Senior Scientist, Cell Therapy Islet

Role Summary

Senior Scientist, Cell Therapy Islet — Cambridge. You will join the Beta Islet Team to optimize 3D expansion and differentiation of stem cell–derived islets, executing optimization experiments to scale the differentiation process. The ideal candidate has extensive experience with bioreactors and directed PSC differentiation in 3D and thrives in a collaborative environment.

Responsibilities

• Execute routine 2D and 3D PSC expansion, passaging and directed SC-islet differentiation
• Design optimization experiments with the goal to achieve a highly scalable and robust 3D SC-islet differentiation process that is compliant to manufacturing standards
• Optimize the differentiation protocol to achieve highly pure on-target populations
• Hands-on experience with closed systems (tube welder, sealer, single-use assemblies)
• Expertise in controlled bioreactor setup, operation, automation, and process control (DO, pH, perfusion, agitation)
• Collaborate and communicate findings with other team members
• Maintain excellent scientific documentation and contribute to SOP development
• Assure compliance with all relevant lab safety and biosafety regulations
• Demonstrate Sana’s core values and the attributes that support these core values (Lead from every seat, Thrive as a team, Make it happen)
• Engage in crucial conversations by providing and receiving feedback supporting the growth and development of team member
• Demonstrate ability to engage and effectively influence team members across multidisciplinary teams while prioritizing multiple projects and meeting deadlines
• Drive curiosity, scientific rigor, and excellent problem-solving skills across a fast-paced performance-driven environment
• Innate ability to assess talent that will help grow the organization and add to Sana’s culture

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of direct cell therapy industry experience
• Significantly experienced in operating various bioreactors for suspension culture
• Significantly experienced in operating a closed system for cell culture
• Knowledge or direct experience in directed stem cell differentiation toward pancreatic islet lineage
• Proven ability to optimize differentiation yield and reproducibility across platforms
• Passion for GMP transition, automation, and continuous process improvement
• Strong cross-functional collaboration skills and enthusiasm for advancing cell therapies to the clinic
• Significant experience operating large bioreactors (15L+) for cell therapy purposes
• Expertise in controlled bioreactor setup, operation, automation, and process control (DO, pH, perfusion, agitation)
• Experience with bioreactor control software, process development tools, or DOE-based optimization is preferred
• DOE-based optimization experience preferred
• Proficiency with standard flow cytometry and imaging software (e.g., FACSDiva, FlowJo, ImageJ, Halo)

Education

• PhD in Stem cell biology, biochemical/biomedical Engineering or related fields

Skills

• Bioreactor operation, automation, and process control
• Closed-system cell culture techniques
• Flow cytometry and immunofluorescent staining
• Imaging and analysis software (FACSDiva, FlowJo, ImageJ, Halo)
• DOE-based optimization and process development tools
• Documentation and SOP development