Senior Scientist, Cell Therapy Islet
Sana Biotechnology
| Company | Sana Biotechnology |
| Category | Science & Research |
| Location | Cambridge |
| Remote | On-site (inferred) |
| Employment | Not stated |
| Level | Senior |
| Salary | Not stated by the employer |
| Posted | 10 Feb 2026 |
| Last verified | 8 Aug 2026 |
| Source | Employer ATS (greenhouse) |
Description
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 the status quo, and who lead with the desire to work on novel ideas. You will join the Beta Islet Team at the Cambridge location to optimize 3D expansion and differentiation in stem cell (SC)-islet differentiation. As a Senior Scientist, you will execute optimization experiments critical to scaling up our differentiation process. The ideal candidate should have ample experience handling bioreactors and performing directed PSC differentiation in 3D. The ability to work in a highly collaborative environment and learn from each other will be essential to your success.
What you’ll do
Execute routine 2D and 3D PSC expansion, passaging and directed SC-islet differentiation
Design optimization experiments with the goal to achieve a highly scalable and robust 3D SC-islet differentiation process that is compliant to manufacturing standards
Optimize the differentiation protocol to achieve highly pure on-target populations
Hands-on experience with closed systems (tube welder, sealer, single-use assemblies)
Expertise in controlled bioreactor setup, operation, automation, and process control (DO, pH, perfusion, agitation)
Collaborate and communicate findings with other team members
Maintain excellent scientific documentation and contribute to SOP development
Assure compliance with all relevant lab safety and biosafety regulations
Demonstrate Sana’s core values and the attributes that support these core values (Lead from every seat, Thrive as a team, Make it happen)
Engage in crucial conversations by providing and receiving feedback supporting the growth and development of team member
Demonstrate ability to engage and effectively influence team members across multidisciplinary teams while prioritizing multiple projects and meeting deadlines
Drive curiosity, scientific rigor, and excellent problem-solving skills across a fast-paced performance-driven environment
Innate ability to assess talent that will help grow the organization and add to Sana’s culture
What we’re looking for
PhD in Stem cell biology, biochemical/biomedical Engineering or related fields with 3-5 years of direct cell therapy industry experience
Significantly experienced and knowledgeable in operating various types of bioreactors for suspension culture.
Experienced with bioreactor control software, process development tools, or DOE-base optimization is preferred
Significantly experienced in operating a closed system for cell culture
Significantly experienced in Flow cytometry, Immunofluorescent staining,
Proficient with standard flow cytometry and imaging software (e.g. FACSDiva, FlowJo, ImageJ, Halo, etc.)
What will separate you from the crowd
Knowledge or direct experience in directed stem cell differentiation toward pancreatic islet lineage
Proven ability to optimize differentiation yield and reproducibility across platforms
Passion for GMP transition, automation, and continuous process improvement
Strong cross-functional collaboration skills and enthusiasm for advancing cell therapies to the clinic
Significant experience in operating large bioreactors (15L+) for cell therapy purposes
Expertise in controlled bioreactor setup, operation, automation, and process control (DO, pH, perfusion, agitation)
Proven ability to optimize differentiation yield and reproducibility across platforms
What you should know
The base pay range for this position at commencement of employment is expected to be between $160,000 and $190,000/year; however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience
How we work together for patients
Lead from every seat – we seek to understand, act with honesty, a