Job Details
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