Research Associate II, Discovery Bioscience
Astellas Pharma
Summary
The Research Associate will be an integral member of the Vector Bioscience team and assist in developing, characterizing, and producing AAV vectors. The Research Associate will work at our South San Francisco R&D laboratories, supporting and collaborating with various research and development groups.
Job description
Purpose & Scope
The Research Associate will be an integral member of the Vector Bioscience team and assist in developing, characterizing, and producing AAV vectors. The Research Associate will work at our South San Francisco R&D laboratories, supporting and collaborating with various research and development groups.
Role and Responsibilities
- Perform cell culture work, including thawing, maintaining, transfecting, and cryopreserving cell lines
- Production and purification of AAV vectors for various programs
- Collaborate with other teams to acquire and characterize vectors
- Document characterization of vectors and other activities
- Communicate results and timelines to other functional groups
- Collaborate in laboratory management and safety activities
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in a life science, chemical engineering or related discipline with 3+ years of experience or a Master's degree with 1+ years of experience in cell culture and protein purification 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 (cloning, DNA/RNA/protein isolation, digital PCR), plasmid preparation
- Protein expression and purification, and characterization
- Transfection and/or transformation experience with mammalian or bacterial cells
- Experience with purification and chromatography systems such as the AKTA
- Ability to work both independently and in a team-oriented environment to meet project goals and timelines
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working with viruses, especially Adeno-Associated Virus (AAV)
- Industry experience
Location and Working Environment
This position is based in South San Francisco, CA and will require on-site work. This is a highly collaborative and laboratory-based role with reasonably flexible working arrangements.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in a life science, chemical engineering or related discipline with 3+ years of experience or a Master's degree with 1+ years of experience in cell culture and protein purification 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 (cloning, DNA/RNA/protein isolation, digital PCR), plasmid preparation
- Protein expression and purification, and characterization
- Transfection and/or transformation experience with mammalian or bacterial cells
- Experience with purification and chromatography systems such as the AKTA
- Ability to work both independently and in a team-oriented environment to meet project goals and timelines
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Experience working with viruses, especially Adeno-Associated Virus (AAV)
- Industry experience
Benefits
- Medical, Dental & Vision
- Generous PTO
- 401(k) Matching
- Company Paid Life Insurance
- Annual Corporate Bonus
- Quarterly Sales Incentive
- Long Term Incentive Plan
- Company Fleet Vehicle
- Referral Bonus Program
Company overview
Astellas Pharma Inc. is a leading Japanese multinational pharmaceutical company headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. Founded in April 2005 through the merger of Yamanouchi Pharmaceutical (established 1923) and Fujisawa Pharmaceutical (established 1894), Astellas has grown into a global life sciences company with operations in more than 70 countries worldwide. The company employs approximately 14,500 people globally and generates annual revenues exceeding $12 billion. Astellas is committed to turning innovative science into value for patients through transformative therapies in key therapeutic areas including oncology, ophthalmology, urology, immunology, and women's health. The company's notable products include Xtandi for prostate cancer, Padcev for bladder cancer, Xospata for acute myeloid leukemia, Veozah for menopausal symptoms, and Izervay for geographic atrophy. With a strong focus on research and development, Astellas invests approximately 17% of its sales revenue into pioneering new healthcare solutions for diseases with high unmet medical needs. The company operates multiple research centers in Japan, the United States, and Europe, and has established strategic partnerships and acquisitions to expand its pipeline and capabilities in areas such as gene therapy and immuno-oncology.