Vita Therapeutics, is a cell engineering company harnessing the power of genetics to develop cellular therapies that follow a dual manufacturing strategy, first beginning autologously before moving to a universal hypoimmunogenic cell line. Vita was originally founded out of the labs of Dr. Gabsang Lee and Dr. Kathryn Wagner at Johns Hopkins University and the Kennedy Krieger Institute in 2019 by Douglas Falk, M.S. and Peter Andersen, PhD. The company utilizes induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology to engineer specific cell types designed to replace those that are defective in patients. We are currently working to progress our lead therapeutic, VTA-100, for the treatment of limb-girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD), into clinical trials.

Position Overview:

The Research Associate will perform or assist in development of research experiments using basic biological, chemical, physical and life science skills needed to guide Vita’s cell therapies from pre-clinical through clinical trials.

Responsibilities may include –

• Assist and/or independently conduct mammalian cell-based and/or molecular biology-based experimental procedures associated with the development of genetically modified/engineered cellular therapies for oncology and/or muscular dystrophy
• Hands-on processing and analysis of samples for end point assays such as western blot, q-PCR, IHC or flow cytometry
• Maintain and passage mammalian cell lines
• Transfect, electroporate and virally transduce cell lines and primary human immune cells
• Conduct laboratory activities, maintaining compliant records and documentation
• Work independently and collaboratively with teams to ensure timely delivery of study data
• Perform work in accordance with standard assay protocols, procedures, and SOPs
• Laboratory infrastructure support as needed, including, but not limited to, ordering, inventory, instrument/equipment maintenance, maintaining an organized workspace, preparation of media, reagents for studies
• Other duties as assigned

Experience:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Molecular and Cellular Biology, or related
• M.S. preferred but not required
• 3+ years of experience in a research environment or laboratory setting
• Hands-on experience in some of the following techniques is required:
  • Molecular biology: DNA/RNA extraction, cDNA preparation, qPCR, ssRNAseq, western blot
  • Cell biology: aseptic cell culture, transfection and/or transduction, cell viability assays, cloning cell lines
• Preference for candidates with experience in any of the following areas:
  • Cell culture: stem cell culture, primary cell culture, magnetic bead isolation
  • Gene engineering: transfection, transduction, generation of stable gene-modified cell lines
  • Immunology: ELISA, flow cytometry, cell-based assays, immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry
• Experience with laboratory software desirable (e.g. GraphPad Prism, FloJo, ImageJ)
• Exceptional communication, organizational and prioritization skills
• Attention to detail and problem-solving without losing sight of the bigger picture.
• Flexibility to work as part of a team or independently to meet goals.
• Strong Microsoft office skills are required: specifically, Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint

Vita Therapeutics is an equal opportunity employer committed to giving all qualified applicants consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, military/veteran status, or national origin.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

Vita does not accept unsolicited agency resumes.

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