Genomic Medicine Expression Platform Development Scientist

Job description

Genomic Medicine Expression Platform Development Scientist , Framingham, MA  

Position Overview/Department Description   

The Genomic Medicine Unit (GMU) CMC group at Sanofi is dedicated to the establishment of best in class manufacturing platforms to support development of life-changing advanced cell and gene therapy products, including recombinant AAV vectors, lentiviral vectors and cell therapy products. 

The expression platform development group is responsible for viral vector production optimization and development of next generation production platforms to support high dose therapeutic products.  The group is seeking a highly motivated scientist to join the team. The scientist will lead host engineering to drive the yield increase of Sanofi’s viral vector production platforms and contribute to cell line generation process.

We are looking for a candidate with experience in viral vector production platform knowledge and experiences in host and cell line engineering and gene editing .

Key Responsibilities:  

·  Design and conduct molecular biology, cell engineering and cell culture experiments and evaluate new technologies to increase AAV vector production from multiple platforms including HEK293 transient transfection and stable producer cell lines.
·  Design and implement novel technologies in host/cell line engineering to improve productivity and streamline the process of generating stable AAV producer cell lines.
·  Collaborate with internal and external teams, and work with vendors and suppliers to evaluate technology and improve productivity
·  Perform data analyses, write protocols, author development reports, write standard operating procedures (SOPs)
·  Develop, maintain and stay up to date on new technologies and publications in AAV vector production field to drive innovation
·  Interact with GMU research and CMC development group in implementing findings and technologies developed
·  Mentor and support junior staff and build a culture of support and collaboration
·  Occasional weekend and holiday work to support ongoing lab activities
·  May be asked to assume other department responsibilities (e.g. safety inspection)
·  Contribute to manuscript and patent writing for external publication and patent application.
·  Assist fellow lab associates in providing a functional, safe working environment while maximizing laboratory efficiency 
·  Willingness to mentor junior staff for training and understanding of process performance 

Basic Qualifications   

·  PhD in biological sciences or equivalent discipline, or Master’s degree with a minimum of 4 years relevant experience or a Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 6 years of relevant experience
·  Strong understanding of mammalian expression systems
·  Demonstrated expertise in mammalian cell line engineering including target identification, gene editing and cell line characterization
·  Advanced knowledge of principles and techniques in viral vector production
·  Aseptic skills as demonstrated by experiences in a variety of cell line maintenance and development.
·  Ability to perform viral vector titer and quality assessment using analytical assays including but not limited to qPCR/ddPCR, ELISA.
·  Ability to work in Biosafety Level 2, follow safe lab procedure and maintain good laboratory practice (GLP) 
·  Excellent oral communication skills and the ability to be a group representative in departmental and project meetings 
·  Excellent writing skills and ability to draft manuscripts for external publications

Preferred Qualifications   

·  Experience with RNAseq and metabolomics analyses
·  Knowledge of multiple expression platforms including inducible expression technologies
·  Understanding of cell biology, clone selection, cell banking, cell culture and viral vector
·  Self-directed and motivated individual and commitment to meet aggressive timelines 
·  Excellent organization and written communication skills, committed to internal documentation practices 
·  Ability to work on multiple tasks simultaneously 
·  Able to work under limited supervision and function within a collaborative/team-oriented environment  

Sanofi Inc. and its U.S. affiliates are Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employers committed to a culturally diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; creed; religion; national origin; age; ancestry; nationality; marital, domestic partnership or civil union status; sex, gender, gender identity or expression; affectional or sexual orientation; disability; veteran or military status or liability for military status; domestic violence victim status; atypical cellular or blood trait; genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing) or any other characteristic protected by law.

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