Senior Scientist, Vector Production & Process Development

ROLE SUMMARY

The selected candidate will join BioMedicine Design where we are building industry leading capabilities in research-grade manufacturing of AAV based Gene Therapies in Morrisville, NC.

Our laboratory is dedicated to the discovery and development of Gene Therapy based products and our commitment to rare disease research and to genetic medicine development is expected to be an area of tremendous growth in the coming years. The Vector Production suite at Kit Creek is is fitted with state-of-the art laboratories and equipment, providing the perfect environment for cutting-edge science and exciting projects.

This individual will be working closely with fellow R&D scientists to manufacture research grade AAV viral vectors to support AAV candidate selection for future gene therapy applications. In addition, this individual will take an active role in adapting and developing new AAV production processes to drive innovative approaches to support Pfizer's gene therapy portfolio.

The successful candidate will also engage as a team lead across units to provide scientific and strategic leadership to support gene therapy programs with guidance/recommendations as programs move through the portfolio, and assist in the evaluation of external assets.

ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES

The role will be part of a small, but expanding team, that will have the responsibility for manufacturing research grade AAV-based gene therapy vectors to support early product development and AAV candidate selection. The role will involve working with equipment necessary for small to mid-scale production of various AAV vectors. The individual must be able to conduct work with a quality mindset.

• Manufacturing of AAV or other viral vectors for the purpose of aiding in the AAV candidate selection process for gene therapy programs.
• Manufacturing AAV vectors to support R&D experimentation using shaker flasks, WAVE bioreactors, stir tank bioreactors, transfection, centrifugation, and chromatography techniques.
• Work with other Scientists and relevant teams to carry out project plans and meet timelines to support the early development of gene therapy programs
• Ensure high quality core support for projects.
• Lead efforts to modify process parameters to optimize purification of new and novel capsids
• Act as team lead for cross unit support in gene therapy portfolio development
• Work in a multifunctional team to provide scientific and strategic input to evaluate data packages for external assets
• Establish SOP's specific to the manufacturing job roles and activities to ensure consistency.
• Must ensure detailed lab notebooks are part of daily activities
• Maintain laboratory in accordance with GLP-like practices.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's Degree with 6+ years of experience, Master's Degree with 4+ years of experience within a laboratory setting or equivalent experience in Biological Sciences, Biochemical engineering or a related fields.
• Demonstrated history of successful troubleshooting of upstream process parameters with respect to new and novel capsids is required
• Demonstrated history of successful troubleshooting and experimental design especially with regards to resin selection and chromatography techniques for purification of capsids is required
• Extensive experience in the culture of mammalian cell lines and microbial cells either in suspension system is essential
• Prior work with WAVE and stir tank bioreactors and downstream process equipment specifically IEX chromatography is essential
• Understanding CL2 safety requirements, practice of good sterile techniques, and prior work experience with viruses and mammalian cells including HEK293, is essential
• Ability to develop and follow detailed SOPs
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to assemble and communicate scientific data clearly and efficiently

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience in AAV capsid biology preferred
• Experience with a variety of basic molecular biology techniques, such as cloning, western blots/Elisa, assay development etc is preferred

Other Job Details:

• Last Date to Apply for Job: July 2, 2021
• Eligible for Employee Referral: Yes

#LI-PFE

Sunshine Act

Pfizer reports payments and other transfers of value to health care providers as required by federal and state transparency laws and implementing regulations. These laws and regulations require Pfizer to provide government agencies with information such as a health care provider's name, address and the type of payments or other value received, generally for public disclosure. Subject to further legal review and statutory or regulatory clarification, which Pfizer intends to pursue, reimbursement of recruiting expenses for licensed physicians may constitute a reportable transfer of value under the federal transparency law commonly known as the Sunshine Act. Therefore, if you are a licensed physician who incurs recruiting expenses as a result of interviewing with Pfizer that we pay or reimburse, your name, address and the amount of payments made currently will be reported to the government. If you have questions regarding this matter, please do not hesitate to contact your Talent Acquisition representative.

EEO & Employment Eligibility

Pfizer is committed to equal opportunity in the terms and conditions of employment for all employees and job applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, gender identity or gender expression, national origin, disability or veteran status. Pfizer also complies with all applicable national, state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements of the Immigration and Nationality Act and IRCA. Pfizer is an E-Verify employer.

Research and Development

#LI-PFE