Job Description

Umoja Biopharma is a game-changing biotech start-up with locations in Seattle, WA and Boulder, 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 Boulder, 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

We are seeking a highly motivated and capable Scientist to join the Vector Biology group. The successful candidate will be the key member in the development and production of lentiviral vector. They will perform a variety of molecular, cellular, and biochemical protocols related with lentiviral production, analytics and characterization of the vector and focus on development of novel engineered T cell therapies for the treatment of cancer. This is a great opportunity to be part of an exciting startup biotechnology company with an amazing team of scientists working to develop next-generation of cancer immunotherapies.

This role is based in Seattle, Washington.

Core Accountabilities

Specific responsibilities include: 

• Lentiviral vector production including upstream, downstream and analytics
• Help with the design, execution, analysis, and documentation of experiments supporting research and development of CAR-T therapies
• Perform assays to support Vector Research and Development using a variety of techniques, especially, flow cytometry, CE, Western Blotting, ddPCR, and ELISA
• Tissue culture and manipulation of both mammalian cell lines as well as primary human lymphocytes
• Work with other functional team on exploratory and new pipeline development
• Maintain complete laboratory records and prepare technical data reports and presentations as needed
  

• PhD, MS, or BS degree in Molecular Biology, Immunology, Virology, or related discipline with 0+/8+/10+ years of experience respectively
• Experience with mammalian suspension cell culture in flask and/or bioreactor
• Experience with FPLC purification and DF/UF
• Experience with analytical techniques such as Western Blotting, ELISA, and flow cytometry and ddPCR
• Experience with lentiviral vector production
  

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, meet deadlines, and prioritize work on multiple projects
• Strong communication skills in technical writing and oral presentation
  

• 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.
• Project-oriented work in this role will require regular on-site presence to complete essential job-related functions