| Title: | Associate Scientist / Scientist, Upstream Process Development - AAV Gene Based Therapy |
|---|---|
| ID: | 1026 |
| Location: | Philadelphia, PA |
| Department: | N/A |
About SwanBio Therapeutics
SwanBio is a privately held, newly established biotechnology company focused on the discovery and development of innovative gene therapy products for the treatment of central nervous system (CNS) disorders and diseases. SwanBio has a deeply experienced leadership team and is building an open, innovative culture that trusts its people, processes and science to deliver scientific, clinical and business success. SwanBio’s lead investor is Syncona, a premiere investment partner focused on building companies delivering transformational healthcare treatments. Syncona has a deep pool of capital and they are established leaders in the development of genetic medicine. In particular, they present a legacy of success in long term investment strategies for companies in the Gene and Cell Therapy space. Our goal is to become a world-leader in treating neurodegenerative diseases. With locations in Philadelphia and Boston, the SwanBio Team is building a strong pipeline of gene therapy development programs with a directed focus on critical unmet medical needs for CNS diseases. SwanBio offers all team members both competitive compensation and benefits.
The Opportunity
We are seeking a collaborative and highly technically motivated Scientist with upstream process development experience to join our process development group. Under the direction of the group leader, the individual will be responsible for planning and executing lab-scale cell culture experiments, developing robust, efficient, scalable cell culture processes, participating in the manufacture of cGMP clinical bulks, and transferring processes to clinical or commercial manufacturing facilities for AAV-based gene therapy drug products. The scope may include lab-scale cell culture, process development and optimization, technology transfer to manufacturing, and functioning as a key member of a process development team.
Key Responsibilities
In this role you will:
- Plan and perform experiments to improve AAV product yield in the process development and optimization using suspension cell culture systems, such as shake flasks, AMBR systems, and small-scale bioreactors;
- Evaluate small-scale cell culture experiments to develop and validate scale-down process model supporting production-scale bioreactor optimization;
- Analyze and interpret experimental results to suggest changes or additional experiments to improve AAV production yield with the process robustness and/or reproducibility;
- Design and execute protocols, assembling data and drafting appropriate technical documentation including SOPs and Process Development Reports;
- Support and assist in technology transfer activities at CDMOs/CROs
Basic Requirements:
- BS or MS in Chemical / Biomedical engineering or Biotechnology or a related scientific discipline and 2+ years of work experience in a research and/or development environment;
- Strong skills with mammalian cell culture
- Hands on experience in upstream bioprocess unit operations including shaker flasks, AMBR15/250, and/or small-scale bioreactors preferred;
- Experience with viral vector production preferred;
- Strong capability in experimental design and data analysis, with a proven record of troubleshooting;
- Knowledge of current GMPs as they apply to quality control laboratory practices highly desired;
- Ability to collaborate with others while maintaining a strong capability in independent, critical thought;
- Ability to clearly communicate scientific information in both written and oral settings;
- Ability to travel to support technology transfer as needed;
- Ability to work occasional off-hour and weekends
Skills:
- Excellent writing and verbal communication skills
- Strong interpersonal and organizational skills
- Excellent problem-solving ability
- Ability to multi-task
- Strong collaboration and team-working skills
- Possess a mind-set of no job too big or too small
About the Benefits:
The successful candidate will enjoy a competitive base salary and the opportunity to participate in incentive compensation programs including bonus and stock option plans. Additionally, SwanBio Therapeutics offers all team members a comprehensive benefits program including medical, dental, vision care, 401(k), paid vacation and holiday time.
SwanBio Therapeutics is an equal opportunity employer
