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HT Analytical Research Associate

Employer
Spark Therapeutics
Location
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Hybrid and remote options available for select opportunities.
Salary
Salary not provided
Closing date
May 13, 2022

Job Details

The high throughput (HT) assay function within the Technical Development department is seeking a highly motivated, detail-oriented analytical scientist to support routine automated testing of gene therapy development samples.

As a member of the HT assay team, the successful candidate will support routine testing of various analytical workflows – including associated activities such as reagent preparation, sample handling, data analysis, experiment documentation, and inventory management of lab reagents and consumables supplies – to support process and drug product development of gene therapy programs. The candidate will also work closely with the lab automation team to execute appropriate routine maintenance methods and verification/calibration of laboratory equipment.

Essential to this role are strong organizational and time-management skills, with an attention to detail. Direct experience in performing bioanalytical assays (such as qPCR, dPCR, mix-and-read biochemical assays, cell-based assays, and/or immunoassays) is required. Experience performing cell-based potency assays and qPCR/ddPCR will be considered favorably, as will experience with laboratory automation.

Primary responsibilities include.

  • Execute routine analytical testing either manually or on automated liquid handlers according to laboratory protocols, including qPCR/dPCR, immunoassays, and cell-based methods.
  • Under supervision of a group lead, coordinate testing schedule and associated activities for the HT testing team, and perform second scientist data reviews.
  • Support maintenance and verification/calibration of laboratory equipment in collaboration with the lab automation team.
  • Prepare assay reagents, maintain reagent and consumables inventory, and order lab supplies.
  • Maintain good notebook documentation, perform data analysis, close-out experiments in a timely manner, monitor assay performance, and complete results and qualification reports.
  • Support automation scientists in the automation and/or development of HT assays to support gene therapies, as needed.

Key job responsibilities include but are not limited to those described below.

Responsibilities

Execute routine analytical testing on automated liquid handlers for various HT assays according to laboratory protocols including associated activities such as data analysis, sample and reagent preparation, and inventory management. Document and maintain lab notebooks and communicate work through results reports.

Support group lead in coordination of testing schedule, review data from other analysts, and help train new operators.

Support automation scientists in the development, automation, and qualification of HT assays.

Education and Experience Requirements

  • Minimum BS in engineering or life science discipline required, generally with 3+ years of experience in bioanalytical testing.
  • Hands-on experience in at least one of the following methods is required: ELISA/immunoassays, qPCR/ddPCR, and/or cell-based potency assays.
  • Experience working in a HT analytical lab and experience operating automated liquid handlers (e.g., Tecan, Hamilton, Beckman, Dynamic Devices) will be considered favorably.
  • Experience in the analytical testing of large biomolecules (e.g. protein, nucleic acid, viral vector, virus, LNP) is preferred.

Key Skills, Abilities, and Competencies

  • General scientific knowledge of cell and molecular biology, biochemistry, and related analytical methods.
  • Ability to effectively execute analytical protocols and perform data analysis.
  • Ability to learn new techniques and work independently after training
  • Capable of performing multiple tasks simultaneously
  • Detail-oriented, with strong organizational and record-keeping skills
  • Communicate and collaborate effectively in team setting
  • Ability to propose solutions to lab issues and improve lab efficiency

Complexity and Problem Solving

  • Ability to carefully execute experiments independently, analyze data, and learn new techniques.
  • Comfortable in a fast-paced, high throughput lab environment, with ability to adjust quickly to changing needs of business.
  • Able to troubleshoot problems of moderate complexity

Internal and External Contacts

  • Work closely with Lab Automation for execution of automated testing workflows and for issues with automation equipment.
  • Collaborate with functional area stakeholders to coordinate testing, provide updates, and deliver results on time.
Other Job Requirements

  • Position is a lab-based role and therefore requires the candidate to be on site the majority (> 80%) of time and to wear PPE as required by lab SOPs.
  • Due to the inherent nature of experimental work, some extended hours / weekend work may be needed on occasion.
  • Must be able to lift 25 pounds.

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.

Company

At Spark Therapeutics, a fully integrated, commercial company committed to discovering, developing and delivering gene therapies, we challenge the inevitability of genetic diseases, including blindness, hemophilia, lysosomal storage disorders and neurodegenerative diseases.

Founded in March 2013 as a result of the technology and know-how accumulated over two decades at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), our investigational therapies have the potential to provide long-lasting effects, dramatically and positively changing the lives of patients with conditions where no, or only palliative, therapies exist. Greater understanding of the human genome and genetic abnormalities have allowed our scientists to tailor investigational therapies to patients suffering from very specific genetic diseases. This approach holds great promise in developing effective treatments to a host of inherited diseases. Our initial focus is on treating orphan diseases.

Headquartered in dynamic Philadelphia, we are a diverse, experienced team united in our goal to break down barriers for people and families affected by genetic diseases. As our name suggests, our investigational, one-time therapies are designed to spark healthy biology, and deliver potentially life-altering transformation for people and families affected by genetic disease. Spark is a member of the Roche Group.

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