Senior Associate Scientist I, Plasmid Manufacturing, Viral Vector Product Development

This is what you will do:

This position will play a key role in Alexion’s Viral Vector Product Development Plasmid Manufacturing team, interacting with internal teams within the Genomic Medicine and Product Development Clinical Supply groups. The Senior Associate Scientist will be responsible for supporting both cloning and plasmid manufacturing.

You will be responsible for:

• Designing and executing molecular cloning projects, ensuring adherence to standard protocols and best practices.

• Supporting plasmid manufacturing for both small-scale, high-throughput and large-scale fermentation.

• Supporting testing methods for assessing plasmid stability

• Implementing and maintaining quality control measures to ensure the accuracy and integrity of DNA sequences.

• Identifying and troubleshooting issues that arise during the different processes, proposing and implementing solutions to optimize efficiency and success rates.

• Maintaining digital laboratory notebooks with proper documentation

• Assisting with development and maintenance of SOPs

• Presenting data and findings to diverse groups both internally and externally facing

• Working closely with cross-functional teams including researchers, scientists, and laboratory personnel to support cloning initiatives and projects.

• Staying up to date in current developments in the plasmid manufacturing and cloning fields

You will need to have:

Qualifications / Training & Education

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, or a relevant field, with 2-4 yrs experience in academia or industry; or Master’s degree with 1-2 yrs experience in academia or industry.

• Basic understanding of Good Laboratory Practices for bioprocessing, manufacturing & analytics.

Knowledge & Experience

• Strong track record of building successful relationships with supervisors, peers, suppliers, customers, partners and stakeholders

• Excellent communication skills and ability to work well with multiple individuals.

• Ability to work on several projects simultaneously and to switch focus as needed

• Ability to keep accurate and organized records

Technical Competencies

• Proficiency in a variety of cloning methodologies such as restriction enzyme cloning, PCR cloning, Gateway cloning, Gibson assembly, and other advanced cloning techniques.

• Knowledge of gene synthesis techniques and the ability to design and order synthetic DNA constructs for cloning purposes.

• Knowledge of DNA sequencing methods and the ability to analyze sequencing data to confirm the identity and integrity of cloned DNA fragments.

• Basic bioinformatics skills for sequence analysis, primer design, and the use of bioinformatics tools for DNA sequence manipulation and analysis.

• Expertise in aseptic technique

• Track record of prioritizing multiple, complex, high priority tasks and ensuring timely delivery to meet project needs

• A strong attention to detail

• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office products, especially with Microsoft Excel

• The duties of this role are generally conducted in a lab environment.  As is typical of a lab-based role, employees must be able, with or without an accommodation to: lift 15 pounds unassisted; work comfortably in a controlled environment with and around biological, infectious, and hazardous materials; gown/degown PPE; use a computer; engage in communications via phone, video, and electronic messaging; engage in problem solving and non-linear thought, analysis, and dialogue; collaborate with others; maintain general availability during standard business hours.

We would prefer for you to have:

• Experience with AAV cloning and scale up

• Experience with quality control screening for accuracy and integrity of AAV DNA sequences

• Proficiency in developing and implementing quality control assays for the assessment of plasmid DNA purity, integrity, and endotoxin levels during scale-up processes.

AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.