Scientist, Analytical Genomics

JOB PURPOSE

This Scientist will contribute to developing, implementing, benchmarking, and rolling out robust and reproducible NGS-based assays across the company for gene and cell therapy programs, as part of a broader team of Analytical Genomics scientists. The candidate should be passionate about adapting existing methods and developing cutting edge methods to solve exciting and challenging problems in gene and cell therapy and contribute to Sana's pipeline. This bench scientist must be a team player with strong cross-functional communication skills and will report to the Director of Analytical Genomics.

The ideal candidate should have an extensive technical background in genomics, especially NGS library prep, nucleic acids extraction, general molecular biology techniques, and direct experience operating sequencers. Experience with gene editing and gene regulation techniques, and their characterization using NGS assays is highly desirable. The scientist should be able to partner effectively with the Bioinformatics/Computational Biology teams to analyze NGS data and help cross-functional teams interpret results. The ability to work in a highly collaborative environment and an agile team first mind-set will be critical to success.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and optimize NGS-based assays, develop well defined QC metrics for each assay, and drive cross-functional projects to successful completion, under manager supervision.
• Demonstrate PoC of method/assay through literature and/or benchmark data with appropriate experimental controls and test samples
• Work independently to execute on NGS protocols, standard molecular biology and biochemistry techniques, and tissue culture work (as necessary). This includes optimization and modification of existing kits and protocols, and troubleshooting issues that arise with assay development
• Write up experimental results in an electronic lab notebook, document protocols in a traceable and detail-oriented manner, and ensure data and reports are properly stored in LIMS
• Collaborate with the Computational Biology team to analyze data and automate bioinformatics analysis workflows
• Present results regularly at group meetings, and communicate effectively with a broad audience with a range of technical, analytical, and biological expertise

QUALIFICATIONS

Required Qualifications

• PhD in cell or molecular biology, biochemistry, biomedical engineering, or related field. BA or MS with relevant academic and/or industry experience will be considered.
• Minimum of 2 years of hands-on laboratory experience with generating NGS libraries, sample extraction, nucleic acids quantification (e.g. Bioanalyzer, qPCR), and running NGS sequencers,
• Deep experience of diverse NGS library preparation techniques, and troubleshooting during assay development in an industry or academic setting
• Experience with general molecular biology techniques (e.g. qRT-PCR, Western blot), as well as cell and tissue culture
• Demonstrated success in working in cross functional teams, especially with bioinformaticians and biologists
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills, and attention to detail
• Ability to handle several fast-paced projects concurrently

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD plus 2+ yrs postdoctoral experience in academic research and/or industry. BA or MS plus 5+ yrs or equivalent combination of education and work experience will be considered.
• Experience with gene editing techniques, and NGS-based characterization of On-Target and Off-Target editing (e.g. GUIDE-seq, CIRCLE-seq, SITE-seq) is a strong plus
• Experience with single cell library preparation protocols (e.g. 10x, Drop-Seq, CITE-seq) is a plus
• Experience with NGS assays involved in cell and gene therapy research is a plus
• Experience with automation of cell and molecular biology assays, especially sample extraction and NGS library preparation