Scientist I, Upstream Development

at  Asklepios BioPharmaceutical

Asklepios BioPharmaceutical, Inc. (AskBio) is a leading, clinical-stage gene therapy company founded in 2001 based on the work of adeno-associated virus (AAV) gene therapy visionary and pioneer, Jude Samulski, PhD. Since that time, our commitment to developing life-saving medicines that can potentially cure genetic diseases has never wavered.
At AskBio, we’ve built a foundation of therapeutic programs, AAV manufacturing and a rich portfolio of patented technology. Our therapeutic focus includes neuromuscular, central nervous system, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases with clinical trials underway for Pompe disease, Parkinson’s disease, and congestive heart failure. Our gene therapy platform includes Pro10™, an industry-leading proprietary cell line manufacturing process, and an extensive AAV capsid and promoter library.
We became a wholly-owned, independently operated, subsidiary of Bayer AG in late 2020 as a cornerstone of its newly formed Cell & Gene Therapy (CGT) platform. Our global headquarters is in Research Triangle Park, NC. Additionally, we have significant operations in Philadelphia, PA, Columbus, OH, Scotland, France, and Spain.
Our vision: Pioneering science to create transformative molecular medicines.
Our mission: Lead innovative science and drive clinical outcomes to transform people’s lives.

Our principles:

• Advance innovative science by pushing boundaries.
• Bring transformative therapeutics to patients in need.
• Provide an environment for employees to reach their fullest potential.

Our values:

• Be a Pioneer. We are not afraid of the impossible and to innovate to make gene therapies accessible to those in need.
• Cultivate Collaboration. Strive to be the best teammate, actively listen, openly communicate, and embrace diverse points of view.
• Embrace Responsibility. We are humbled by the enormity of our mission. We hold a relentless commitment to advance science and clinical outcomes for our patients, families, and caregivers.
• Raise the Bar. Continuously drive improvements and efficiencies. Seek and provide constructive feedback. Have a bias for learning and action.
• Act with Uncompromising Integrity. Be honest, transparent, and committed to doing what’s right in every situation. Make clear commitments and follow through.

Position Overview

• Location: Research Triangle Park (RTP) North Carolina
• Reports to Upstream Process Development Principal Scientist

Responsibilities

• Draw on experience with media development, fed-batch, perfusion, cell culture methodologies, cell culture process development in mammalian cells, process scale-up, bioreactor design and optimization; process characterization, tech transfer and Ambr® systems
• Demonstrate innovative design, development and execution of process development projects through literature review and scientific teamwork
• Develop robust, scalable, transferable processes for upstream production of rAAV clinical gene therapy vectors
• Provide input on the acquisition of capital equipment
• Write study reports, process characterization reports, transfer documents, and regulatory documents
• Contribute to building a culture that embraces continuous learning and innovation, while encouraging team members to expand their technical skills and deepen their gene therapy expertise

Requirements:

• Master’s degree (chemical engineering, bioengineering, biology, biochemistry, virology or related field) and 3+ years’ experience in biologics process development of large molecule or cellular therapies OR PhD (chemical engineering, bioengineering, biology, biochemistry, virology or related field) with 1+ years’ experience in biologics process development of large molecule or cellular therapies is required
• Knowledge and working experience with aseptic techniques, cell culture process development with mammalian cells, process optimization and scale-up
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Demonstrated ability to present ideas, information and data effectively via one-on-one discussions, team meetings and collaborative interactions
• Ability to work both independently and in a fast-paced, team-oriented setting
• Excellent written and verbal communication, work planning, data analysis and record keeping skills (with strong attention to detail) is required

Preferred Experience:

• Knowledge and experience with media development
• Experience with fed-batch, perfusion and other cell culture processes
• Knowledge and working experience with cell culture process development in mammalian cells, process scale-up, bioreactor design and optimization, and transient transfection
• Knowledge and experience with Ambr® systems
• Knowledge of viral gene therapy (AAV vectors preferred); background in protein and/or viral vector engineering
• Hands-on knowledge of DOE, JMP, FlowJo and GraphPad statistical software for use in design of technology development studies is highly desirable.

Asklepios BioPharmaceutical, Inc. (AskBio) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or any other protected status prohibited under Federal, State or local laws. All employment decisions are based on valid job‐related requirements. If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran and are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our website, you may request a reasonable accommodation to express interest in a specific opening by calling us at (919) 561-6210 or sending us an email at
careers@askbio.com.
Agencies: Please do not contact any employee at AskBio about this requisition. Any resume submitted by a recruitment agency to any employee at AskBio, through any medium, will be deemed the sole property of AskBio unless the agency was engaged by AskBio Talent Acquisition team to recruit for that position. All agencies must have a prior executed service agreement with AskBio prior to any search engagement. If a candidate who was submitted outside of the AskBio agency process is hired by AskBio, no fee or payment of any kind will be paid to the agency

• Draw on experience with media development, fed-batch, perfusion, cell culture methodologies, cell culture process development in mammalian cells, process scale-up, bioreactor design and optimization; process characterization, tech transfer and Ambr® systems
• Demonstrate innovative design, development and execution of process development projects through literature review and scientific teamwork
• Develop robust, scalable, transferable processes for upstream production of rAAV clinical gene therapy vectors
• Provide input on the acquisition of capital equipment
• Write study reports, process characterization reports, transfer documents, and regulatory documents
• Contribute to building a culture that embraces continuous learning and innovation, while encouraging team members to expand their technical skills and deepen their gene therapy expertis