Open Rank Senior Scientist/Scientist, Human Gene Therapy Development

Job Title: Open Rank Senior Scientist/Scientist, Human Gene Therapy Development

Job Type: Regular, Full Time

Available Positions: 2

Location: Sacramento, California

Description

NGGT Inc., an innovative startup company focused on developing novel gene therapeutics to treat rare human diseases, especially neurodegenerative and ophthalmological diseases, is located in UC Davis Medical Campus, Sacramento, California. The company is currently inviting highly motivated, experienced and hardworking scientists to join the team. The ideal candidate are expected to have sound experience in molecular cloning, cell culture, viral vector design and delivery to a variety of cell models, and functional analysis using various molecular and cellular biology methods. The senior scientist will have a role to develop and lead the projects. These are full-time positions reporting to the Senior VP of the company.

Key Responsibilities

• Design viral vectors to be applied to mammalian cells and perform molecular cloning using the state-of-the-art methods, such as In-Fusion and Gibson Assembly, etc.
• Efficient and high-quality plasmid DNA preparation at various scales.
• Conduct virus packaging as well as harvest and purification of viral particles, including lentivirus and/or adeno associate virus (AAV).
• Mammalian cell culture and in vitro cell-based functional assay using flow cytometry.
• Isolate mRNA and perform quantitative gene expression analysis using qPCR.
• Collaborate with other scientists and research associates/assistants (RAs) to design, execute and troubleshoot experiments.
• Independently analyze and interpret experiment results, as well as timely summarize and present data.
• Highly organized, detail oriented documentation of experimental procedures and reports.
• Coordinate and manage the contracted external studies with CRO companies, service providers and academic institutions.
• Match project goals in terms of timelines and deliverables and contributes substantially and intellectually to R&D.

Qualifications

• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
• Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Molecular Biology, Genetics or a related discipline, research experience in human neurodegenerative diseases and ophthalmological diseases preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years (for Senior Scientist position) and 3 years (for Scientist position) of previous working experience in related area required.
• Must have solid communication and data presentation skills.
• Strong sense of responsibility, accountability, and integrity.
• Mammalian cell culture, transfection and transduction and aseptic techniques are essential.
• Experience with multi-color flow cytometry is highly preferred.
• Previous exposure to process development of virus production for gene therapy, including lentivirus and AAV preferred.
• Former industry experience is a big plus.

Preferred Additional Skills

• Proficiency in data analysis using software such as Excel or equivalent required.
• Proficiency using MS office software such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint to generate reports and presentation required.
• Experience using flow cytometry data analysis software (e.g., FlowJo) and interpretation of flow cytometry data is preferred.
• Ability to thrive within and contribute to a collaborative, supportive, fast-paced team environment.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Duties are typically performed in office & laboratory settings (at least 30% of time in lab for Senior Scientist).
• Standing/sitting for long periods of time may be necessary.
• Exempt employment positions that may require working outside regular hours at times.

Competitive Benefits and Compensation

• Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance Plans with employer paid employee coverage and significantly subsidized family member coverage.
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with employer match contribution.