We are seeking a highly motivated and highly collaborative Research Associate/Senior Research Associate to join the Viral Vector, Analytical Development (AD) team in implementing various assays to characterize and release testing for Nkarta’s viral vector platforms. The Research Associate/Senior Research Associate will work closely with Viral Vector Process Development and QC groups using analytical capability to continue support for Nkarta’s NK products.

• Collect data from analytical assays and perform data analysis, including troubleshooting and conduct trending of analytical performance.
• Participates/Collaborates in the successful development, execution, analysis, and documentation of analytical methods for the characterization (safety, identity, strength/potency, purity, quality), release, and stability monitoring of development and clinical retrovirus-based viral vectors.
• Creates, compiles, and reviews technical and regulatory documents, including, but not limited to analytical study data summaries and reports, analytical method development reports, method qualification/validation protocols and reports, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) in compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Understanding Qualifications/Validation of an assays to help support internal tech transfer to QC
• Maintain accurate and complete records for all results
• Maintain stock of critical reagents and provide general lab support
• Support analytical assay development, using flow cytometry, ELISA, qPCR/ddPCR, etc.
• Present results at team and company meetings

Required:

• Extensive hands-on experience and technical expertise with the following assays:
  • Viral titer assays (qPCR, ddPCR, flow cytometry)
  • Viral particle measurement (qPCR, ELISA)
  • Impurity assays for viral lots (Host Cell Protein, Residual BSA, nuclease, etc by either qPCR or ELISA)
• Ability to work independently, multitask, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Highly motivated, organized, and disciplined record keeping; strong attention to detail.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in MS Office, JMP, GraphPad, Softmax Pro or equivalent.
• Basic to in-depth knowledge of developing and executing viral vector characterization assays.
• Embodies the Nkarta culture of empowerment, diversity, and inclusion.

Preferred:

• Experience in droplet digital PCR (ddPCR), qPCR
• Experience in cell culture (both primary and cell lines)
• Strong knowledge and understanding of qualification/validation of analytical assays
• Familiarity with Quality Control or regulated environments

Education / Background

• Bachelors or MS degree in Molecular Biology, Immunology, Cell Biology, or related field
• Two or more years relevant experience in biopharmaceutical or biotechnology industry is a plus.
• For SRA 2+ years industry Analytical Development experience is preferred.

A reasonable estimate of the current salary range for this position is $80,000 - $120,000. There are several factors taken into consideration in determining base salary, including but not limited to: job-related qualifications, skills, education, and experience, as well as job location and the value of other elements of an employee’s total compensation package. Nkarta also offers an annual discretionary bonus, equity grant(s), medical, dental, vision and life insurance coverage, in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans. Other benefits include 401K plan, flexible spending account, ESPP, employee assistance program, paid vacation, holiday and personal days, paid parental, pregnancy, and bereavement leave.

The 160+ team members describe working at Nkarta through some of the following comments. While getting better work-life balance and improving communications between groups in an early stage start up environment are two areas in which we’re working, here are real anonymous comments of why people think Nkarta is a great place to work.

• “People are always open to ideas. This company provides a safe place for its employees (covid testing, etc.)”
• “Exceptionally talented, committed, *kind* & supportive team”
• “The CEO is transparent and honest with expectations for the whole company. There is genuine care amongst the leadership team for their peers and employees. I believe this is unique.”
• “Not to sound corny, but the emphasis on people as a valuable resource is something I recognize doesn't often exist elsewhere, and it's here in ample supply, which is great.”
• “It's the first place that I've worked where the executive team truly values the employees. It's a pretty amazing thing not to hear that employees can be replaced with someone new. Institutional knowledge is understood.”
• “We have a very diverse team with executives that are friendly and accessible.”
• “Smart and dedicated colleagues. Mission to make a difference in patients lives. Empower us with tools needed to succeed. Open and transparent culture. Transparent leadership. Handling of covid and running the company was done very well.”

To learn more about our work at Nkarta and the career opportunities that will drive us forward to serve patients, please visit the company’s website at https://www.nkartatx.com