Scientist, Vector Biology

Umoja Biopharma is a game-changing biotech start-up with locations in Seattle, WA and Louisville, CO, focused on transforming the treatment of cancer with a novel integrated immunotherapy platform. Our vision is to develop off-the-shelf therapies capable of treating any tumor, any time. We are a diverse and growing team working in brand-new facilities in downtown Seattle, Washington, and Louisville, Colorado, and we are looking for innovative thinkers who are excited by groundbreaking science and technology, and passionate about squaring up to the challenges inherent to cutting edge drug development.We are committed to the principles of Diversity Equity and Inclusion and strongly invite applications from enthusiastic individuals who share our commitment and help position Umoja as a leader in this front.

We at Umoja believe in the importance of stories; we are looking for great people to join our team to help us create more stories for ourselves, for you, and most importantly for patients and their families.

Umoja Biopharma - Your Body. Your Hope. Your Cure.

POSITION SUMMARY

Umoja is seeking a Scientist for our Vector Biology department to support the development and optimization of in vivo cell therapy platform and progressing product candidates through our pipeline. The scope of this role includes lentiviral vector production processes, with a focus on upstream cell culture and transfection, in addition to characterization of lentiviral particle function. The scientist will independently design and execute experiments related to novel technological advancements as part of a cross-functional research team. This individual will play a key role in identifying novel in vivo cell therapy product candidates and advancing our platform technology.

This is a hands-on, lab-based role within the Vector Biology team and will be instrumental in advancing Umoja's pipeline and strengthening our internal vector biology capabilities.

CORE ACCOUNTABILITIES

Specific responsibilities include:

• Independently plan, execute, analyze, and present process development and technology transfer studies
• Perform and optimize upstream processes including suspension cell culture, bioreactor scale-up, and transient transfections
• Conduct analytical assays for lentiviral vector characterization, including but not limited to: flow cytometry, viral titer assay, ddPCR, ELISA, and western blot or CE
• Design and clone vectors to support research and development activities
• Actively communicate with internal stakeholders regarding vector requests and timelines
• Collaborate cross-functionally with research discovery, process development and process sciences, analytical development, regulatory, and matrixed teams
• Supervise and mentor research associates and junior scientists

The successful candidate will have:

• Ph.D./MS/BS in Virology, Molecular Biology, Immunology, Gene Therapy, or a related field with 0-2/7/10 years of relevant experience, respectively.
• Experience in cell culture and recombinant vector production
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and adapt to shifting priorities

Preferred Qualifications:

• Industry experience in lentiviral vector production and process development
• Background in immunology or immunotherapy applications
• Strategic thinker with the ability to balance short- and long-term goals and adapt to evolving project needs

Physical Requirements:

• Position may require long periods of standing at a laboratory bench for multiple hours at a time
• Willingness and ability to perform hands-on lab work, including occasionally lifting up to 50 lbs
• Ability to work onsite daily in our Seattle, WA location
• Ability to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) including gloves, protective clothing, and eye safety glasses.

Salary Range: $117,980 - $145,740

Benefits Offerings

Umoja Biopharma offers its employees competitive Medical, Dental, and Vision plans. Additionally, we offer Umojians access to a 401k plan through Fidelity, with a 100% match up to their first 4% deferral. Umoja also provides a generous Paid Time Off policy, employee commuter benefits, and cell phone stipend. For a full breakdown of our benefits offerings, please see the Benefits section of our website.