Biologics Development Associate II -Viral Vector

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 allow 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 Biologics Development Associate II to add significant value to our growing pipeline projects. The Research Associate II, Viral Vector Process Development is a key talent being added to the growing Process Development team. The successful candidate will execute viral vector processes including but not limited to retroviral vector and lentiviral vectors. The incumbent will be expected to work under supervision and support 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.
• Plan and execute viral vector studies for process understanding and optimization.
• Perform planned experimental work, including but not limited to cell culture, transfection, viral transduction, cryopreservation and analytical activities associated with the projects. Interpret results and evaluate next steps in experimental design.
• Perform bioprocessing upstream and downstream activities including cell line development, bioreactors, filtration, TFF and chromatography etc.
• Organize, coordinate planed daily activities to ensure timely completion of tasks.
• Support the existing work in lab by assisting other scientists in the lab as needed.
• Maintain accurate and up to date records of cell maintenance and experimental data.
• Perform routine maintenance of lab equipment to ensure consistent performance.
• Report results to supervisor and team members; perform efficient troubleshooting in a timely manner through collaborative team efforts.
• Lead and/or assist in writing and revising technical documents including SOPs and may provide additional written or verbal technical support including protocols, slide decks and reports.
• Study and improve new skills and knowledge necessary to successfully support assigned projects.
• Maintains and order stocks lab supplies and reagents, as well as perform other lab organization duties.
• Communicates effectively with viral vector and cell therapy PD team members and analytical development team members.

Education

Requried: Bachelor's degree in a related field.

Experience

Required: Two years of relevant experience. With Master's degree, no experience required.

Preferred:

• BS with 2+ 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, such as adherent and suspension cell culture, bioreactor, harvest and clarification, chromatography, tangential flow filtration, etc.
• 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 scientists and other associates.
• Excellent judgment and creative problem-solving skills, including negotiation and conflict resolution skills

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