Sr. Research Associate

Sr. 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.

Purpose and Scope:

The Sr. Research Associate will support the GT Engineering team and assist in developing and executing screening assays for the evaluation of AAV vector products.

Essential Job Responsibilities:

• Perform routine 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
• Perform routine and advanced NGS library preparation workflows (bulk RNA-seq, amplicon DNA-seq, and Oxford Nanopore sequencing, etc.), including RNA/DNA extraction, library construction, and barcoding, with strong bench accuracy and consistency.
• Conduct comprehensive QC and documentation for NGS library prep, including quantification and fragment analysis, while identifying issues, troubleshooting with guidance, and ensuring high-quality data generation.
• Additional duties as assigned

Qualifications
Required:

• BS degree in Molecular Biology, Biology, Life Sciences, or a related discipline with 4+ years of experience or a MS with 2+ 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)
• Solid practical experience in NGS library preparation and QC across multiple sequencing modalities, with the ability to follow SOPs, maintain data quality, and operate common QC instruments (Bioanalyzer/Tapestation, Qubit, PCR).
• Ability to work both independently and in a team-oriented environment to meet project goals and timelines
• Strong written, verbal communication and presentation skills

Preferred:

• Experience working with viruses, especially Adeno-Associated Virus (AAV)
• Experience working in biotech and pharma
• Experience working with a multinational team
• Experience of iPS cells or any stem cells culture

Working Environment:

• This position will be located at West Coast Innovation Center in our South San Francisco in the US and will require on-site work.

Salary Range: $79,800 - $125,400 (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

#LI-TR1