Sr. Scientist - Discovery

The Senior Research Scientist is a key member of the Discovery Team that participates in the development of Spark’s gene therapy platform, identifying novel delivery approaches with improved safety and efficacy profiles.

He/she will be responsible for:

• Creating and developing novel approaches to optimize delivery, immunogenicity, potency, and durability of gene therapy vectors.

• Participating in and/or overseeing discovery projects in support of current and future discovery programs.

• Designing, constructing, and evaluating optimized vectors for gene therapy. Conceive and support in vitro/in vivo studies to assess cellular and molecular mechanisms regulating vector delivery, safety, and efficacy.

• Developing assays and analyzing data independently. Summarizing and communicating scientific findings in the form of study reports, presentations to senior leadership, peer-reviewed manuscripts, and oral/poster presentations.

• Initiating and managing joint programs and collaborations with external parties.

Responsibilities

Design and construct novel vectors in support of new and existing Discovery programs. Execute bench experiments to assess delivery, efficacy, and safety performance of produced vectors. Extensive literature review, champion new gene delivery approaches from ideation to proof of biology experiments.

Design experiments, organize, discuss, and record experimental data.

Generate technical reports, prepare presentation slides, generate novel concepts.

Trainings, lab meetings and administration work.

Education and Experience Requirements

• Typically has a PhD degree in a relevant life sciences field such as cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, immunology, virology, or genetics/genomics.

• 3 to 5 years of post-degree research experience. Academic post-doctoral or industry experience is preferred.

• Subject matter expert in the fields of gene/protein engineering, and intracellular trafficking. Experience with AAV vectors is strongly preferred.

• Experience in general and advanced lab techniques including molecular cloning, plasmid design and construction, qPCR, cell culture, SDS-PAGE/western blotting, confocal microscopy, and cell fractionation protein analysis.

• Proven ability to work independently in hands-on laboratory setting, self-motivated to learn and develop new techniques, perform multiple tasks simultaneously, keep accurate records, follow instructions, and comply with company policies.

• Experience with design and execution of in vivo/in vitro experiments, analysis, presentation, and scientific writing of data generated.

Key Skills, Abilities, and Competencies

• An ability to innovate, learn new technologies, and develop assays from the ground up.

• Strong analytical skills and problem-solving capabilities.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

• Professional commitment to performance excellence.

• Ability to mentor junior team members.

• Rigorous and conscientious, exhibiting care and thoroughness in data interpretation.

• Proactive and collaborative mindset, exhibiting an enthusiastic team attitude.

• Meticulous record keeping, documentation, and reporting of research.

• Goal-driven and strong organizational skills.

• Experience managing external collaborations is a plus.

Complexity and Problem Solving

• Develops solutions to a variety of complex problems

• May refer to established procedures and policies

• Work is performed under general direction of Lead Scientist

• Participates in determining objectives of assignment

• Plan schedules and arranges own activities in accomplishing objectives

• Complete understanding and application of principles, concepts, practices, standards

Please be aware that Spark mandates COVID-19 vaccination of all employees regardless of work location. Accommodations may be made in accordance with applicable law.

Nearest Major Market: Philadelphia

Join the Spark Team

We were born of innovation, springing from the curiosity, imagination and dedication of remarkable scientists and healthcare visionaries. Our shared mission is to challenge the inevitability of genetic disease by discovering, developing, and delivering treatments in ways unimaginable - until now.

We don't follow footsteps. We create the path.