Sr. Scientist I, Vector Production, Viral Vector Product Development

This is what you will do:

This position will play a key role in Alexion’s Viral Vector Product Development, Vector Production team, interacting with internal teams within the Genomic Medicine and Product Development Clinical Supply groups. The Senior Scientist will be responsible for supporting both upstream and downstream AAV manufacturing.

You will be responsible for:

• Leading AAV upstream manufacturing including but not limited to cell culture, transfection, and harvest for mid-large scale bioreactors
• Establishing rapid and robust testing methods for optimization of the upstream processes
• Directing downstream AAV purification via chromatography-based methods
• Assessing upstream & downstream processes for improvement in yields/recoveries as well as ways to boost overall quality
• Championing creative process improvement initiatives
• Developing small-scale high-throughput processes to generate high quality material for early screening and development work
• Advanceing new/innovative process adaptations to facilitate production of novel products
• Leading technical projects and routinely managing the work of others to facilitate technical milestone deliverables.
• Presenting data and findings to diverse groups both internally and externally facing
• Providing innovative and ambitious solutions to challenges
• Supporting the authoring of regulatory documents, technical protocols, reports, and peer-reviewed external journal articles; presenting scientific findings at scientific conferences
• Staying up to date in current developments in the AAV manufacturing field
• Maintaining digital laboratory notebooks with proper documentation

You will need to have:

Qualifications / Training & Education

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, or a relevant field with 3-4yrs experience or Master’s degree with 2-3yrs experience
• Strong understanding of Good Laboratory Practices for bioprocessing, manufacturing & analytics

Knowledge & Experience

• Strong track record of building successful relationships with supervisors, peers, suppliers, customers, partners and stakeholders
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work well with multiple individuals.
• Ability to work on several projects simultaneously and to switch focus as needed
• Aptitude in keeping accurate and organized records

Technical Competencies

• Technical proficiency with laboratory automation and high throughput technologies: such as AKTA Avant, AKTA Pilot, AMBR250, TECAN, etc.
• Proficiency with large scale bioreactors (50L to 500L)
• Expertise in chromatography-based purification
• Robust molecular/microbiology skills
• Expertise in aseptic technique
• Track record of prioritizing multiple, complex, high priority tasks and ensuring timely delivery to meet project needs
• A strong attention to detail
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office products, especially with Microsoft Excel
• The duties of this role are generally conducted in a lab environment.  As is typical of a lab-based role, employees must be able, with or without an accommodation to: lift 15 pounds unassisted; work comfortably in a controlled environment with and around biological, infectious, and hazardous materials; gown/degown PPE; use a computer; engage in communications via phone, video, and electronic messaging; engage in problem solving and non-linear thought, analysis, and dialogue; collaborate with others; maintain general availability during standard business hours.

We would prefer for you to have:

• Proven track record and expertise with AAV process development and troubleshooting (upstream & downstream)
• Knowledge and the use of statistical analysis, multivariate data analysis and DOE.
• Demonstration of expertise in column chromatography for vector purification and filtration technologies.
• Proficiency with Unicorn software and writing methods
• Experience with analytical assays related to AAV
• Experience with packing, cleaning, and testing chromatography columns

AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.