Scientist II, Editing Strategy at Astellas in Seattle, Washington

Job Description:

Scientist II, Editing Strategy

Are you a highly motivated, collaborative, and scientifically curious individual? If so, we're seeking you, and your bold ideas, to co-lead and accelerate the development of our research programs for patients in need. Here, at Astellas, we are a driven bunch with a passion for testing the capabilities of iPSC-derived cells and for developing them into transformational therapies. 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.

Universal Cells, an affiliate of Astellas located in Seattle, WA, is focused on the development and commercialization of stem cell and regenerative medicine therapies. We conduct clinical-grade gene editing of stem cells to produce cells that avoid rejection and can be used in allogeneic cell therapy treatments to treat all patients that need them. Through our diversity, scientific knowledge, professional rigor and focus on innovation, we are merging our technology with the Astellas drug development expertise to unlock cures to many indications.

OUR GOAL - ONE CELL FOR EVERYONE

NO IMMUNE SUPPRESSION. NO DONOR MATCHING. NO REJECTION.

Universal Cells (UCI) is announcing an Associate Director, Program Management, Cell Therapy opportunity at our facility in Seattle, WA.

Purpose and Scope:

The primary purpose of the Scientist 2, Editing Strategy role is to provide scientific expertise from the bench 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 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.

Essential Job Responsibilities:

• Design and execute complex and novel AAV-mediated gene-editing of pluripotent stem cells to develop strategies compatible with product creation.


• Perform data collection, analysis and interpretation with a high degree of scientific rigor.


• Contribute to internal milestone achievements and generation of key deliverables.


• Work cross-functionally, including on project teams, and provides expertise in immunology and gene editing technologies to generate representative clones for downstream teams.


• 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.


• 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 preparation of regulatory filings and during tech transfer.


• 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.