Job Title – Sr. RA/Assoc. Sci, AAV Vector Biology and Molecular Optimization, Gene Delivery Process and Analytical Development
Location: Seattle, WA
Top Skills:
• 2+ years of hands-on lab work on biotech industry
• Experience in process development: Upstream process development and/or mammalian cell culture OR Downstream process development/purification
• Bachelor's degree in STEM field
The senior research associate/associate scientist will join the Gene Delivery Process and Analytical Development (GDPAD) organization supporting process development, production, and characterization of viral vectors, which are critical to generating groundbreaking cell therapies.
The associate will join the AAV Platform Development team working on vector biology and molecular optimization initiatives intended to drive next-generation viral vector platform development. Specifically, in the pursuit of end-to-end assessment of novel technologies and approaches, the associate will seek to become highly proficient in upstream production and downstream purification of recombinant AAV, while gaining familiarity with AAV analytical methods and their interpretation in the context of AAV attributes and biology. The associate will also have the unique opportunity to be exposed to a wide range of highly novel molecular designs, and to work collaboratively with a range of different groups doing different types of rAAV development.
Responsibilities:
• Execute and troubleshoot upstream and downstream process development experiments supporting next-generation AAV production
• Manage the flow of samples and data and perform analyses
• Assist in the design of experiments and interpretation of data
• Optimize workflows for assessing new constructs and modes of production
• Provide experimental design and executional support to team members in adjacent and related functions (e.g. clinical development programs, high throughput process development, etc.)
• Support research-to-development transition endeavors, including early-stage/pipeline molecular assessment activities
• Actively participate and support lab maintenance and continuous improvement initiatives
• Maintain accurate and detailed laboratory notebook and documentation
• Summarize and present data in group meetings and contribute to group discussions and team strategy
• Author technical reports and study memos
Basic Qualifications:
• STEM degree with 2+ years of relevant industry experience; title/compensation will ultimately be commensurate with education, experience, and skillset
• Experience with suspension culture of mammalian cells in shake flasks and small stirred tank bioreactors
• Hands on experience in process development
• Independently motivated with ability to work in teams
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely through oral presentation and technical writing
• Ability to leverage literature, internal and external resources to solve problems
• Desire to identify and advance the cutting edge
• Possess a growth mindset and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, highly collaborative environment
Preferred Qualifications:
• Degree in biological or chemical engineering, biochemistry, or bio-related field
• Hands-on experience in downstream purification including chromatography and filtration
• Experience in the development of viral vectors (e.g. adeno-, retro-, lenti-), including successful transfer for GMP manufacturing
• Experience with transfection-based processes
• Experience with upstream processes intensification e.g. fed batch and perfusion development, process-analytical technology (PAT)
• Experience with single-use technologies
• Experience with late-stage development