Senior Scientist – Viral Vector Product Upstream Process Development

JOB DESCRIPTION

Department: Process Development/CMC                                          

Reports to: Group Leader – Upstream Process Development

Direct Reports: N/A                                     

MAIN PURPOSE OF JOB                                                                                                                         

We are seeking an ambitious, highly motivated and experienced Upstream (USP) Senior Scientist/Process Engineer to join our team. This is a role where you will be able to apply your experience in a cutting-edge environment working for a growing company in an innovative environment. This is an exciting opportunity for a talented scientist to take a leading role in the development of novel viral vector products.

We are looking for an individual who is a self-starter, will thrive in a start-up environment, be able to coach and motivate, be able to innovate and relish the sense of accomplishment each day brings in our exciting company.

This position is based at Evox Therapeutics facility at the Oxford Science Park, Oxford, UK and reports to the Group Leader Upstream Process Development.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Define, design, and execute experiments to develop and optimise mammalian cell culture batch and fed batch processes for novel viral vector products.
• Apply statistical approaches for process optimisation (DoE, QbD) at small scale and translation of small-scale results to process scale-up.
• Scale up of upstream processes (10-200L) to confirm process performance.
• Generate harvest material for purification by the downstream development group.
• Support technology transfer activities for clinical manufacturing.
• Ensure that all experimental and analytical data is documented following data integrity principles.
• Work collaboratively with Research, Cell Line Development, Downstream Process Development, Research Manufacturing and Quality to develop and establish new techniques and recommend alternative approaches and potential solutions to upstream process development issues.
• Ensure a healthy and safe working environment and compliance to GMO/ACDP requirements.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Education and Qualifications:

• PhD or BSc/MSc in Cell Biology, Virology or Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, Biological Sciences, Biochemical Engineering with a viral vector focus, e.g., AAV, LVV, AV.

A highly motivated and ambitious scientist with:

• Ability to work independently.
• Good conceptual, analytical thinking, problem solving, and organisational skills.
• Ability to work in a high paced team environment, meet deadlines, and prioritise work from multiple projects.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with demonstrated ability to work within a team environment.
• Ability to balance multiple priorities and projects at the same time and be able to change priorities as needed by the business.

Experience & knowledge

• PhD with relevant industrial laboratory experience in viral product, e.g., AAV, LVV or AV process development or BSc/MSc with 7+ years direct industrial laboratory experience as above.
• Significant industry experience in mammalian suspension cell culture: batch and fed-batch process development, transient transfection, optimisation and scale up gained through the development of viral products.
• Experienced in basal medium and feed development, control, and optimisation.
• Experienced in developing upstream process control strategies.
• Understanding and experience of development and establishment of in-process analytical methods as applied to mammalian cell culture processes producing viral vector products.

KEY BEHAVIOURAL ATTRIBUTES – ALL STAFF

People with Purpose – We are innovative and creative in the way we work and deliver. We treat each other with respect and dignity and work collaboratively to learn from each other’s strengths.

Driven to Deliver – We strive to deliver our objectives, and then look for our next challenge. We recognise our achievements and celebrate our successes.

Agile and Accountable – We respond to challenges impacting our progress and find creative and innovative solutions to overcome obstacles. We are brave and not afraid to change our approach to achieve a positive outcome in optimum time.

Candid and Constructive – We communicate with honesty and transparency throughout the team.  We value giving and receiving constructive feedback to each other and our partners.