About the role

Sana Biotechnology is growing, and we are hiring new team members who believe in the potential of engineered cells as medicines, who want to challenge status quo, and who lead with the desire to work on novel ideas. As a Research Associate, you will report to the Associate Director, Flow Core. You will operate, maintain, and troubleshoot a variety of cytometers and histology equipment. You will collaborate with multiple cross-functional groups at Sana including Site Operations (SiteOps), Environmental Health and Safety (EHS), Information Technology (IT), and various research teams.

What you’ll do

• Histology Equipment Operation: Perform daily startup of histology equipment, such as microtomes, tissue processors, embedders, autostainers, and digital slide scanners, ensuring proper calibration, safety, and cleanliness.
• Flow Cytometry Instrument Operation: Perform daily startup of flow cytometry analyzers ensuring equipment performance, safety, and cleanliness.
• Instrument Maintenance and Troubleshooting: Perform routine and as-needed maintenance on flow cytometers and histology equipment. Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to instrument performance. Document maintenance and troubleshooting incidents in instrument logs.
• Instrument Service: Coordinate with vendors to schedule and complete instrument preventative maintenance and as-needed repairs. Document vendor service visits in instrument logs.
• Inventory: Monitor and replenish operational consumables for flow cytometry and histology equipment.
• Collaboration with Researchers: Assist researchers in histology and flow cytometry techniques, equipment usage, and lab protocols.

What we’re looking for

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Histotechnology, Biology, or a related field. Certification as a histology technician or histotechnologist (HT or HTL) by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) or equivalent is preferred.
• Experience: Minimum of 1-2 years of experience in histology, flow cytometry or related laboratory work, preferably in a shared resource laboratory environment.
• Technical Skills: Familiarity with routine techniques (embedding, sectioning, staining, IHC) and knowledge of histology laboratory equipment. Familiarity with flow cytometry experimental workflow and knowledge of flow cytometry equipment.
• Knowledge: Understanding of cell biology, immunology, and cell surface markers.
• Attention to Detail: Strong organizational and analytical skills with the ability to monitor multiple instruments and maintain accurate records.
• Communication Skills: Ability to effectively communicate with lab staff, researchers, and other stakeholders/collaborators, both verbally and in writing, in a collaborative environment.
• Physical Requirements: Ability to work with lab equipment and perform tasks that require fine motor skills, such as cutting thin tissue sections, pipetting, and performing microscopy.

What will separate you from the crowd

• Strong proficiency in histology techniques such as embedding and sectioning.
• Experience performing electrostatic cell sorting.

What you should know 

• The full-time position will be in Cambridge, MA, with full-time on-site work required
• The base pay range for this position at commencement of employment is expected to be between $75,000 – $90,000/year; however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience