Associate Scientist - Upstream Process Development for Viral Vectors

at  OXGENE

Overview:
The Associate Scientist will carry out a range of activities to support upstream process development activities of lentiviral vector production. This work would apply to both commercial projects and internal platform development. The role will also include support for lab maintenance and collaborative effort to improve a wide range of existing and new processes within OXGENE and the other sites of WuXi Advanced Therapies in US and China. The role will interact with other members working in process development function (upstream and downstream), as well as colleagues working on cell line development and viral vector analytics.
Significant training and support in multiple areas of biological production and characterisation will be provided. It’s an ideal role for individuals looking for development and progression in the domain of biopharmaceutical production process and scale-up, while contributing to ambitious goals within a growing company.

Responsibilities:

• Working closely with Scientist/Senior Scientist/ Group Lead colleagues to define objectives and key support required for lab functions.
• With guidance and under supervision, contributing to the design and execution of commercial and R&D experiments, and completing lab work to high standard. The exact nature of work would depend on candidate’s background and assignment within the team:
• Research grade upstream production of viral vector material at shake flask and bioreactor scale (1-10 L); under supervision carry out optimization and scale up experiments.
• High throughput and automated production of viral vectors (e.g. AMBR15 system) for process optimisation and evaluation of plasmids and viral libraries
• Titration and quality analysis of viral vector material within planned timeframe of commercial projects and to support research experiments.

Providing experimental results analysis and project summaries

• Complying with the company’s Quality Management Systems and contributing to improvements (e.g. writing SOPs).
• Maintaining laboratory cleanliness to OXGENE standards, ensure laboratory equipment maintenance, safe working practices and general housekeeping.
• Working within the team and contributing to smooth operations and communication; co-ordinating activities with colleagues and management.
• Presenting technical information, including analysis/results of experiments within the company
• Supporting other areas of Process Development as required with flexibility for additional training.

Qualifications:

• Working closely with Scientist/Senior Scientist/ Group Lead colleagues to define objectives and key support required for lab functions.
• With guidance and under supervision, contributing to the design and execution of commercial and R&D experiments, and completing lab work to high standard. The exact nature of work would depend on candidate’s background and assignment within the team:
• Research grade upstream production of viral vector material at shake flask and bioreactor scale (1-10 L); under supervision carry out optimization and scale up experiments.
• High throughput and automated production of viral vectors (e.g. AMBR15 system) for process optimisation and evaluation of plasmids and viral libraries
• Titration and quality analysis of viral vector material within planned timeframe of commercial projects and to support research experiments