Research Associate I - II - The Steely Group

This Research Associate position will support the implementation and establishment of scalable viral vector manufacturing using mammalian cell line platforms. 

The individual in this position will be responsible for assisting with biological experiments semi-independently in accordance with manager approval in the area of AAV cell-line and process development for gene therapy production. Research experiments will encompass cell culture process development, media development, bioreactor scale-up, cell banking activities and execution of quantitative biological assays.

 Responsibilities

• Actively contribute to programs to enhance AAV development and manufacturing technologies/ capabilities and work-processes (such as media development, feed development, bioreactor fed-batch and perfusion process development, optimization and scale-up)
• Works directly with supervision to design and lead execution of experiments at benchtop scale for research, development, and evaluation of novel cell culture processes and scale-up of AAV technology platform.
• Demonstrate ability to learn quickly- proper aseptic technique, new biological techniques, and independent operation of lab scale equipment including AMBR250, metabolite and cell analyzers, and small-scale to pilot-scale bioreactors.
• Ensure high-quality, timely documentation in electronic laboratory notebooks and technical reports.
• Collect controlled experimental data and maintain accurate daily logs of experiments including methods, results, and conclusions.
• Organize and plot experiment data and work with supervision to draw conclusion and form insight for the upstream process.
• Present scientific findings to the upstream development group or broader internal audience.
•  Assists in general laboratory maintenance duties, including inventory of key consumables and raw material, routine lab cleaning and assist in developing Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS)
• Occasional weekend sampling/operation will be required, and this role will support weekend activities.

Requirements / Qualifications:

• BS/MS in Chemical/Biochemical/Biomedical Engineering or related scientific discipline with 0-3 years academic/industry experience
• Strong math and science fundamentals are desired, in particular solution/dilution math, good understanding of molecular biology, and understanding of fluid mechanics/engineering principles as they relate to bioprocess and cell culture
• Experience with mammalian cell culture and aseptic technique in a BSL2 lab is strongly preferred.
• Experience with suspension culture, recombinant viruses, cell and molecular biology, biological assay and/or transient transfection is preferred
• Experience with bioreactors, downstream purification, and data analysis (Excel/JMP/Prism)  are a plus
• Ability and desire to work in a fast-paced environment
• Strong collaboration, team-working skills and communication skills
• Independently motivated and detail-oriented with good problem-solving ability