Senior Scientist, Molecular Biology (Cloning, AAV, ddPCR, NPC, Cell Culture, Biomarker, Assay)- Gene

Overview

Ready to join a team committed to developing and commercializing gene therapies for patients and families devastated by rare neurological genetic diseases? AveXis is advancing cutting-edge science, starting with our proprietary gene therapy for the treatment of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). We are in the midst of an incredible journey and are looking for passionate individuals to join us on this important mission.

AveXis, a Novartis company, is dedicated to developing and commercializing novel treatments for patients suffering from rare and life-threatening neurological genetic diseases. Our initial product is a proprietary gene therapy approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of pediatric patients with SMA. In addition to developing a treatment for SMA, AveXis also plans to develop other novel treatments for rare neurological diseases, including Rett syndrome and a genetic form of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis caused by mutations in the superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) gene.

AveXis is seeking a Senior Scientist to lead and direct the activities of the Molecular Biology group including developing and mentoring the team and supporting research projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead and direct the activities within the new Molecular Biology functional group supporting all research activities for pipeline development.
• Supervise the Molecular Biology group overseeing each ongoing project and facilitate teamwork.
• Develop team members, ensuring staff receive mentoring and constructive feedback in order to develop in the role and learn new capabilities.
• Partner closely with project leaders to plan, coordinate, and monitor the timely execution and completion of various research projects.
• Oversee the maintenance of accurate, comprehensible, and current laboratory notebooks.
• Presentation of data to the internal senior management team and external scientific presentation at conferences and meetings.
• Cell culture experiments supporting existing and pipeline programs.
• Protein engineering, cloning, protein expression, purification.
• Mammalian expression systems to support protein expression studies.
• Transient transfection in cell culture systems.
• Design of experiments to identify and optimize key parameters for protein expression.
• Timely provision of data and documentation in reports to support intellectual property filings and regulatory submissions.
• Support regulatory submissions and interactions with FDA around new products.

Qualifications

• PhD degree in Biology, cell biology, pharmaceutical sciences, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years relevant experience.
• Laboratory experience in a molecular and cell biology laboratory
  • Publications and/or demonstrable experience desired
• Specific laboratory experience desired includes, but is not limited to:
  • Culture of mammalian cells in cell culture
  • Molecular biology including cloning and ddPCR
  • Protein expression
  • Production of recombinant virus
• Up to 25% travel may be required.

The level of this position will be based on the final candidate's qualifications.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

AveXis is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, national origin, genetics, disability, age, sexual orientation or veteran status.

#LI-JH1