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Vector Optimization Research Lead

Employer
Spark Therapeutics
Location
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Hybrid and remote options available for select opportunities.
Salary
Salary not provided
Closing date
Oct 1, 2022

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Discipline
Health Sciences, Drug Development
Job Type
Research Scientist
Organization Type
All Industry, Pharma

Job Details

Primary Duties

The Vector Optimization Research Lead will manage one or more Vector Optimization programs within the Discovery Research group under Research. He/she will be responsible for:

  • Operational management and strategic planning of DNA sequence optimization studies from library design through to proof-of-technical principle for specific Vector Optimization programs, providing leadership within in a group of scientists/research associates.
  • Lead innovative efforts to on-board new technologies, such as genome editing or programmable epigenetic regulators
  • Initiation and active oversight of joint programs with external collaborators.
  • Establishing and managing project timelines and ensuring work is completed according to schedule.
  • Training and developing staff at varying levels of experience.
  • Writing and reviewing documents to support regulatory filings, manuscripts, and present results at appropriate scientific meetings.

The Vector Optimization Research Lead position requires extensive experience with control of gene expression and delivery of gene therapies, including:

  • In-depth familiarity with the molecular architecture of non-coding regulatory elements such as promoters and enhancers, optimization of transcription factor binding sites, DNA barcoding, and the application of of molecular, cellular and in vitro/in vivo techniques for screening for transcriptional potency and tissue-specificity.
  • Experience in the application of miRNAs and other regulatory RNAs to control gene expression.
  • Ability to design and interpret -omics studies such as RNA-seq, ATAC-seq, and ChIP-seq.
  • Proficiency with the design and use of genome editing tools.
  • Subject matter expertise in nucleic acid delivery and high-throughput screening is preferred.
  • Track record of performing technology assessments and due diligence efforts in an industry setting is preferred.
Responsibilities

  • Manage a team of scientists to execute Discovery programs from conceptual stages through proof-of-technical principle. Mentor and develop staff. Ensure individual goals and objectives are aligned to departmental and organizational goals and objectives.
  • Identify and validate new technologies or approaches to gene expression cassette optimization. Design and trouble-shoot experiments based on personal experience and literature review. Prepare and deliver scientific presentations at internal and external meetings.
  • Preparing study reports.
  • Prioritize projects, plan workload, manage resource and personnel scheduling.
  • Benchside training of scientists in specialized techniques and/or methodology harmonization within Discovery
Education and Experience Requirements

  • Ph.D. in relevant scientific discipline (e.g. cell, molecular, or synthetic biology, biochemistry, etc.)
  • Typically has between 5-7 years of hands-on experience in the field of gene therapy.
  • Previous management or supervisory experience strongly preferred.
Key Skills, Abilities, and Competencies

  • Hands-on research experience, ideally with AAV-based gene therapies
  • Strong organizational skills, including use of electronic notebooks.
  • Experience with studies in laboratory animals.
  • Familiarity with translational research
  • Excellent communication skills (both oral and written)
  • Previous management experience preferred, but not required.
  • Strong analytical skills and problem-solving capabilities
  • Strong publication record is a plus.
  • Experience managing external collaborations is a plus.

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.

Learn more about Spark Therapeutics and view other openings.

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.

Company info
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