Senior Research Associate, Analytical Development

POSITION SUMMARY

Umoja’s Analytical Development organization is seeking a driven Senior Research Associate within the Process Analytics sub team to support in-process and drug substance and product testing of Lentiviral Vector (LVV) . This role will play a key part in routine sample testing, new method development, and method lifecycle management. In addition, they will advance assay execution, data quality, and turnaround time through increased automation by incorporating tools such as AI and Ganymede to support efficient data capture, analysis and decision making.  The successful candidate will have experience performing a variety of molecular, cellular, biophysical, and biochemical protocols. This position works cross-functionally with other departments to test LVV samples as well.

This position plays a critical role in advancing Umoja’s pipeline and Analytical Development capabilities.

This is a full-time onsite lab-based position 5 days/week at our Louisville, CO location.

CORE ACCOUNTABILITIES
Specific responsibilities include:

• Assist with method development, execution, analysis, and data review to support the development of gene therapy product
• Perform routine testing (e.g., ELISA, qPCR, ddPCR, flow cytometry) to support process development and stability studies.
• Ability to perform analysis and calculations manually using software such as Excel, JMP, flowjo, prism and R/Python.
• Strong understanding of the automation workflows including analysis platforms (such as Ganymede)and an ability to integrate this tool into multiple analytical methods.
• Maintain clear records of experimental work using an electronic notebook system that adheres to company guidelines.
• Manage sample submissions in Benchling (ELN) for assigned methods and turn around data in timely manner.
• Supports process mapping and identify sources of waste in a workflow and identifies automation opportunities to increase efficiency.
• Exemplifies the company core values and adheres to company policies to ensure safety and quality of gene therapy products, our people, and our facility.
• Collaborate cross functionally with multiple departments like Informatics, Quality Control and Process Sciences.

The successful candidate will have:

• Bachelors Degree in Biology, Biochemistry, or related discipline with at least 2 years of experience or an Associate’s Degree and 4 years of hands-on laboratory experience. Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.
• Hands-on experience with ddPCR, qPCR, ELISA, and/or flow cytometry.
• Detail-oriented mindset with the ability to dig into data analysis and an enthusiasm to take charge on automating assay work-flows and analysis and platform establishment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Excellent communication skills with the proven ability to build open and collaborative relationships and work effectively as a member of a multidisciplinary team
• Proficient in basic data analysis, and experience developing more complex analyses.
• Self-motivated, organized, and clear documentation.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, meet deadlines, and prioritize work on multiple projects.

Physical Requirements:  

• 100% compliance with personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements in laboratory environments, including gloves, protective clothing, and eye safety glasses.
• Perform physical tasks required for the role, including standing, walking, bending, kneeling, sitting, working your hands in a biosafety cabinet, and occasionally moving materials up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work onsite 5 days/week at our Louisville, CO location.

Salary Range: $76,300 - $94,300