Sr. Scientist, Analytical Development (Flow Cytometry)

About Artiva

Artiva is clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing natural killer (NK) cell-based therapies for patients suffering from devastating autoimmune diseases and cancers.

Artiva’s lead product candidate, AlloNK, is a non-genetically modified, off-the-shelf, allogeneic, cryopreserved NK cell therapy designed to enhance the antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) effect of mAbs to drive B-cell depletion and to be administered in the community setting. Unlike CAR-T and any genetically  modified cell therapy, AlloNK is a non-genetically modified NK cell therapy candidate and has not shown any secondary malignancies in our clinical trials, which is a benefit in an autoimmunity setting. Using the company’s proprietary cell therapy manufacturing platform, Artiva can generate thousands of doses of cryopreserved, infusion-ready AlloNK cells from a single cord blood unit. The FDA has granted Fast Track designation to AlloNK in combination with rituximab or obinutuzumab for the treatment of class III or IV lupus nephritis, and AlloNK in combination with rituximab for the treatment of relapsed or refractory non-Hodgkin lymphoma of B-cell origin (B-NHL).

AlloNK, is currently being evaluated in combination with B-cell targeted mAbs in

patients with autoimmune diseases and cancers, such as lupus nephritis, SLE, rheumatoid arthritis, pemphigus vulgaris, the ANCA-associated vasculitis subtypes GPA/MPA, and B-NHL. In addition, we are also pursuing AlloNK and our CAR-NK product candidates in multiple indications through collaborator-funded trials. Artiva’s cell therapy manufacturing platform incorporates cell expansion and activation technology developed by Artiva’s strategic partner, GC Cell Corporation, a member of the GC family of companies, a leading healthcare company in Korea.

Artiva is headquartered in San Diego and backed by leading venture investors including 5AM Ventures, RA Capital Management and venBio Partners.

For more information, visit www.artivabio.com.

Job Summary: 

The Sr. Scientist, Analytical Development will lead the flow cytometry analytical development team to develop and/or optimize cell-based assays to support the characterization and release of our allogeneic, natural killer (NK) cell-based therapies. In this role, the incumbent will oversee and participate in the evaluation and development of new flow cytometry-based assay methods and perform product characterization for NK cell products.  This role includes supervising 1-3 analysts within the flow cytometry group, directing and participating in benchtop assay development/performance, detailed documentation of methods and materials, writing SOPs/reports and communicating findings to the wider group.  S/he will collaborate closely with R&D and Product Development teams to identify relevant characteristics that advance optimal product development and function.  S/He will also oversee/participate in assay optimizations, standardizations, and transfers to QC labs.  This position will report directly to the Associate Director, Analytical Development.

​

Duties/Responsibilities:                                                                                                      

• Supervise the flow cytometry analytical development group in experimental design and execution enabling assay development, assay optimization, and characterization studies to enhance process understanding
• Research and compare novel platforms to provide more optimal methods of characterizing in-process and final drug product
• Manage and mentor 1-3 analysts within the flow cytometry group
• Develop assays to support process development, Clinical product release and stability, and product characterization needs.
• Execute routine laboratory experiments in collaboration with more junior technical staff to generate high-quality data
• Design and execute assay qualification and validation studies
• Draft technical reports, standard operating procedures, and test protocols in support of analytical test method development
• Manage assay transfer to the Artiva QC team and external partners where applicable
• Present data to cross functional team meetings to discuss findings and next steps
  

Requirements:

• Ph.D. degree in a relevant scientific discipline (e.g., Immunology, Cell or Molecular Biology or Biochemistry) with 5 years or MS with 10 years of industry experience in analytical development or equivalent demonstrable experience with analytical techniques.
• Expertise in flow cytometry-based assay development; experience with NK and or CAR-T cells is highly desirable
• In-depth experience in analytical techniques such as Flow cytometry, ELISA/MSD, qPCR/ddPCR, and potency assays 
• Experience with assay qualification/validation highly preferred
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills are essential.
• Able to manage personnel and multiple projects in parallel, including key participation on multi-disciplinary project teams.
• Attention to safety, good laboratory practice, and good documentation practice.
• Experience in analytical development and testing in a Pharma/Biotech, regulated (GXP) environment is strongly preferred. 
• Experience in cell therapy, immunology, or oncology is preferred.
• Experience with statistical programming or software (e.g., JMP) is a plus.

Why you should apply:

We have a fantastic team and philosophy! We are passionate – we deeply care about our team, our science, and improving the lives of patients. We are tenacious – laser-focused on our mission and undeterred in our commitment to deliver life-saving medicines for cancer patients.  We are innovative - pushing into new frontiers for patient benefit.  We are transparent - believers in flat, accessible, and open communication paths.  We are inclusive – committed to the diversity of our team and ensuring that all voices are heard.

In addition to a great culture, we offer:

· A beautiful facility 

· An entrepreneurial, highly collaborative, and innovative environment

· Comprehensive benefits, including:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Group Life Insurance
• Long Term Disability (LTD)
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Company paid holidays, including the year-end holiday week
• Our recognition program, Bonus.ly, is where you can trade in points earned for things you want.

If all this speaks to you, come join us on our journey!

Base Salary: $127,000 - $165,000. Exact compensation may vary based on skills and experience.

Salary : $127,000 - $165,000