The Gene Therapy Accelerator Unit (GTxAU) at Biogen is seeking a committed, enthusiastic, and dependable scientist to contribute to the generation of gene therapy laboratory and clinical candidates for neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory diseases.

The Associate Scientist II/III, Gene Therapy - Vector Production will work collaboratively with a cross-functional team and have high growth potential. The incumbent will be part of a team focused on cargo/AAV packaging, vector purification, and characterization for in vitro and in vivo testing. The ideal candidate should have extensive experience in mammalian cell culture, cell line engineering, protein/viral vector purification, and biochemical/biophysical assays. The individual should be able to design, execute, and analyze in vitro experiments independently with strong scientific rigor. The ideal candidate should also maintain an up-to-date knowledge of pertinent literature and possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills to efficiently present results to project team members.

Responsibilities

• AAV packaging using triple transfection or producer cell lines to support internal research
• AAV purification using ultracentrifugation and protein chromatography
• AAV vector characterization by adapting existing protocols, including titering assay by ddPCR, genome integrity assay, empty/full particle ratio assay, endotoxin assay, residual DNA and protein assays
• Maintain constant awareness of novel biochemical and biophysical technologies for AAV purification and characterization
• Work as a liaison between GTxAU and the upstream and downstream process teams
• Establish SOPs and adapt new protocols from literature
• Manage external CROs for plasmid or vector production
• Maintain electronic laboratory notebooks, present data to the team, and write study reports

#LI-SK1

• 3+ years of experience in biotech/pharmaceutical industry or academic setting
• Strong skillsets in mammalian cell culture and cell line engineering
• Hands-on experience with protein or viral vector purification techniques (Ultracentrifugation and chromatography)
• Hands-on experience with molecular biology techniques (cloning, qPCR, ddPCR, DNA gel electrophoresis, SDS-PAGE, WB, ELISA, etc.)
• Ability to independently design, execute, and analyze in vitro molecular biology experiments
• Critical thinking and presentation skills a must
• Strong communication and organizational skills 
• Ability to productively collaborate in cross-function teams

Preferred:

• Hands-on experience with AAV and/or other gene therapy delivery systems 
• Hands-on experience with AUC
• Previous research experience in neuroscience/neurological disorders  

Education:

• BS or MS in scientific field (biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, etc.)

The Gene Therapy Accelerator Unit (GTxAU) at Biogen is seeking a committed, enthusiastic, and dependable scientist to contribute to the generation of gene therapy laboratory and clinical candidates for neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory diseases.