1850047032 - Scientist, Mass Cytometry

The Astellas Institute of Regenerative Medicine (AIRM)is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Astellas Pharma and focused on the development and commercialization of stem cell and regenerative medicine therapies. Astellas is an R&D-driven global pharmaceutical company whose philosophy is to contribute to the improvement of people's heath around the world through the provision of innovative and reliable pharmaceutical products.

Developing innovative therapies is one of the most challenging, most essential and personally rewarding fields in science. This is the most exciting time to be a part of Astellas, a company with a uniquely collaborative and patient-focused culture. There's something special about working at Astellas. It's reflected in our focus on the people we serve, the way we treat each other and the results we achieve together as a company.

AIRM has a world-class R&D team, and is pursuing a diverse range of disease indications, ranging from macular degeneration (currently in clinical trials) and other ocular indications to vascular and autoimmune disease. AIRM's intellectual property portfolio includes pluripotent stem cell platforms -- both embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells as well as other cell based therapy research programs. AIRM is headquartered in Marlborough, Massachusetts.

Purpose & Scope:

We are seeking a highly motivated and qualified Scientist to join our R&D team and improve our mass cytometry (CyTOF) capabilities. The successful candidate will standardize operating procedures, perform assay development for immunophenotyping and signal transduction analyses, and contribute to research projects across multiple therapeutic areas to support development of stem cell based therapies.

This candidate displays strong investigative or technological orientation with independence of experimental design by performing complex analytical procedures and implementing new techniques. May oversee lower level researchers in the execution, design and interpretation of experiments. Contributes to the scientific literature, external conferences and/or scientific patents, where applicable. Provides consultation to internal Research and Development groups. May lead some aspect of a project in a small lab group. Has good presentation, written, and oral communication skills. 

Essential Job Responsibilities:

•      Responsible for operation, maintenance, calibration and troubleshooting duties relating to the mass cytometer

•      Work both independently and collaboratively on designing experiments for mass cytometry studies

•      Design and optimize CyTof antibody panels and staining procedures for various cell/tissue types 

•      Perform cell culture for sample preparation 

•      Analyze data using FlowJo, Cytobank and/or other high content platforms

•      Conduct routine cell biology and biochemical assays including flow cytometry, qPCR, cell imaging and protein immunoassays 

•      Prepare insightful data summaries, figures and presentations

Quantitative Dimensions:

•      Ability to work independently at the bench and excellent communication skills

•      Demonstrate clear understanding of experimental design, data analysis and troubleshooting 

•      Actively keep up to date with CyTof and related data analysis developments and implement new approaches as needed. Attend conferences, webinars and training events to support this effort

Qualifications: 

Required

•      PhD, preferably in biological sciences, with 0-3 years of experience; MS with 4-5 years of experience; exceptional BS with 8+ years of experience in a laboratory setting 

•      Hands on expertise with multi-color flow cytometry and data analysis required. Experience with mass cytometry highly preferred

•      Practical experience with routine molecular and cell biology techniques including aseptic cell culture, RT-PCR, cell imaging, protein immunoassays

•      Ability to effectively participate in cross functional collaboration. Excellent verbal and written communication skills are a must

•      Excellent work planning and record keeping is essential

Preferred

•      Experience managing all aspects of operation and maintenance of sophisticated flow cytometry instrumentation. Managing mass cytometer highly preferred 

•      Familiarity with platforms for visualization of high dimensional data such as Cytobank

•      Proficiency in immunophenotyping hematopoietic cell types desired

•      Hands on experience culturing embryonic stem cells (ESCs), induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and/or mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) 

•      Experience with single cell isolation and qPCR a plus

Disclaimer:

The statements above are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time.

Here is the link to the position

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