Research Associate II, Early Process Development

Why Sarepta? Why Now? The promise of genetic medicine has arrived, and Sarepta is at the forefront. We hold a leadership position in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (Duchenne) and are building a robust portfolio of programs across muscle, central nervous system, and cardiac diseases. In 2023, we launched our fourth therapy and the first ever gene therapy to treat Duchenne. We’re looking for people who see unlimited potential in themselves and who are motivated by an unwavering commitment to patients.

What Sarepta Offers

At Sarepta, we care deeply about all the people in our community and believe in the importance of supporting them in all aspects of their lives. We aspire to maintain a culture that acknowledges people bring their whole selves to work, and we will strive to help everyone in our community integrate their work and personal lives while maintaining productivity. We are committed to offering a range of benefits and work-life resources designed to support people in the following areas:

• Physical and Emotional Wellness
• Financial Wellness
• Support for Caregivers

For a full list of our comprehensive benefits, see our website: https://www.sarepta.com/join-us.

About the Role

The Research Associate (RA) I/II, Early Stage Process Development, provides support to the Cell Line and Upstream Process Development in the execution of experiments for the development and optimization of upstream processes to produce siRNA and AAV vectors. This role utilizes their biochemistry, cell biology, and engineering experience to generate reliable and reproducible data with thorough documentation to support early research and development, pre-clinical manufacturing, and scale-up operations. The RA I/II is expected to work closely with Downstream Process Development, Analytical Development, and Vector Core groups to foster a collaborative environment that delivers sound and robust manufacturing processes.

Responsibilities

• Participate in the design, planning, and execution of experiments to support development efforts, production efforts, and process improvements as an active member of the Upstream Process Development team.
• In collaboration with lead scientists, perform hands-on work on mammalian suspension cell lines using different platforms and scales of production such as shake flasks, WAVE bioreactors, and/or stirred tank bioreactors.
• Take the lead in care, maintenance, and operation of state-of-the-art technologies used in Upstream process development such as ambr15, ambr250, and/or small-scale bioreactors.
• Participate in the analysis and characterization of in-process samples and materials.
• Document all work clearly using an electronic lab notebook, analyze and effectively communicate results, and participate in writing and review of technical documentation.
• Participate in and influence cross-functional development teams to advance production activities and ensure project success.
• Maintain key lab instrumentation and critical laboratory materials.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Requirements

• B.S. in Bioengineering, chemical/biochemical engineering, biology, biochemistry, or related degree with 2-4 years of related experience or M.S. in a related field with 0-2 years of related experience.
• Previous experience with mammalian cell culture techniques such as cell passaging, aseptic technique processing, transient transfection, and cell culture harvest is desired.
• Experience in upstream techniques for the production of biologics, particularly viral vectors (AAV, Lenti-) production, is a plus.
• Experience in basic biochemistry laboratory techniques such as qRT-PCR, SDS-PAGE, Western blot, ELISA, etc., is desired.
• Ability to think critically and demonstrate troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Self-motivated with a strong sense of ownership in areas of responsibility and willingness to accept temporary responsibilities outside of the initial job description.
• Comfortable in a fast-paced environment with minimal direction and able to adjust workload based upon changing priorities.
• Proven ability to successfully manage projects and timelines, organize/track complex information, prioritize accordingly, and quickly adjust to shifting priorities and demanding timelines when necessary.
• Excellent communication skills with the proven ability to build open and collaborative relationships and work effectively as a member of a multidisciplinary team.

This position requires work on site at one of Sarepta’s facilities in the United States. Candidates should be aware that Sarepta currently maintains a policy requiring all US-based employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to work on site. Newly hired employees must be vaccinated prior to their employment start date. Sarepta is an equal opportunity employer and will provide a reasonable accommodation to those unable to be vaccinated where it is not an undue hardship to the company to do so as provided under federal, state, and local law.

Pay

The targeted salary range for this position is $70,400 - $88,000 per year. Sarepta is making a good faith effort to be transparent and accurate around our hiring ranges. The salary offer is commensurate with Sarepta’s compensation philosophy and considers factors including, but not limited to, education, training, experience, external market conditions, criticality of role, and internal equity.

Benefits

Sarepta Therapeutics offers a competitive compensation and benefit package. Candidates must be authorized to work in the U.S.