR, qPCR, digital PCR, western blot, and immunofluorescence)
- Ability to work both independently and in a team-oriented environment to meet project goals and timelines
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working with viruses, especially Adeno-Associated Virus (AAV)
- Industry experience
Salary Range: $86,300 -$115,000 (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
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or on the basis of disability.
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