(Scientist/Senior Scientist level dependent on candidate's experience)
Responsible to:VP Research or Chief Scientific
Officer
Role
To lead the development of gene
delivery systems, including viral and non-viral platforms, to engineer T and
NKT cells for the treatment of human cancer. The successful candidate will have
in-depth expertise on retroviral, lentiviral and AAV viral vector design as
well as non-viral systems for gene. The
candidate will be responsible for overseeing feasibility studies to investigate
different gene delivery systems to select a platform for use in our pre-clinical
and clinical engineered cell products.
Once a system is selected, the candidate will direct studies to optimize
the platform and to help integrate it in our pipeline products. The candidate
will interface between the R&D and Manufacturing groups to facilitate
technology transfer and to help oversee vector manufacturing either in house or
through a contract organization. This position is full time and based in
Zurich, Switzerland.
Responsibilities
•Support design and implementation of
a scientific strategy for vector selection and development
•Provide expertise and hands-on bench
research for vector selection, construction, optimization, and production
•Support scale-up production for
future clinical applications
•Implement analytical assays for
vector and product characterization
•Assist in oversight/management of
outsourced vector development and production of clinical trial material
•Interact with senior management and
project managers to enable the development and technology transfer of
viral/non-viral vector processes to the manufacturing group and/or CROs
•Generate, manage, analyze and present
critical data in a highly organized manner
•Generate development protocols,
reports and SOPs to support technology development, transfer and regulatory
submissions
•Participate in the evaluation of
advanced technologies for vector bioprocessing, potential in-licensing
opportunities and identification of external collaborators
•Demonstrate accuracy and attention to
detail in data analysis and data management
•Experience working with chimeric
antigen receptors and adoptive cell therapies is highly desirable
•Industry experience in Biotech or
Pharma is highly desirable, but we will consider candidates with relevant
academic experience
Education and Experience
•PhD in biological sciences, with
post-doctoral training and research experience in the field of gene delivery
and virology
•Minimum of 2-5 years' previous experience or equivalent experience working in the development of cell and gene therapies using viral and/or non-viral vectors, preferably in an industry setting
•Experience in molecular biology, gene
editing and gene delivery is required
•Experience with upstream and
downstream bioprocessing of vectors and cell line development
•Familiarity working with GMP
regulations to manufacture viral vectors and/or other gene delivery systems for
cellular therapies
•Experience in the development of
analytical assays suitable for vector characterization and QC release of
engineered cell products
•Experience in tech transfer to/from
commercial and research organizations is desirable
•Experience in writing and carrying
out GMP production protocols is desirable
Personal Attributes
•Highly motivated and ability to work
effectively both independently and as part of a multi-disciplinary team
•High integrity standards and ability
to think innovatively
•Team and product candidate oriented,
pro-active in sharing information with others
•Strong planning and organizational
skills
•Dependable and meets commitments on
time
•Quality and detail oriented with high
standards
•Well-developed verbal and written
communication skills
•Strong listening skills
•Excellent verbal and written English
language is essential