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Sr. Scientist, Viral Vector Process Development

Employer
University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Location
Houston, Texas
Salary
Competitive
Closing date
Jan 2, 2021

View more

Discipline
Life Sciences, Cancer Research
Organization Type
Healthcare/Hospital

Job Details

The mission of The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center is to eliminate cancer in Texas, the nation, and the world through outstanding programs that integrate patient care, research and prevention, and through education for undergraduate and graduate students, trainees, professionals, employees and the public

Therapeutics Discovery and Development

MD Anderson Cancer Center (MDACC), the largest research-based Cancer Center in the nation, is taking a unique approach in the battle against cancer. It is well-known that MDACC is home to an esteemed academic faculty that cover all aspects of cancer research, publish prolifically in leading journals and present extensively at all major conferences. In addition MD Anderson boasts a vast oncology clinic that runs more clinical trials than any other institution and has created unparalleled capabilities is cell therapy trials. In between the basic science and the translation, MDACC has created a powerful engine driving the future of new targeted, immune- and cell-based therapies: The Therapeutics Discovery and Development (TDD) Division. TDD eliminates the bottlenecks that hamper traditional drug discovery, with a multidisciplinary team of dedicated researchers, doctors, drug developers and scientific experts working together to develop small-molecule drugs, biologics and cellular therapies. Our unique structure and collaborative approach allows the team to work with agility, bringing novel medicines from concept to clinic quickly and efficiently - all under the same roof.

Biologics Product Development

Are you interested in joining an organization that is driven by research, innovation, and pushing the boundary of cancer immunotherapy?

Biologics product development group at MDACC is revolutionizing the treatment of cancer including monoclonal antibodies (mAb), autologous and allogenic cell therapies. After decades of unrealized potential, cell therapies are at the precipice of a revolution in impacting oncology treatment. To unlock the potential of these various modalities, we are investing to accelerate the preclinical and clinical development of these pipelines. One of the strategic decisions was to bring up a state-of-the-art GMP manufacturing facility with both cell therapy and viral vector capabilities. MDACC is well-positioned to play a pivotal role by bringing together world-leading innovative academic scientists, experts in industrial drug development, as well as the enabling infrastructure.

The goal of our team will be to develop industrial biologics with a commercial horizon within the innovative environment of an academic cancer center. The group will be a composite of industry veterans who are interested in applying their experience to develop innovative therapeutics and see them impact patients, as well as academics looking to turn science into products. We work in a fast-paced, milestone-driven environment with a focus on team science and interdisciplinary research. Our unique approach has created a biotech-like engine within the walls of the nation's leading cancer center to bring life-saving medicines to our patients more quickly and effectively.

Role Summary The

MDACC Biologics Product Development team is looking for a Sr. Scientist to add siginificant value to our growing pipeline projects. The Sr. Scientist, Viral Vector Process Development is a key talent reporting to the head of Process Development. The successful candidate will develop and execute viral vector processes including but not limited to retroviral vector and lentiviral vectors. The incumbent will be a key member of various project teams representing process development function. The incumbent will be expected to work independently and lead projects of viral vector development in a multidisciplinary team. The incumbent will be part of a team who defines and selects platform technologies for viral vector manufacturing.

Key Responsibilities

• Support build out of new viral vector laboratory capabilities in the PD space

• Evaluate and develop new retroviral vectors processes

• Lead development of platform Lentiviral process at clinical relavant scale

• Design, plan and execute viral vector studies for process understanding and optimization

• Lead the technology transfer of viral vector platform process that balances rigorous GMP practices with aggressive implementation of cutting edge technologies and processes to quickly bring innovative therapies to our patients.

• Produce written documents of tech transfer plans and reports.

• Be an subject matter expert for viral vector process and lead troubleshooting of processes deviations as needed.

• Maintain current knowledge of the field and introduce relavant mateirals to improve robustness and productivity of the process.

• Coordinates work with supporting staff and project counterparts.

• Communicates effectively with lab personnel, manufacturing, analytical and QC, Quality and regulatory.

• Maintain thorough accurate, legible, and organized written records.

• Produce written scientific protocols, reports and process decriptions. Prepare scientific presentations to report on the status of the work performed in the laboratory and speak in front of group of scientists.

• Interface with appropriate pharmaceutical contacts for projects in collaboration with industry partners

Education

Required: Bachelor's degree in a related field.

Preferred: Ph.D. in related scientific / engineering field

Experience:

Required: Eight years of relevant experience to include four years of supervisory or managerial experience. With Master's degree, five years of required experience to include four years of lead or supervisory experience.

Preferred:

• 5+ years of relevant experience or MS with 8+ years of relevant experience in process development of viral vectors and or other biologics modalities.

• Experience in PD laboratory operations with viral vector production preferred. Familiar with adherent and suspension cell culture, bioreactor, harvest and clarification, chromatography, tangantial flow filtration, etc.

• Strong knowledge of viral vector engineering for cell therapies such as CAR-T.

• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively in a multi-disciplinary team.

• Demonstrated strong communication skills, interpersonal skills and a superior drive for results.

• Excellent written, oral, interpersonal and presentation skills and the ability to effectively interface with senior management and staff.

• Excellent judgment and creative problem-solving skills, including negotiation and conflict resolution skills.

• Ability to operate as an effective tactical, as well as strategic thinker.

• Ability to coach and influence junior level scientists and associates.

It is the policy of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state or local laws unless such distinction is required by law. http://www.mdanderson.org/about-us/legal-and-policy/legal-statements/eeo-affirmative-action.html

Company

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston is one of the world's most respected centers focused on cancer patient care, research, education and prevention. It was named the nation's No. 1 hospital for cancer care in U.S. News & World Report's 2023 rankings. It is one of the nation's original three comprehensive cancer centers designated by the National Cancer Institute.

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