Seeking an experienced, skilled, and creative contract biologist, virologist, or bioengineer to lead discovery and engineering campaigns focused on next-generation gene therapies for rare diseases. The successful candidate will operate within a cross-disciplinary team of experimental and computational scientists, conducting wet lab experiments in support of programs.

Responsibilities:

• Lead biological engineering projects focused on development of next-generation viral vectors
• Independently design, optimize, and execute high-throughput molecular and cellular screening systems to identify and characterize novel viral capsids.
• Lead and support in vivo studies
• Design, optimize, and execute protein and nucleic acid (DNA and RNA) purifications from in vitro and ex vivo samples for various downstream applications, including but not limited to genome titer and NGS assays.
• Design, troubleshoot, and execute Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) assays including PCR, ddPCR, RT-PCR, library preparation for amplicon sequencing, nucleic acid clean-up, and library quality measurements (qubit, tape station).
• Research, troubleshoot, optimize, write, and review protocols, SOPs, and reports.
• Maintain accurate, detailed, and timely records
• Perform data analysis and review, ensuring accuracy and completeness
• Participate in cross-disciplinary training within the RDL NH team
• Assist with coordination and day-to-day laboratory operations
• Present findings in internal and external meetings, and author technical reports, ELN, and publications.

Requirements:

• PhD in cell biology, virology, immunology, molecular biology, bioengineering, or related field with 3+ years of relevant industry experience or MS with 8+ years of relevant hands-on experience. Direct report or small team management strongly preferred.
• Experience with viruses or viral vectors required; experience with AAV vectors strongly preferred
• Experience with viral vector engineering (large library preparation and screening) required
• Experience working with mammalian cell lines and primary cells required
• Experience and understanding in molecular biology and recombinant DNA technology required
• Experience with viral transfection, transduction, ultracentrifugation purification (CsCl, iodixanol), and genome titer (by qPCR, ddPCR, RT-qPCR, RT-ddPCR) required.
• Experience with nucleic acid sample preparation, primer/probe design, RT-PCR, and NGS library preparation strongly preferred
• Experience with cell-based functional assays including but not limited to ELISpot, ICS, flow cytometry, antibody-neutralization assays, and potency assays preferred.
• Experience with protein characterization methods, including but not limited to ELISA, SDS-PAGE, western blot, TFF, and affinity chromatography preferred.
• Hands-on in vivo model experience preferred or in vivo study management experience. If no experience, must be open to learn and regularly conduct.
• Proven track record in method development, including experimental design, optimization, execution, and evaluation.
• Strong written and oral communication skills are required.
• Applicants should be detail-oriented, highly organized, and able to multi-task with multiple projects.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills a must.

Job Type: Contract

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Weekends as needed

Education:

• Doctorate (Preferred)

Experience:

• biotech and/or pharma industry: 3 years (Preferred)
• viral vector engineering: 3 years (Preferred)
• mammalian cell lines: 3 years (Preferred)
• qPCR, ddPCR, RT-qPCR, RT-ddPCR: 3 years (Preferred)

Work Location: In perso

• Lead biological engineering projects focused on development of next-generation viral vectors
• Independently design, optimize, and execute high-throughput molecular and cellular screening systems to identify and characterize novel viral capsids.
• Lead and support in vivo studies
• Design, optimize, and execute protein and nucleic acid (DNA and RNA) purifications from in vitro and ex vivo samples for various downstream applications, including but not limited to genome titer and NGS assays.
• Design, troubleshoot, and execute Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) assays including PCR, ddPCR, RT-PCR, library preparation for amplicon sequencing, nucleic acid clean-up, and library quality measurements (qubit, tape station).
• Research, troubleshoot, optimize, write, and review protocols, SOPs, and reports.
• Maintain accurate, detailed, and timely records
• Perform data analysis and review, ensuring accuracy and completeness
• Participate in cross-disciplinary training within the RDL NH team
• Assist with coordination and day-to-day laboratory operations
• Present findings in internal and external meetings, and author technical reports, ELN, and publications