Associate Scientist, Global Technical Development

Location

London, UK (Laboratory based- role)

Principal Scientist, Global Technical Development

Reporting to the Principal Scientist, Global Technical Development, the Associate Scientist will contribute towards laboratory-based activities supporting lentiviral vector (LVV) process development. Under supervision, the Associate Scientist will execute upstream and downstream process studies, vector analytics, and generation of high-quality technical documentation, while collaborating with cross-functional teams to support development, technology transfer, and CMC deliverables across the programmes.

• Assist in lentiviral vector (LLV) laboratory activities including preparation of materials (e.g. buffers and reagents), consumables and equipment for development studies and/or analysis.
• Support execution of upstream process (USP) (e.g. cell expansion in shake flasks and bioreactor(s), transfection, enhancement and nuclease treatment) and/or downstream process (DSP) (e.g. harvest/clarification, tangential flow filtration, chromatography and sterile filtration) experimentation under supervision.
• Assist in analysis of LVV samples generated, data compilation within relevant databases and data checking for integrity.
• Support authoring or data checking of development protocols and reports ensuring documentation quality is suitable for internal use and regulatory submission with appropriate review.

• Contribute to vector laboratory upkeep, including routine laboratory and equipment maintenance, material ordering and inventory management, in line with safety and quality standards.
• Support in authoring or review of standard operating procedures and/or risk assessments for vector equipment as and when required.

• Potentially participate in CMC vector sub-team and cross-functional activities particularly where development activities are conducted in-house.
• May be required to support CMC activities including compilation of data from batch records, generation of source documents and/or conducting DI checks.
• Other activities may be assigned.

• Experience in biotechnology/biological sciences or equivalent. Experience in cell and gene therapy is highly desirable.
• Understanding of vector manufacturing process operations including cell culture (adherent and/or suspension platforms), filtration, chromatography and tangential flow filtration operations. Practical experience in at least 2 of the above process steps is required.
• Understanding of analytical methods associated with gene therapy vectors and /or autologous gene-modified cellular therapies. Practical experience in vector analytics is highly desirable.
• Confident in performing various laboratory techniques, especially in aseptic culturing, with the ability to quickly learn and develop new practical skills.

• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Outstanding organizational skills
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Creative problem solver
• Ability to operate in a fast-paced, multi-disciplinary industrial environment

• A minimum of BSc or equivalent in bioprocessing, biological sciences, gene therapy or related subject.