Ankasa Regenerative Therapeutics is a venture-backed biotech company based in the San Francisco Bay area that is developing novel protein-based stem cell activation therapies to improve tissue repair and regeneration. Stem cell renewal, maintenance and tissue regeneration are critical for normal health and well-being. Wnt pathway interactions are crucial to maintenance of these processes. Ankasa is the first to produce human Wnt proteins in a GMP manufacturing setting suitable for use in humans.

Our first clinical approach, under FDA regulation, is the demonstration of improved outcomes after spinal fusion surgeries. Our product has expansion opportunities to other bone reconstructive procedures including osseointegration of dental and orthopedic implants (knee and hip replacements), fracture repair, total joint arthroplasty revisions, and others.

We seek a highly motivated PhD level scientist with deep expertise in bone regeneration for a post- doctoral position at Ankasa Regenerative Therapeutics. The primary focus of the role will be the characterization of bone cells / grafts in vitro and in vivo following treatment with our lead regenerative agent. Successful candidates will implement robust, reproducible and cost effective protocols to monitor the viability and regenerative capacity of bone cells / grafts from human and animal bone following treatment, utilizing both in vitro and in vivo models of bone repair, while developing a broad based awareness of the requirements and complexities of the regulatory and commercialization processes for novel biologic and “device-like” therapeutics.

Primary duties and responsibilities include 

• Independently design and implement robust, reproducible and cost-effective protocols for the isolation, culture, treatment and analysis of cells / grafts from human and animal bone with meticulous aseptic
• Design and implement in vivo studies investigating the regenerative capacity of implanted bone grafts in mice and/or rats (e.g., subrenal capsule implantation, fracture healing, spinal fusion, etc.).
• Design and implement in vivo studies looking at the levels of bone regenerative agents detectable following in vivo
• Utilize a battery of assay technologies to characterize bone cells / grafts and therapeutic product disposition, including ELISA, qPCR, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence microscopy and histology.
• Independently identify and implement new assays and assay technologies that have an impact on project workstream, assay throughput and/or
• Independently design, execute, and perform basic analysis of experiments, including troubleshooting.
• Prepare detailed SOPs that enable transfer of validated assays to project team members and collaborators.
• Report results internally to supervisor, executive leadership, and peers at group meetings, externally at medical, scientific, and/or investor conferences.
• Other duties as required, including the management of laboratory equipment/supplies and interfacing with vendors