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Research Associate / Senior Research Associate, Analytical Development at Tenaya Therapeutics
South San Francisco, CA, US
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Tenaya Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company committed to a bold mission: to discover, develop and deliver potentially curative therapies that address the underlying drivers of heart disease. Tenaya’s most advanced candidates include TN-201, a gene therapy for MYBPC3-associated hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), TN-401, a gene therapy for PKP2-associated arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC), and TN-301, a small molecule HDAC6 inhibitor being initially developed for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Tenaya also has multiple early-stage programs progressing through preclinical development.

Tenaya is headquartered in South San Francisco, California, USA, with a team that comprises over 140 employees. Inspired by the majesty of Tenaya Peak in Yosemite National Park, our name represents the tenacity of our team in reaching our ultimate peak – the delivery of new therapies for heart disease to the patients who need them.

For more information, please visit www.TenayaTherapeutics.com and follow us on LinkedIn.

Diversity & Inclusion is a core Value for Tenaya Therapeutics, and we encourage those from under-represented communities to apply.

Role:

We are seeking a motivated Research Associate/Senior Research Associate with experience in the development and troubleshooting of viral vector analytical methods for our Technical Operations Analytical Development Group. In this role, you will develop key potency, strength, and purity assays to support Process Development, Manufacturing, Quality and Product Characterization activities; troubleshoot and optimize assays as needed; perform analytical methods to determine the strength, purity and/or potency of viral vector preparations; and assist with other activities such as lab maintenance and documentation of experiments and assays for potential regulatory submissions.

Responsibilities

  • Development of new methods for characterizing the potency, strength, and purity of viral vector products
  • Performance of key assays in support of Process Development, Manufacturing and Quality activities (e.g., vector genome titer, capsid titer, residual nucleic acid/protein, infectivity, cell-based transgene expression / potency)
  • Troubleshooting, optimization, and tracking of these key assays
  • Characterization, qualification, and transfer of assays to a regulated Quality Control environment
  • Documentation of accomplishments through the writing of test procedures and assay qualification reports. Presentation of results at lab and group meetings.
  • Maintain necessary laboratory notebook, supplies, equipment and space, prepare media and buffers
  • Train team members and other groups (e.g. Process Development) on assays as needed
  • Contribute to routine laboratory and instrument maintenance

Required Skills & Competencies

  • Familiarity with DNA/RNA purification, RT-qPCR and/or ddPCR, and other molecular biology methods
  • Familiarity with ELISA and other immunochemical assays
  • Excellent aseptic techniques and experience with mammalian cell culture
  • Ability to identify assay problems and troubleshoot methods in collaboration with supervisor
  • Good oral and written communication skills
  • Ability to function well as part of a small and dedicated team
  • Maintain a self-motivated, “can-do” attitude
  • Attention to detail
  • Knowledge of general (bio)chemistry, cellular and molecular biology laboratory techniques
  • The ability to work in a fast-paced team environment to meet challenging deadlines

Preferred Skills & Competencies

  • Familiarity with one or more of the following techniques: Western Blot; HPLC/UPLC; mass spectrometry; capillary and/or gel electrophoresis; biophysical methods (e.g. light scattering, analytical ultracentrifugation, mass photometry)
  • Experience with viral vector production, analytical characterization or quality control release assays for gene therapy/cell therapy products
  • Experience with transfer of assays from a development to a quality control environment, including execution of assay qualification and transfer studies

Requirements

  • BS/MS in a biological science, chemistry or physics with > 2 years of analytical method development or viral vector characterization experience in an industrial or academic setting (industrial is preferred)

Experience

  • Experience with a range of viral vector analytical methods, including vector genome titer, capsid titer, and purity assays
  • Experience with transgene expression (mRNA or protein) and/or potency assays is desirable.

Tenaya takes into account a wide range of factors when determining compensation including not limited to skill sets, experience, interview performance and organizational need.

We will make an offer based on geo-located salary bands based on data collected from Aon/Radford. As of 1/1/2023, for individuals assigned and/or hired to work in the San Francisco Bay Area in the state of California, your base salary will fall within the band(s) below. This base salary range is an estimate, and the actual base salary may vary based on Tenaya’s compensation practice. Please also keep in mind that the benefits, bonus, and the equity portion of your offer is not included in these numbers and represents a significant portion of your total rewards package at Tenaya. Should you reach the verbal offer stage of Tenaya’s hiring process, we will review the base salary, benefits, bonus target and equity grant value with you at that time. Research Associate range is ($63,000 - $112,500). Senior Research Associate range is ($84,000 - $150,000). 

Benefits

We offer a dynamic start-up environment and a collaborative, passionate team that is focused on a compelling vision and mission.

We offer competitive salary and stock options. Excellent medical and non-medical benefits. Paid vacation, sick time and holidays.

State-of-the-art, built-to-suit office and lab space, part of a larger cluster of biotech companies, with amenities that include a bowling alley and onsite gym.

Shuttle service to/from Caltrain, BART and the South San Francisco Ferry.

Tenaya is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.

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