Platform Development Scientist

The Genomic Medicine Unit (GMU) CMC group at Sanofi is dedicated to the establishment of best in class manufacturing platforms to support development of life-changing advanced cell and gene therapy products, including recombinant AAV vectors, lentiviral vectors and cell therapy products. The expression platform development group is responsible for AAV vector production optimization and development of next generation AAV production platforms to support high dose therapeutic products. The group is seeking a highly motivated scientist to join the team. The scientist will lead optimization of viral gene expression to improve AAV packaging efficiency and productivity as well as building novel AAV production systems.  We are looking for a candidate with strong experience in AAV production platforms and extensive knowledge in optimizing gene expression using multiple approaches including synthetic biology.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and assess expression strategies for AAV packaging essential genes to improve packaging efficiency and AAV yield.

• Design and conduct molecular biology, cell engineering and cell culture experiments and evaluate new technologies to increase AAV production from multiple platforms including HEK293 transient transfection and stable cell lines.

• Design and implement novel expression technologies in cell line engineering to improve productivity and streamline the process of generating stable AAV producer cell lines.

• Collaborate with internal and external teams, and work with vendors and suppliers to evaluate technology and improve productivity.

• Perform data analyses, write protocol, author development reports, write standard operating procedures (SOPs).

• Develop, maintain and stay up to date on new technologies and publications in the field of AAV vector production to drive innovation.

• Contribute to manuscript and patent writing for external publications and patent applications.

• Interact with GMU research and CMC development group in implementing findings and technologies developed.

• Mentor and support junior staff and build a culture of support and collaboration.

• Assist fellow lab associates in providing a functional, safe working environment while maximizing laboratory efficiency.

• Occasional weekend and holiday work to support ongoing lab activities.

Basic Qualifications

• PhD in biological sciences or related discipline, or Master’s degree with a minimum of 4 years relevant experience or a Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 6 years of relevant experience.

• Strong understanding of mammalian expression systems.

• Knowledge of multiple gene expression platforms including inducible expression systems.

• Demonstrated expertise in gene expression optimization via promoter optimization and expression vector engineering.

• Advanced knowledge of principles and techniques in viral vector production.

• Aseptic skills as demonstrated by experience in a variety of cell line maintenance and development.

• Ability to perform viral vector titer and quality assessments using analytical assays including but not limited to qPCR/ddPCR, ELISA.

• Ability to work in Biosafety Level 2, follow safe lab procedure and maintain good laboratory practice (GLP).

• Excellent communication skills with ability to be a group representative in departmental and project meetings. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated track record of publications in the field of gene expression, viral vector production.

• Experience in optimizing gene expression using multiple approaches including synthetic biology.

• Technical know-how in gene expression and viral vector production optimization through promoter selection and design in mammalian systems.

• Understanding of cell biology, clone selection, cell banking, cell culture and viral vector.

• Self-directed and motivated with commitment to meet aggressive timelines. 

• Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously.

• Ability to work under limited supervision and function within a collaborative/team-orientedenvironment. 

Sanofi Inc. and its U.S. affiliates are Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employers committed to a culturally diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; creed; religion; national origin; age; ancestry; nationality; marital, domestic partnership or civil union status; sex, gender, gender identity or expression; affectional or sexual orientation; disability; veteran or military status or liability for military status; domestic violence victim status; atypical cellular or blood trait; genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing) or any other characteristic protected by law.

PDN

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