Senior Research Associate

Senior Research Associate

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.

Astellas Institute for Regenerative Medicine (AIRM) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Astellas Pharma Inc and focused on the development and commercialization of stem cell and regenerative medicine therapies. Astellas is an R&D-driven global pharmaceutical company whose philosophy is to contribute to the improvement of people's health around the world through the provision of innovative and reliable pharmaceutical products.

AIRM has a world-class R&D team, and is pursuing a diverse range of disease indications, ranging from macular degeneration (currently in clinical trials) and other ocular indications to vascular and autoimmune disease. AIRM's intellectual property portfolio includes pluripotent stem cell platforms -- both embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells as well as other cell-based therapy research programs. AIRM is headquartered in Massachusetts.

Astellas is announcing a Senior Research Associate opportunity at their Astellas Institute for Regenerative Medicine (AIRM) site in Westborough, MA.

Purpose:

We are looking for a highly motivated individual to join our Process Readiness (PR) team to contribute to the development of cell therapy products. A successful candidate will design and execute studies that identify critical process parameters or justify manufacturing processes designed to improve product performance and/or yield. This position involves close collaboration with colleagues across different departments of AIRM.   

Essential Job Responsibilities:

• Work closely with other Process Readiness (PR) team members, conduct laboratory experiments, tabulate results, and assist in writing development & tech transfer reports
• Responsible for cell culture of various cell lines including pluripotent cells using specified protocols
• Assist in the development of new cell therapy processes, including the introduction of new materials, equipment, and operations
• Assist in establishing process parameters and improving manufacturing efficiencies
• Assist in cellular and molecular assay development and execution
• Maintains accurate records such as notebooks, batch records and electronic entries
• Assist in lab material inventory and lab operation
• Contributes to preparation of technical reports and result summaries
• Prepare and/or review study reports, present results to small and large groups

Qualifications Required:

• BS degree with a minimum of four (4) years of relevant experience or MS degree with a minimum of two (2) years of relevant experience
• Solid working knowledge of cell culture with adherent mammalian cell lines
• Working knowledge of microscopy, and cell- and molecular-based assays
• Previous experience in process development of cell-based products and scale-up processes
• Hands on experience with small and medium scale bioreactors for mammalian cell culture
• Ability to maintain accurate records and effectively manage multiple projects
• Strong organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills
• Capable of working independently
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, excellent organizational skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with hESC and iPSC.
• Experience with bioreactors for adherent cell culture.
• Experience with GMP/GLP, SOPs, Batch Records.

Working Conditions:

This position is based in Westborough, MA and will require on-site work.

Salary Range:  $79,800 - $125,400  (Final compensation will be determined based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to skills, experience and organizational equity considerations)

Benefits:

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Generous Paid Time Off options, including Vacation and Sick time, plus national holidays including year-end shut down
• 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
• Company-paid fleet vehicle for eligible positions
• Referral bonus program

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