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 Overview

The Umoja Biopharma Process Sciences (PS) team is looking for a driven Associate Scientist I/II to support our Lentiviral Vector (LVV) Drug Product team. This position will support routine, high throughput LVV production. Primarily focused on supporting drug substance (DS) and drug product (DP) operations with a focus on stability, characterization, and particle analysis. Cross-training and support of upstream and downstream operations is also possible. The successful candidate will have previous GLP (Good Laboratory Practice) lab experience including stability program design and execution, electronic lab notebook documentation, sample management, instrumental analysis, and solution preparation. The position will require strong team communication and cross functional collaboration skills with CMC, Manufacturing, Engineering/Validation, Analytical, and Quality functions.

This position will be based in Louisville, CO, at our new state-of-the-art lab and manufacturing facility – the CLIMB.


CORE ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Specific responsibilities include:

  • Design and manage stability studies for clinical in-use stability and developmental scale DS/DP programs.
  • Execute particle analysis, including dynamic light scattering, flow imaging microscopy, and nanoparticle tracking analysis, to support process understanding and product characterization.
  • Participate in sterile filtration operations to support product development.
  • Assist with DS/DP and inventory and sample management programs to support the development labs.
  • Create and maintain clear records of experimental work using an electronic notebook system that adheres to company guidelines.
  • Assist with high throughput, routine, lab and pilot scale purifications to support process understanding and cross-functional material needs.
  • Communicating data and study results in cross-functional meetings.
  • Support routine laboratory work including lab cleanliness and maintenance, sample creation and labeling, in-process sample analysis, inventory organization, waste removal, data collection, and data review.
  • Responsible for supporting buffer/solution preparation while assuring proper labeling, handling, storage, and disposal of all chemicals and solutions as needed.
  • Cross-training opportunities across the broader PS team for routine laboratory support of downstream or manufacturing (e.g. chrom, TFF) operations.
  • Infrequently, process and project needs may necessitate longer than usual days with flexibility in schedule to accommodate.

The successful candidate will have:

  • Associate Scientist Level: BS in biology, biochemistry, bioengineering, chemical engineering or other related discipline and 4+ years of experience; an associate degree in life sciences or similar and 6+ years of experience, equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered. 
  • Associate Scientist II Level: BS in biology, biochemistry, bioengineering, chemical engineering or other related discipline and 7+ years of experience, equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered. 
  • Experience in operating general lab equipment in a GLP environment.
  • Experience with analysis of cell and gene therapy products or biologics.
  • Experience with sample management, lab management, KANBAN, six sigma, electronic notebooks.
  • Excellent communication skills with the proven ability to build open and collaborative relationships and work effectively as a member of a multidisciplinary team.
  • Self-motivated with strong organizational, time management, and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:  

  • Experience with managing drug product stability programs.
  • Experience with clinical in-use stability and compatibility studies.
  • Experience with drug product formulation studies, including Design of Experiment (DoE) activities.
  • Experience with drug product purification techniques including sterile filtration.
  • Experience with analytical methods suitable for LVV characterization: dynamic light scattering, subvisible particle characterization, nanoparticle characterization, or other relevant methods.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, meet deadlines, and prioritize work across multiple projects.

Physical Requirements:  

  • 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 for process development and execution.

Associate Scientist Level Salary Range: $91,600 - $113,100
Associate Scientist II Level Salary Range: $108,200 - $133,700

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.

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