Research Associate, Molecular Biologist at Sana Biotechnology

About the role

Sana Biotechnology is growing, and we are hiring new team members who believe in the potential of engineered cells as medicines, who want to challenge status quo, and who lead with the desire to work on novel ideas. As a Research Associate, Molecular Biology, you will report to the Principal Scientist - Cell Characterization to perform the collection and quality control analysis of cell samples for genomic and epigenomic assays, as part of Sana's Cambridge Stem Cell Sciences group. You will work closely with stem cell scientists to coordinate experiments and sample analysis, using assays such as flow cytometry and cell sorting, single cell RNA-sequencing including captures and library generation, and downstream validation studies including qPCR and ddPCR. Your role will include diverse bench work spanning the functions of the Stem Cell Sciences program.

What you’ll do

• Perform DNA and RNA-based genomic assays, including both bulk and single cell genomic and epigenomic approaches
• Capture and analyze cell samples – both from culture and dissected tissues - using flow cytometry, fluorescence activated cell sorting, and histological approaches
• Establish and process sequencing libraries for transcriptomic and epigenetic analysis
• Assure the quality, integrity, and documentation of all data collection including compliance with all relevant lab safety and biosafety regulations.

What we’re looking for

The successful candidate should have significant experience in bench cellular and molecular biology techniques, including the proper handling of DNA and RNA species required for genomics-based assays. A highly qualified candidate will also have significant experience with flow cytometry including cell sorting. The candidate is expected to have the capacity to present scientific data and assure the quality of data collection. Specific requirements are as follows:

• BA/MA in cell biology or molecular biology, with an emphasis in stem cell biology or neuroscience, and at least 2 years of practical laboratory experience, whether full-time or while in training
• Experience in flow cytometry, including sorting of cells based on fluorescent labels
• Experience with single cell genomic assays such as 10x Genomics platforms is required
• Excellent interpersonal, communicative, and problem-solving skills
• Proficiency with MS Office, and with standard programs for statistical analysis (e.g., GraphPad Prism) and flow cytometry analysis and quantification (e.g., FlowJo)
• Demonstrate the ability to act independently and with initiative, while integrating effectively into a larger team to advance shared goals.

What will separate you from the crowd

• Background in cell biology, neurobiology, or stem cell biology
• Experience in cell dissociation and sorting from rodent tissue
• Experience with library construction for Illumina sequencing platforms

What you should know

• The full-time position will be in Cambridge, MA, with full-time on-site work required
• The base pay range for this position at commencement of employment is expected to be between $75,000 – $88,000/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.