SR RESEARCH INVESTIGATOR, PROCESS DEVELOPMENT
University of Pennsylvania

Duties: The Gene Therapy Program (GTP) is entering a new era of unprecedented opportunity with great potential to reshape the face of medicine as we know it. Our discoveries have set the stage for successful treatments and possibly even cures for devastating genetic diseases.

The laboratory of Dr. Jim Wilson, at GTP of the University of Pennsylvania, has been a leader in the development of innovative vector technology for close to three decades. We have emerged as the 'go-to' organization for public and private partners, who want to participate in the gene therapy space. Currently we are positioned to lead another round of vector innovation and establish pre-clinical and clinical proof-of-concept in therapeutic applications of in-vivo genome editing.

Due to significant growth, Process Development group is looking for a new motivated and innovative Senior Research Investigator (SRI) with a strong background in virology, molecular biology and cell culture to establish efficient upstream vector production processes to support GTP's rAAV product pipeline.

As an SRI, you will be responsible for developing novel processes suitable for cGMP manufacturing. You will develop reagents including, but not limited to viral shuttle vectors, molecular clones and cell lines. You will also include upstream suspension cell culture activities ranging from media and cell line development/optimization in shaker flasks to bioreactor process establishment and optimization. You will perform laboratory experiments including process validation, process range, process robustness, and troubleshooting studies. Also, you will be involved in the development of assays to monitor reagent and product quantity, quality, and potency.

This position offers the opportunity to interface internally with diverse functional areas such as the analytics and clinical manufacturing groups. You will work both independently and as part of a team to accomplish project goals within specified timelines and will participate in technology transfer processes both to internal production groups and contracted manufacturers. Instruction, mentoring and day-to-day, project-specific supervision of research specialists are expected. You will be responsible for writing peer-reviewed scientific articles, patent applications, and SOPs as well as serving as author/reviewer for relevant CMC sections of regulatory submissions. You will be required to present data at regularly-scheduled internal group meetings as well as external sponsor and international conferences.

Qualifications: PhD with 5 to 7 years of experience are required.
Strong background in molecular and cell biology
Strong technical experience with cell culture, preferably with suspension culture
Must be highly motivated, have excellent organizational, communication and interpersonal skills.
Must be able to work independently and as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
Must be able to present data clearly at meetings
Must have strong writing skills
Some supervisory experience preferred

Reference Number: 40-30732

Salary Grade: RES

Employment Type: Exempt

Org: DM-Gene Therapy Program

Special Requirements:

Job Family: I-Technical/Professional Research