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 SUMMARY

The Umoja Biopharma Process Analytics team is seeking a driven Research Associate to conduct studies to support characterization of Lentiviral Vector (LVV). The successful candidate will be trained under the direction of senior staff and SMEs to perform a variety of molecular, cellular, biophysical, and biochemical protocols. This position works closely with other functions to develop LVV product- and process-related analytical methods and successfully transfer qualified methods to QC Analytical.

This position plays a critical role in advancing Umoja’s pipeline and Analytical Development capabilities.

CORE ACCOUNTABILITIES:
Specific responsibilities include:

Assist with method design, execution, and analysis to support the development of gene therapy products
Collaborate with AD and QC team members on various stages of analytical method lifecycle (development/qualification/transfer)
Perform routine impurity and characterization testing (e.g., ELISA, qPCR, ddPCR, flow cytometry) to support Process Development and GMP manufacturing
Write Method Development Reports and qualification reports, as well as perform method qualification
Maintain clear records of experimental work using an electronic notebook system that adheres to company guidelines
Manage sample submissions in Benchling for assigned methods and turn around the data in timely manner
Prepare technical data reports and presentations
Communicate research and data in cross-functional meetings as designated SME
Exemplify the company core values and adhere to company policies to ensure safety and quality of gene therapy products and facility

The successful candidate will have:

A BS in Biology, Biochemistry, or related discipline or an Associate’s Degree and 1-2 years of hands-on experience Hands-on experience with one or more of following techniques: ddPCR, qPCR, ELISA, and flow cytometry

Preferred Qualifications:

Excellent communication skills with the proven ability to build open and collaborative relationships and work effectively as a member of a multidisciplinary team
Experience with viral vectors (e.g., AAV, LVV) is a plus
Experience with experimental design, execution, and basic data analysis is a plus
Self-motivation, organization, effective communication and presentation skills
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, meet deadlines, and prioritize work on 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 analytical development and execution.

Salary Range: $35 - $42.50/hour dependent on experience. This is a non-exempt role.

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 6% 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.

Compensation Overview

Benefits Offerings

6 month growth

1 year growth

2 year growth