Manager/Sr. Manager Routine Testing Lead – Analytical Development

Nkarta is a publicly traded (Nasdaq symbol NKTX), biotechnology company headquartered in South San Francisco focused on the discovery, development and manufacturing of off-the-shelf, natural killer (NK) cell therapies. Our near-term goal is to bring cell therapy out into the community setting, dramatically expanding access for patients. 

Founded in 2015 at the birthplace of biotechnology, Nkarta is a fast-growing, fast-moving, clinical-stage company that has built an extensive cell therapy manufacturing operation in anticipation of product commercialization. Our developmental pipeline of engineered NK cell therapies includes clinical programs in B-cell malignancies and autoimmune diseases.

Complementing our broad research and development capabilities, Nkarta has also built an extensive cell therapy manufacturing operation.  We recently built out a 23,000-square foot clinical good manufacturing practice, or cGMP, facility on-site at our primary corporate location in South San Francisco, California.

Nkarta is a people-driven company looking for passionate, collaborative, driven team members galvanized by a paradigm-shifting opportunity to change the cell therapy landscape.  

We are seeking a highly motivated and highly collaborative Manager/Senior Manager to join the Analytical Development (AD) team in leading the routine testing group responsible for implementing cell-based assays to characterize Nkarta’s pipeline of cellular immunotherapy products.

• Organizes and coordinates scheduling for testing of starting material, drug substance, in-process material, and drug product samples to support Process Development, MSAT, and Manufacturing activities.
• Manages a team of research associates to execute routine testing.
• Performs assays within routine testing group.
• Creates, compiles, and reviews databases containing data generated from various assays.
• Writes and maintains procedures, methods, protocols, forms and other documentation related to the assays implemented in the routine testing group.
• Communicates data cross-functionally and participates in tech transfer of assays into routine testing group.

Required

• Depth of laboratory skills across multiple assay types using multiple technologies including, but not limited to, Flow Cytometry, ELISA, cell-based assays, and digital PCR or droplet digital PCR, Seahorse, High content imaging, and general cell culture.
• Experience managing a team of scientists and/or research associates.
• Has excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work cross-functionally to coordinate tasks, sample hand-off, instrument scheduling, and sharing of data/information.
• Ability to work independently, multitask, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to think critically and demonstrate problem solving skills.
• Highly motivated, organized, and disciplined record keeping; strong attention to detail.
• Embodies the Nkarta culture of empowerment, diversity, and inclusion.

Preferred

• Experience working in or with Quality Control or regulated environments.
• Experience in gene/cell therapy, cell-based assays, immunoassays, ELISAs, droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) and/or qPCR assays in regulated environments is a plus.
• NK cell, T cell, or stem cell expertise preferred.

Education/Background

• A B.Sc., M.Sc., or PhD in Immunology, Cell Biology, or related field is required.
• 3+ years of industry Analytical Development and/or QC experience is required.
• For B.Sc. 10+ years, M.S. 6+ years, or PhD 3+ years of assay development experience in biotech is preferred.

The common requirements of an office environment (computers, computer screens, workstations, etc.) apply when not working in or around the laboratory environment. Car and airplane travel might be required of this role for conferences and meetings. This role is local to the office in South San Francisco; however, the team works a hybrid schedule with work from home days.

A reasonable estimate of the current salary range for this position is $150,000 - $215,000.  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 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 150+ 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 on which we are working, here are real, anonymous comments about or regarding 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.