Sr. Research Associate/Associate Scientist - Process Science

Job Description

This Sr. Research Associate/Associate Scientist position will work with the Process Sciences teams to develop and characterize cell therapy manufacturing processes and products, focusing on allogeneic CAR-T cells. 

The Sr. Research Associate/Associate Scientist will be responsible for contributing to the process development of allogeneic CAR-T cells to enable clinical trials.  You will be expected to perform experiments, organize, and carefully document results, analyze and interpret results, and communicate findings.  The work will ultimately lead to the tech transfer of the process to manufacturing to produce clinical and commercial product.

Reports to:  Sr. Scientist, Process Development

Location:  Aurora, CO

Primary Responsibilities

• Contribute to the development of manufacturing processes for allogeneic CAR-T cells
• Executes studies to facilitate development of allogeneic CAR-T processes and enabling clinical trials.
• Executes process development studies to develop a thorough understanding of operating and performance parameters (Design space). 
• Executes studies to develop process to obtain optimal cell characteristics to establish allogeneic CAR-T platform
• Perform problem solving in areas directly relating to bioreactor processes with mammalian cells
• Performs multiplexed cell-based assays (killing assays, mixed lymphocyte reactions, proliferation assays, etc.) for process assessment and product characterization. 
• Role model for Atara’s Values of patients first, innovation teamwork, community, and mindset. 

Qualifications

• BS in Immunology, biological or engineering science with 2 years of related industry experience for SRA level OR BS and 7 years / MS and 5 years for Assoc. Scientist level
• Knowledge and experience in mammalian cell culture / biotechnology related development (aseptic operations, cell biology, biochemistry, bioreactor operations)
• Experience with the generation and evaluation of human CAR-T therapies; Industry experience in adoptive T cell, CAR-T, or TCR therapeutics preferred. 
• Comfortable in a fast-paced small company environment with minimal direction and able to adjust workload based upon changing priorities

More about Atara Bio

We launched Atara Biotherapeutics in August 2012 to help patients with serious diseases and few therapeutic options. We are considered a leading off-the-shelf T-cell immunotherapy company (Nasdaq ATRA) developing novel treatments for patients with cancer, autoimmune and viral diseases.

We’re proud of our team of 550 Atarians co-located by design in 4 different locations including South San Francisco (corporate headquarters), Thousand Oaks (R&D and manufacturing headquarters), Zug, Switzerland (european headquarters) and a R&D site in the Denver, Colorado area. Our Southern California hub is anchored by a new 90,000 sq. ft., state-of-the-art Atara T-Cell Operations and Manufacturing (ATOM) facility.  Our mission – “Transform the lives of patients with serious medical conditions through pioneering science, teamwork, and a commitment to excellence.”

Our vision - “T-Cell Immunotherapy for every patient, any time.”

Atara offers a competitive benefits packages that includes medical/dental/vision benefits, life and disability, retirement and stock program, as well as a generous paid time off and wellness plan that supports the well-being of our staff.  Visit www.atarabio.com/careers to learn more.

The health of our employees and the people we serve is a top priority. Atara Bio has made the decision to require all U.S. employees regardless of location to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of employment.  Reasonable accommodations will be considered on a case-by-case basis for exemptions to this requirement in accordance with applicable law. 

Atara Bio is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions on the basis of merit and other lawful factors. In accordance with applicable law, the Company prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth or medical condition related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, expression or dysphoria, marital status, age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, veteran status, caregiver status, sexual orientation, transgender status or any other classification protected by federal, state or local laws or because of the individual’s association with a member of a protected group or connection to an organization or group related to a protected group.We comply with all applicable national, state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment as well as employment eligibility verification requirements of the Immigration and Nationality Act. All applicants must have authorization to work for Atara Bio in the United States.