Scientist II, Molecular Biology

Overview

Ready to join a team committed to developing and commercializing gene therapies for patients and families devastated by rare neurological genetic diseases? Since 2013, Novartis Gene Therapies (formerly AveXis) has had one focus: bringing change to those devastated by genetic diseases.

The Novartis Gene Therapies culture embraces this mission. As a compassionate and dedicated team, we are enthusiastic about the science behind our work and finding answers to difficult questions. We are dedicated to communities affected by rare diseases, and these patients and families are the motivation for everything we do.

We have built a team with exceptional depth of experience, unified by a common vision; to develop gene therapies with the potential to positively impact the lives of the patients and families devastated by rare and life-threatening neurological genetic diseases. Though we are proud of what we have achieved to date, we remain relentlessly focused on making that vision a reality.

The Scientist II, Molecular Biology, performs research and/or development in collaboration with others on projects working with cloning, fermentation, protein expression and purification.

Responsibilities

• Participates in activities such as RNA isolation, cDNA library construction, library amplification, genomic DNA isolation, random shotgun cloning, polymerase chain reaction, and other standard molecular biology techniques.
• May assist in transcription profiling and array-based technologies such as probe generation and hybridization.
• Uses sequence analysis tools and library normalization and subtraction protocols as well as RNA isolation.
• Prepares technical reports, summaries, protocols, and quantitative analyses.
• Evaluates testing protocols, prepare project reports and perform data verification.
• Develops novel assays and writes SOPs.
• Other related job duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's in Biology or related scientific area with 6 years relevant experience or Master's with 4 or PHD with 2.
• Working knowledge of scientific principles and concepts.
• Experience processing tissues for RNA and DNA isolation for qPCR and/ or ddPCR analysis.
• Experience with viral vector design, cloning and production.
• Ability to develop novel assays and write SOPs for others to follow.
• Uses professional concepts and company's policies and procedures to solve a wide range of difficult problems in imaginative and practical ways.
• Success in technical proficiency, scientific creativity, collaboration with others and independent thought.
• Work on problems of diverse scope in which analysis of data requires evaluation of identifiable factors.
• Exercises judgment within generally defined practices and policies in selecting methods and techniques for obtaining solutions.
• Normally receives no instructions on routine work, general instructions on new assignments.
• Brings together a variety of backgrounds, combining medical, molecular, cellular biology and leadership.
• Skilled in cutting edge techniques including: DNA/ RNA handling/ processing, qPCR & ddPCR methods, next gen sequencing, cell culture, gene cloning, ELISA, and quantification methods.

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.

Novartis Gene Therapies 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.

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