Job Title: Senior Associate Scientist, Process Development
Role Description:
We are currently seeking a Process Development Senior Associate Scientist to join the Forge Biologics team. This is an exciting opportunity to provide active leadership and execution of the laboratory experiments and protocols for process development efforts. The candidate will execute process development protocols/studies to optimize procedures for unique viral vector platform process and to assist in the transfer of client programs. The ideal candidate will be skilled in technical problem-solving and laboratory techniques to support our growth in the Gene Therapy sector.
This position reports to the Associate Director of Process Development and is responsible for planning and conducting experimental approaches for optimized production of recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vectors. The Senior Associate Scientist will be directly involved in the maintenance, transfection, and infection of mammalian and insect cell lines in shake flasks and single-use bioreactors. The position may include some assistance in downstream purification of rAAV by chromatography, TFF, or other downstream operations. Work activities will also include authoring research studies, compiling experimental data, and contributing to protocols and study reports and/or publications with supervision. It is expected that you will work as a member of the development team while accomplishing the timely completion of assignments and reporting of unexpected technical issues.
Responsibilities:
- Maintain cell growth, transfection, and infection of mammalian and insect cells for baculovirus and rAAV manufacturing using shake flasks and single-use bioreactors
- Assist in the downstream purification technologies related to rAAV purification using chromatography (affinity and ion-exchange) and filtration processes including microfiltration, depth filtration, tangential flow filtration, and sterile filtration
- Compile experimental data with supervision and provide results for publications or reports
- Support internal process transfer activities from Process Development to GMP
- Delivering results in a high paced environment
- Maintain equipment and workspace in an orderly and clean manner
- Serve as a Subject Matter Expert for single-use bioreactors and methods
- Additional responsibilities not listed may be assigned as needed by leadership
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree with 4+ years’ experience in biopharmaceutical manufacturing/Research and Development; Master’s degree with 2+ years’ experience in biological sciences is preferred (or equivalent work experience)
- Technical skill required for aspects of cell line growth and production of biological product
- Working knowledge of cell culture techniques is required; experience with bioreactors is highly preferred
- Experience with production of biologics and performing bioassays is preferred
- Must be self-motivating, organized and proactive
- Strong technical aptitude including demonstrated experience in applying scientific reasoning to solve complex problems
- Ability to work hours necessary to support production and/or product transfer activities.
- Ability to work in loud noise environments and in Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and cleanroom gowning attire as needed
Reporting Outline:
- This position reports to the Associate Director of Process Development
- Travel on an intermittent basis is required (approximately 2-5%) to support job responsibilities and commitments.