Senior Research Associate, Analytical Development

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.

About Astellas

Astellas Pharma Inc. is a pharmaceutical company conducting business in more than 70 countries around the world. We are promoting the Focus Area Approach that is designed to identify opportunities for the continuous creation of new drugs to address diseases with high unmet medical needs by focusing on Biology and Modality. Furthermore, we are also looking beyond our foundational Rx focus to create Rx+® healthcare solutions that combine our expertise and knowledge with cutting-edge technology in different fields of external partners. Through these efforts, Astellas stands on the forefront of healthcare change to turn innovative science into value for patients. For more information, please visit our website at https://www.astellas.com.

Our Values

• \#GSD (Get Stuff Done)
• Be BOLD (Find a Way)
• Care Deeply – for our patients, each other and our work

The Role

The primary responsibilities of the Research Associate will include analytical method development and testing samples using PCR, ELISA, Gel Electrophoresis, Western Blot, and other assays; contributing to design and performing experiments with supervision as needed; completing assigned tasks within time frames with high quality; maintaining a well-documented record of activities in lab notebook and reports. The position level will be commensurate with education and experience level. Additionally, the role includes regularly summarizing and presenting experimental results in lab meetings and responsible for generating reports. This role will be at our South San Francisco location.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize assays for protein, DNA, and adeno associated viral (AAV) nanoparticles
• Perform Mammalian cell culture
• In volve in assay transfer to other groups, QC, Process Development and Research
• Analyze and determine the applicability of laboratory data to draw conclusions and to make appropriate recommendations
• Participate in writing, reviewing, and editing experimental procedures and reports
• Present on group or departmental meetings
• Maintain accurate, error-free records of all analytical development activities timely
• Perform assays including but not limited to PCR (ddPCR, qPCR etc.), ELISA, Western blot, Gel Electrophoresis, and cell-based assays following SOP and regulatory guidelines

Required

• Proficient working in Microsoft Office Suite
• Bachelor of Science or a Master’s degree with 1+ years’ experience working in school, research institution, pharmaceutical or biotech company performing biologic assays for characterization of proteins, DNA, RNA, virus or other biological products.
• Excellent clear and concise writing skills for technical reports and documents along with strong verbal communication skills
• Positive, professional self-starter with a passion for science, innovative technical and analytical skills required to perform at the highest level
• Highly motivated and independent yet has successfully worked in a group setting with efficient, flexible and self-motivated work ethic; to be utilized in work planning, executing, and data analyzing.
• Proven experience with assays, such as PCR, ELISA, and /or mammalian cell culture.
• Models our Core Values: Be Bold, Care Deeply, #GetStuffDone – is experienced as someone who exemplifies the culture we want to create; operates with transparency; is trusted

Preferred

• Experience in analytical method development and assay transfer
• Experience in statistical analysis

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.

Salary: $86,300-115,000 (NOTE: Final salary could be more or less, based on experience)

Benefits

• 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
• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Annual Corporate Bonus and Quarterly Sales Incentive for eligible positions
• Referral bonus program
• Company paid life insurance
• Long Term Incentive Plan for eligible positions

\

Category Gene Therapy Research & Technical Operations

Astellas is committed to equality of opportunity in all aspects of employment.

EOE including Disability/Protected Veterans