Liver Immunology Lead

Primary Duties

As a member of the Immunology Team in the Research and Technology Department, the Liver Immunology Lead directs a group of scientists. S/he is responsible for studying the immune response to liver-directed AAV gene transfer, development of novel immunosupressive treatments and animal models of the immune response to the AAV-based therapies. The Liver Immunology Lead is accountable for the coordination of the research projects with the actual needs of the liver-directed AAV gene therapy programs in clinical and pre-clinical development, presenting findings at the internal and external meetings, oversight of the CRO activities and scientific research agreements. In the partnership with liver program development teams, s/he supports immunogenicity risk assessment, preclinical and clinical immunomonitoring design and interpretation of the clinical immune readouts. S/he ensures that the work of his team is compliant with the internal Spark policies.

Responsibilities

• Assumes responsibility for strategic planning, execution, and reporting of research work in alignment with the Liver therapeutic area, Clinical Development and Scientific Advisory Committee.
• In the partnership with liver program development teams, supports immunogenicity risk assessment, preclinical and clinical immunomonitoring design and interpretation of the clinical immune readouts.
• Develops novel immune assays.
• Oversees CRO and SRA management for outsourced research.
• Keep abreast of new scientific/technology development by participating in scientific meetings/seminars and through regular scientific review.

• Manage performance. Ensure every team member knows what is expected of them, what it takes to be successful, and how they are progressing. Provide team members with continuous and on-going performance feedback. Hold everyone accountable to achieve results while demonstrating the Spark Values. Help team members understand how their work contributes to the overall success of Spark by periodically reviewing individual objectives to ensure alignment to corporate and functional objectives, making adjustments if priorities have shifted.
• Develop team members. Help employees effectively assimilate to Spark and continually grow through challenging experiences so they can realize their full potential. Understand your employee’s goals, strengths and motivators. Partner with your employees to identify areas for development, conduct coaching conversations regularly and provide guidance on ways to develop through on the job experiential learning, social networks and development opportunities.
• Lead by example. Create an environment where team members thrive in our Culture by living our truths, always in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Emphasize to employees that “how” they achieve performance objectives is just as important as “what” they accomplish.

Education and Experience Requirements

• Ph.D. in Immunology or related field required and at least 4 years of relevant post degree experience
• Previous experience as a team leader
• A solid publication track record
• A strong background in immunology and AAV gene therapy

Key Skills, Abilities, and Competencies

• A strong background in immunology and AAV gene therapy supported by the publication record.
• Excellent communication skills, masters powerpoint presentations, can explain complex concepts to a broad audience, comfortable with work in a bigger cross-functional team.
• Self-motivated, energetic leader, an ally and mentor of team members.
• Familiarity with the IND enabling studies regulatory requirements for gene therapy programs 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.

Spark Therapeutics does not accept unsolicited resumes/candidate profiles from any source other than directly from candidates. Any unsolicited resume/candidate profile submitted through our website or to personal email accounts of employees of Spark Therapeutics are considered property of Spark Therapeutics and are not subject to payment of agency fees.

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.