Sr. Scientist, DNA Development

Job Responsibilities

• Independently design and execute project initiatives to improve DNA manufacturability and quality with good judgement against defined timelines
• Rationally design and test DNA constructs to increase DNA and rAAV manufacturing productivity and/or improved DNA and vector quality
• Provide subject matter expertise on development of new and/or improved methodologies for DNA production that is fit for purpose (scale, yield etc)
• Lead AskBio CMDO collaborations to improve DNA manufacturing and transfer of relevant processes
• Serve as a technical consultant on DNA starting materials used for Chemistry, Manufacturing and Control (CMC) activities and regulatory strategies, when applicable
• Lead investigations and troubleshooting of DNA purification and analytical characterization as needed
• Represent the DNA Development function in project teams and present data at internal and external forums

Minimum Requirements

• PhD (Molecular Biology, Genetics, Virology or equivalent) with 5+ years of relevant work experience including post-doc experience; or MS (Molecular Biology, Genetics, Virology or equivalent) with 10+ years of relevant work experience
• Expertise in viral gene therapy, including recombinant adeno-associated virus systems
• Strong, comprehensive understanding of the molecular attributes that influence both DNA replication in bacteria and rAAV production in mammalian culture
• Demonstrates self-motivation, strong organizational acumen, and independent strategic thinking with the versatility to perform effectively in both autonomous and collaborative settings
• Excellent written and verbal communication, work planning, data analysis and record keeping skills
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office suite (Word, Outlook, Excel) and SnapGene

Preferred Education, Experience And Skills

• In-depth knowledge of bacterial cell culture (E. coli preferred), establishing bacterial glycerol stocks, DNA purification by commercially relevant methods, and molecular biology techniques such as cloning, PCR, DNA quantification, restriction enzyme digest and Sanger and/or NextGen Sequencing
• Demonstrated technical proficiency with fermenters/bioreactors, AKTA liquid chromatography systems, and tangential flow filtration
• Competency with electronic laboratory notebooks
• Applied understanding of rAAV manufacturing