Sr./Principal Scientist, Downstream Process Development

The field of gene therapy is growing rapidly and Genezen is here to meet the exacting needs of our clients. We provide process development, produce GMP viral vectors, and provide cell transduction for gene and cell therapy clinical trials and are proud to be a part of the process that leads to new cures. 

WORKING AT GENEZEN

Many people have worked in environments where you feel like just another nameless part of an enormous machine. Genezen is different. We want our employees to be innovative, collaborative problem solvers who are dedicated to meeting the challenges of working at a fast-growing company. We are dedicated to empowering our employees to be their best and making Genezen a rewarding place to work. Every employee contributes to the success of the company and you can be part of that team.

JOB SUMMARY

The Sr/Principal Scientist, DSP will direct the development and establishment of processes in Process Development.  This individual is accountable for developing a scalable platform for viral vector production processes that minimizes the risk during Process Development to GMP scale-up. The individual will provide technical expertise and leadership in science & technology and requires close collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Accountable for supporting the establishment of downstream vector platform from small scale through intermediate scale (50L) for adeno-associated virus, lentiviral and retroviral vector processes.
• Monitoring and reporting on process performance, identifying opportunities, and implementing changes to improve process, product safety, and product quality.
• Support process optimization efforts leading to increases in process robustness, cost reduction and improvements in viral yield and purity.
• Design and execute experiments independently: accurately record, analyze, and communicate data to senior management and team members.
• Frequently communicate with external clients to design experiments and report out on generated data
• Maintain open communication via one-on-one and team meetings.
• Stay current with relevant technologies and client/industry including identifying new approaches.
• Perform and lead single-use system design manifold, selection, implementation, configurations in between Upstream bioreactor and downstream unit operations and control strategies.
• Develop appropriate and detailed SOP and BPR for downstream processes including equipment and system use
• Responsible for the process transfer from/to clients and to in-house manufacturing team(s).
• Maintain external technical relationships and collaborate with equipment and material suppliers.
• Serve as process SME for client-facing and internal programs.
• Ensure safe working environment and compliance with OSHA, EHS, Quality, and cGMP procedures and policies within the assigned functional area.

SPECIAL JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Adaptability required as work schedule may change based on business needs
• Criminal background check required
• Other duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

EDUCATION / CERTIFICATIONS / LICENSES

Essential/Desired

BS or MS in biological engineering

Desired

ON-THE-JOB EXPERIENCE

 

2-8+ years of relevant industry experience

Essential

Solid foundation in the fundamentals of biochemical engineering, virology and cell biology

Essential

Experience with industry standard chromatography and filtration methods

Essential

Ability to hypothesize and drive key experiments for internal and external programs

Essential

Entrepreneurial experience dealing with customers in product development

Desired

Pharmaceutical industry experience in technical support of cGMP manufacturing and/or process development, including experience with Contract Development and Manufacturing Organizations

Desired

Experience with cell culture technologies, molecular biology, upstream processing, and aseptic processing

Desired

Understanding of analytical assays used in the characterization of biologics

Desired

SKILLS / ABILITIES

 

Working knowledge of AKTAs and UNICORN software

Essential

Familiar with tangential flow filtration skids

Desired

Ability to interface successfully with multi-disciplined teams.  

Desired

Extremely detail-oriented with strong technical skills & mechanically inclined/knowledge of hand tools

Desired

PAY RANGE
The annual salary range for this position is $120,000-$170,000.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to meet the following physical demands:

Work Environment 

• Frequently required to work in a BSL 2 environment with personal protective equipment/aseptic gowning.
• Regularly required to work around large machinery and typical utilities seen in pharmaceutical facilities.
• Occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts; high, precarious places; toxic or caustic chemicals; hazardous waste; and risk of electrical shock.
• Occasionally exposed to extremely loud noise levels
• Spending time on the floor during activity execution (maintenance, construction, commissioning and qualification) is required.

Movement

• Frequently required to stand; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms.
• Occasionally required to walk; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

Lifting

• Frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

Vision

• Frequently utilize close vision and the ability to adjust focus

Communication

• Frequently required to communicate by talking, hearing, using telephone and e-mail

Pay Range:
The annual salary range for this position is $100,000-$130,000.

GENEZEN'S CURES VALUE-BASED COMPETENCIES

Committed to Science
We are committed to scientific excellence, staying current with industry developments, making data-driven decisions, and pursuing innovation to advance healthcare.

Urgency in action for the patients
We operate with urgency and a commitment to delivering timely treatments to patients by accelerating our partners' programs.

Resilience & Grit in operations
We are committed to overcoming challenges, learning from failures, and persistently striving for success. 

Execute with Excellence & Integrity
We are dedicated to delivering quality results and upholding ethical principals.

Solutions driven for our partners
We are committed to being a proactive, collaborative, creative and open-minded partner.

GENEZEN'S BENEFITS

• Paid vacation days, amount based on tenure
• Paid sick time
• 10 observed holidays + 2 floating holiday + 1 volunteer day
• 401(k) plan with company match up to 6% of salary, vested immediately
• Share Appreciation Rights
• Choice of several healthcare plans
• FSA and HSA programs
• Dental & vision care
• Employer-paid basic term life/personal accident insurance
• Voluntary disability, universal life/personal accident insurance
• Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance

ADDITIONAL DETAILS

• Nothing in the job description for this role restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
• This position requires a criminal background check.
• Genezen is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
• Genezen participates in EVerify.
• Genezen is interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States; however, we are not able to sponsor visas.

Genezen has operates two locations: one in Fishers, Indiana and the second in Lexington, Massachusetts. 

Fishers is a suburb of Indianapolis. Fishers was named the #1 place to live in the US by Money Magazine in 2017 for its livability, safety and entrepreneurship. Fishers is one of the fastest growing communities in Indiana and is dedicated to supporting a high quality of life for all its residents. Nearby Indianapolis is home to professional and college sports teams, the Indy 500, a growing art community and the world’s largest children’s museum--to name just a few reasons why this area is a great place to live.

Lexington, Massachusetts, located just northwest of Boston, is renowned as a historic suburb with a rich cultural heritage. It boasts picturesque New England charm, tree-lined streets, and a vibrant community. Known for its pivotal role in the American Revolution, Lexington offers visitors and residents alike a blend of historical landmarks, modern amenities, and a strong sense of community pride.