Research Associate, Process Sciences

Neurona Therapeutics is a clinical stage biotechnology company based in South San Francisco focused on the development of neuronal cell-based therapies for intractable neurological diseases.

Our ideal candidate is a self-motivated individual who has a passion for method development and qualification that can thrive in a fast-paced dynamic environment. The successful candidate will work as a member of the Process Sciences department and will be responsible for projects requiring design and qualification of process equipment. In addition, the candidate will interface with Manufacturing, Process Science, Facilities, Validation, QA, and Contract Engineering/vendor firms to produce detailed designs for procurement, construction, installation, start-up, and validation of process systems including systems for shipping product to clinical sites. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a small team, work on transformative science, and take part in building an exciting, science-driven company.

Responsibilities:

• Plan and execute small-scale process development experiments and develop viable cGMP manufacturing processes for cell culture and cryopreservation.
• Contribute toward the development, optimization, characterization, and scale-up of processes to manufacture human neural cell therapeutics from pluripotent stem cells.
• May be required to participate in technology transfer activities.
• Assist with maintaining laboratories (equipment maintenance, calibration, cleaning and related documentation).
• Present data at departmental meetings.
• Must possess the ability to work independently or as a team.
• Maintain notebooks and electronic files associated with each experiment and contribute to the preparation of final experimental reports.
• Manage product and material inventories as needed throughout studies.
• Some travel to CMO sites may be required.
• Travel to clinical sites may be required (up to 30% of time)
  
  
  

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in chemistry, biology or biochemistry.
• 0-5 years of laboratory research experience.
• Experience with culture of pluripotent stem cells or primary neuronal cells is a plus.
• Experience in aseptic handling of cell cultures with preference for stem cell culture maintenance and differentiation.
• Availability to work a limited number of hours on occasional weekends.
• Excellent writing, verbal communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Able to take initiative to improve work processes, develop innovative scientific methodologies and approaches to enhance process productivity.
• Level of title is dependent on education and industry experience.
  
  
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• 0-5 years of industrial research experience.
• Previous experience with upstream or downstream cell culture process development.
• Previous experience with Immunocytochemistry and (confocal or fluorescent) microscopic image analysis is a plus.
• Knowledge of Good Laboratory Practices and current Good Manufacturing Practices is a plus
  
  
  

This job description is not exhaustive and not intended to cover all activities of the position. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Neurona is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment.