Lead, Editing Strategy

Job DescriptionLead, Editing StrategyAre you a highly motivated, collaborative, and scientifically curious individual? If so, we're seeking you, and your bold ideas, to co-lead and accelerate the development of our research programs for patients in need. Here, at Astellas, we are a driven bunch with a passion for testing the capabilities of iPSC-derived cells and for developing them into transformational therapies. 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.Universal Cells, an affiliate of Astellas located in Seattle, WA, is focused on the development and commercialization of stem cell and regenerative medicine therapies. We conduct clinical-grade gene editing of stem cells to produce cells that avoid rejection and can be used in allogeneic cell therapy treatments to treat all patients that need them. Through our diversity, scientific knowledge, professional rigor and focus on innovation, we are merging our technology with the Astellas drug development expertise to unlock cures to many indications.OUR GOAL - ONE CELL FOR EVERYONENO IMMUNE SUPPRESSION. NO DONOR MATCHING. NO REJECTION.Universal Cells (UCI) is announcing an Associate Director, Program Management, Cell Therapy opportunity at our facility in Seattle, WA.Purpose and Scope:The primary purpose of the Lead, Editing Strategy role is to provide scientific leadership to develop editing strategies for programs in the department of UDC Platform and Strategy. This position will summarize team’s activities to recommend criteria for data-driven decision-making and drive execution of experiments aligned with divisional objectives. This position will be responsible for leading a team of scientists and research associates, providing oversight and expertise to ensure program timelines and key milestones are met for cell therapies across Astellas Primary Focus indications.Essential Job Responsibilities:Scientific leadership in evaluation of rAAV editing strategies, reagents, and processes for product creation across multiple indications.Contributions to internal milestone achievements and development of project timelines, deliverables, and priorities.Work cross-functionally, including on project teams, and provides expertise in gene editing technologies to generate representative clones for the Differentiation and Biology teams.This position is expected to demonstrate leadership through close collaboration (internally and externally), planning, and transparent communication with key stakeholders.Remain at the forefront of scientific literature of PSCs, editing technologies, and cell therapies. Ability to translate innovation to product creation.Draft and ensure high quality documentation, training, and data QC review.Apply high degree of scientific rigor to all aspects of the job, including experimental design, analysis, execution, and interpretation.Proactively support cross-functional knowledge sharing and problem-solving to ensure key deliverables and milestones.Prepare meeting materials and presentations in cross-functional project teams to reach alignment on editing strategy and timing for CN programs.May act as a project leader initiating and coordinating the scientific efforts of several groups or across divisions.Location(s)WA, Seattle (1D010707)RequirementsQualifications Required:PhD in cell biology, genome editing, immunology, or a related field with an additional 8+ years of relevant post-graduate experience in product development.MS with 10+ years or BS with 15+ years of highly relevant experience.Demonstrated success in product development, leading projects and managing teams.Prioritization of scientific rigor in planning and execution of experiments.Ability to distill project timelines and deliverables to specific objectives.Strong organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.Ability to work independently and on teams.Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.Strong work ethic with a passion for working in a fast-paced, dynamic, and diverse work environment.Preferred:Experience in cell and/or gene therapy working under GMP or controlled manufacturing environment Experience with writing, reviewing, and revising SOPs.Familiarity with cell and gene therapy regulatory landscape.Working Environment:This position is based in Seattle, WA and will be on-site work.Travel to other affiliate sites as applicable.Salary Range: $156,000- $208,000 (NOTE: Final salary could be more or less, based on experience)Benefits:Medical, Dental and Vision InsuranceGenerous Paid Time Off options, including Vacation, Sick time, plus national holidays including Heritage Days, and Summer and Winter Breaks401(k) match and annual company contributionCompany paid life insuranceAnnual Corporate Bonus and Quarterly Sales Incentive for eligible positionsLong Term Incentive Plan for eligible positionsReferral bonus program