Scientist, NGS Assay Development - Sana Biotechnology

About the role

Sana Biotechnology is developing the next generation of gene and cell therapies, and we are looking for a highly motivated Scientist to join our Analytical Genomics group. As a Scientist, you will report to Director NGS Assay Development at Cambridge to develop and optimize standard and novel NGS-based assays for cell and gene therapy programs across the company. The ideal candidate should have a strong technical background in genomics, especially NGS protocol development, library preparation, molecular biology techniques and direct experience operating sequencers. A deep understanding of NGS method development and optimization, as well as genomic data generation for regulatory submissions or clinical samples is highly desirable. This laboratory-based scientist should be passionate about developing cutting edge genomic technologies, adapting existing NGS assays, partnering effectively with Computational Biology team to analyze NGS data, and helping cross-functional teams interpret results. The ability to work in a highly collaborative environment and an agile team first mind-set will be critical to success.

What you’ll do

• Design, implement and optimize NGS-based assays, develop well-defined QC metrics and success criteria for each assay, and drive cross-functional projects to successful completion, under manager’s supervision
• Demonstrate PoC of assay, benchmark data with appropriate experimental controls and test samples, and generate analytical assay performance metrics
• Work independently to execute NGS protocols, standard molecular biology and biochemistry techniques, and tissue culture work as needed. This includes optimization and modification of existing kits and protocols, and troubleshooting issues that arise during assay development
• Assist in the operation and maintenance of the Analytical Genomics lab and equipment, including NGS sequencers
• Write up experimental results in an electronic lab notebook, document protocols in a traceable and detail-oriented manner, and ensure data and reports are properly stored in ELN/LIMS
• Collaborate with the Computational Biology/Engineering teams to analyze data and automate bioinformatics analysis workflows
• Present results regularly at group/department meetings, and communicate effectively with a broad audience with a range of technical, analytical, and biological expertise

What we’re looking for

• PhD in cell or molecular biology, biochemistry, biomedical engineering, or related field, w. 2+ yrs experience in academic research and/or industry. BS or MS plus 7+ yrs or equivalent combination of education and work experience. Deep subject matter expertise and an emerging leader
• Minimum of 4 years of hands-on laboratory experience with generating NGS libraries, sample preparation, nucleic acid extraction and quantification (e.g. Bioanalyzer, qPCR), and running NGS sequencers, and general molecular biology techniques
• In-depth experience of diverse NGS library preparation techniques, rigorous assay and product development practices, and characterization of analytical metrics used in benchmarking genomics assays
• Demonstrated success in working in cross functional teams, especially with bioinformaticians and biologists
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills for technical and non-technical audiences and attention to detail
• Ability to handle several fast-paced projects concurrently
• Ability to collaborate and be a strong team player
• Demonstrated curiosity and scientific rigor with excellent problem-solving skills
• Ability to engage in crucial conversations – providing and receiving feedback

What will separate you from the crowd

• Experience with single cell technologies (e.g. scRNA-seq, scWGS, scATAC-seq, scMultiomics using 10X Genomics and/or other single cell genomics platforms) is a plus
• Experience with developing novel NGS protocols to address complex biological challenges in the biopharma industry, especially in the cell and gene therapy space is a plus
• Familiar with GCP compliance for clinical sample analysis is nice to have
• Experience in primary cell isolation, T cell culture and cytogenetics is nice to have
• Experience with automation of cell and molecular biology assays, especially sample extraction and NGS library preparation

What you should know

• The base pay range for this position at commencement of employment is expected to be between $125,000 and $155,000/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 value vigorous debate, alignment around our decisions, and resilient execution 

Get to know us

At Sana, we believe that a diverse workforce strengthens us as a company and helps us to achieve our mission to meaningfully change the outcome of many human diseases. This belief is a pillar of our business and is critical to our success. Our goal is that Sana is the place for talented people to bring their authentic selves to work, to have a great career and to deeply, positively impact patients.

Core to our values, we believe there is nothing more important than the health and wellness of you and your family. For benefit eligible employees, we cover 100% of the cost for employee health coverage and offer generous time-off (various paid time off benefits, such as holidays, vacation, sick time, and parental leave), short- and long-term disability, employer paid basic life insurance, additional voluntary life insurance protection, financial wellness programs including financial planning resources, a 401(k) Plan with an immediately vested employer match, Tuition Reimbursement and Student Loan Repayment, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, commuter subsidy and a variety of wellness offerings to support each person individually.  For more details on our benefits, visit Sana’s Benefits Portal.

We are committed to providing a workplace free of discrimination and harassment based on race, color, religion, age, gender, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental or sensory disability (including the use of a trained guide dog or service animal by a person with a disability), genetic information, actual or perceived HIV or Hepatitis C infection, medical condition (cancer or a record or history of cancer and genetic characteristics), marital status, sexual orientation, sexual preference, pregnancy (including childbirth and related medical conditions), disability, veteran status, political ideology, social class (including caste/caste identity), taking or requesting statutorily protected leave, status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.

To perform this job successfully, you must be able to perform each job responsibility satisfactorily. The job description listed above is representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required for this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions described above.