They possess a well-funded, state of the art, London facility which has recently developed an end-to-end suspension based transient transfection manufacturing process for AAV and is now using these capabilities to support rapid ATMP growth within the UK. The Lead Scientist will provide leadership and a depth of expertise in the process, analytical and manufacturing development of cell and gene therapies, with particular emphasis on viral vectors. The Lead Scientist will take full responsibility for day-to-day management, planning and execution of development programmes with a particular emphasis on Adeno Associated Virus and Lenti Virus.
On offer for the Lead Scientist is a competitive salary and benefits package which can be disclosed upon application.
The responsibilities of the Lead Scientist will include:
- Through their extensive technical knowledge of Viral Vector manufacturing technology and biology, the post holder will support the Leadership team with developing and delivering viral vector process development strategy.
- To maintain and enhance contemporary knowledge of the cell and gene therapy field and translate this knowledge into the team’s Research and Development program and project strategy.
- Lead and work closely with all relevant internal and external stakeholders to ensure successful scoping of development programmes to support the UK cell and gene therapy industry.
- Deliver viral vector development projects through technical oversight, working with other subject matter experts to generate and review experimental design and execution.
- Through alignment with operational objectives, ensure the group’s laboratories are a safe working environment and that they are equipped and operated to high quality and efficiency standards utilising the quality management system procedures and eLN for data capture.
Experience required to be the successful Lead Scientist:
- Relevant Life Sciences PhD with a minimum 5+ years working within in the cell and gene therapy field is essential.
- Proven Virology expertise and experience of viral vectors used in the ex vivo and in vivo modification of products is essential.
- The use of in-depth knowledge of viral vector biology and associated bioprocessing to enable the delivery of robust and industrial closed GMP ready processes is essential.
- Substantial peer-reviewed publications and/or patents that demonstrate research productivity and the ability to perform cutting edge research is desirable.
- Understanding of CMC requirements for the manufacture of cell therapies or biologics would be beneficial.
- Experience of upstream bioprocessing of mammalian cell lines and viral vectors including viral vector biology and cell line development is essential.
- Experience of chromatography, filtration and other separation / purification techniques, formulation and fill is desirable.
- Understanding of molecular and protein based analytical techniques such as flow cytometry, PCR and cell-based functional assays suitable for use as characterisation, in-process controls and release methods is essential.
- Use of DoE within process or analytical development is desirable.
- Experience of tech transfer to/from commercial and research organisations is desirable.
- Experience in the presentation of data, strategy and novel developments to external stakeholders at conferences, webinars and workshops is essential.
- Experience in QMS and use of eLN desirable.
- Highly motivated, pragmatic and practical to support the mission accelerating the development of a commercial cell and gene-based therapy industry in the UK
- Keeps up to date with professional knowledge of the viral vector industrialisation and bioprocessing field
- Willingness to travel to other facilities, collaborators and international conferences.