Scientist, Technical Development - Upstream

Overview

Ready to join a team committed to developing and commercializing gene therapies for patients and families devastated by rare neurological genetic diseases? Novartis Gene Therapies 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.

Novartis Gene Therapies 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, Novartis Gene Therapies 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.

The Scientist is responsible for contributing to the development of the upstream manufacturing platform and generating/compiling data and reports to support approval of Novartis Gene Therapies products. This role will support activity with internal and external organizations to plan, execute, and document experiments that define the process and transfer of the process to the clinical and commercial sites. The Scientist will provide support for process, analytical, and characterization knowledge related to the production of Novartis Gene Therapies products, and the raw materials needed to make them.

Responsibilities of primary importance are to support the completion of time-sensitive studies and validation at internal and external partners while capturing related data and knowledge, to advance the development of Novartis Gene Therapies products from research and development to GMP manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Support Upstream Process Owner team on process-related issues at internal Novartis Gene Therapies sites, as well as with external partners.
• Support trending and monitoring of critical quality attributes/ process parameters to maintain product quality and to control process drift.
• Assist in identifying and implementing potential process improvements in conjunction with manufacturing operations.
• Assist in start-up efforts of new equipment, software or processes in manufacturing.
• Author and support documentation of changes/updates to manufacturing processes.
• Review and provide feedback and technical/scientific support on project deliverables (e.g. remediation initiatives, plan reports, etc.).
• Support investigations in partnership with Manufacturing, Quality, and other business units at the site, to determine root cause for variation, implement solutions, and ensure corrections are effective. Participate in the collection and interpretation of data, and collaboration with other departments on manufacturing related issues to support issue resolution.
• Contribute to the downstream portion of the platform processes, planning to avoid delays, and supporting the activity and team to deliver a robust and effective product and manufacturing process.
• Complete requisite training on all applicable policies and procedures related to the job function.

Qualifications

• Minimum B.S. degree in biochemistry, chemical engineering, bioengineering, or related technical field, Master's degree or PhD preferred.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills; demonstrated technical writing.
• 4-6 years of experience in biopharmaceutical based GMP manufacturing operations and/or process development.
• Experience with mammalian cell culture, cell expansion, and bioreactor technologies.
• Experience with data analysis/interpretation to progress development strategies.
• Working knowledge in DOE and/or statistics is a plus.
• Approximately 10% to 25% travel may be required.

Novartis Gene Therapies Compensation and Benefit Summary:

The salary range for this role is from $79,000/year to $125,000/year. The base salary ultimately offered may vary based on the successful candidate's qualifications. The level of this role will also be determined based on the successful candidate's qualifications. Annual bonus, long term incentive, health insurance, paid vacation/holidays, potential flexible working arrangements (based on role) and an employee recognition program are available for this position, among many other benefits provided to employees of Novartis Gene Therapies.

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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