Principal Scientist, Upstream Viral Vector

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Adicet Bio, Inc. is a clinical stage biotechnology company discovering and developing allogeneic gamma delta T cell therapies for cancer. Adicet is advancing a pipeline of “off-the-shelf” gamma delta T cells, engineered with chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) and adaptors (CAds), to enhance selective tumor targeting and facilitate innate and adaptive anti-tumor immune response for durable activity in patients. For more information, please visit our website at https://www.adicetbio.com.

PRINCIPAL SCIENTIST, UPSTREAM VIRAL VECTOR GROUP

Adicet Bio is developing a next generation manufacturing process to advance our platform of “off-the-shelf” immune cell products. We are currently seeking an individual for our Viral Vector group as we advance our production platforms. The position offers a chance to be part of a highly motivated team, applying the latest cell culture and bioprocessing practices to facilitate development of our proprietary cell therapies.

We are currently seeking an energetic and experienced Senior or Principal Scientist with a strong background in viral vector production to oversee process development, scale-up, and technology transfer for Adicet’s vector programs. The successful candidate will contribute to the advancement of Adicet’s production platform by developing, characterizing, and optimizing viral vector production procedures intended to support both research and manufacturing pipelines. The job title may be commensurate with experience and educational level.

The individual will serve as a program lead reporting to the Director of Viral Vector Development and will work in collaboration with the Downstream and Analytical Development leads, as well as other cross-functional teams, to develop a best-in-class vector manufacturing process. The successful candidate will guide development programs for vector generation, media/cell culture optimization for viral vector production platforms, cell-line generation and development, and other aspects of viral vector production. This person will also work with other Technical Operations teams and external groups in order to align on goals, meet project timelines, and deliver a consistent and robust viral vector product.

Additional job responsibilities:

• Independently lead, design, and help execute the upstream process development, and characterization of viral vectors in adherent and suspension culture platforms.
• Facilitate collaboration with Viral Vector Upstream and Downstream scientific staffs.
• Design and oversee optimization of critical scientific and engineering parameters for the upstream process of retroviral vector production including optimal cell culture conditions, media development, and harvest in both adherent and suspension platforms.
• Design, execute, and analyze key studies to identify critical process parameters and ensure appropriate controls for clinical manufacturing.
• Successfully execute and document laboratory procedures and experiments with great attention to detail.
• Serve as an SME for upstream viral vector applications, and data interpretation when communicating with external groups and providing technical support to manufacturing and CMOs.
• Drafting and editing of standard operating procedures, sampling plans, technical documents, and batch records for successful regulatory filings or tech transfer purposes.
• Source and assess new equipment and technologies to expand and improve upstream culturing and viral vector production capabilities.
• Coordinate continued development of suspension culture processes in shake flasks and stirred-tank bioreactors.
• Identify risks and develop mitigation plans in the upstream process development and enable quick and robust decision making through efficient collaboration.
• Provide leadership and mentor junior and senior scientific staff.
• Contribute to budget and goal planning of the Upstream Viral Vector group in alignment with the Corporate goals.

Upstream Viral Vector Development - Qualifications:

• Education, Experience, and Skills Requirements
• Advanced degree with a background in biology, biomedical engineering, biochemistry, cell & molecular biology, or related life science field is required. Doctoral degree or master’s degree with 4+ years or 8+ years post-graduate experience, respectively. Candidates with previous experience in cell or gene therapy will be given preference.
• Considerable direct experience with viral vector production applications is required.
• Experience in working in a BSL-2 environment is required.
• Previous experience with suspension cultures using stirred-tank bioreactor systems (e.g. single-use bioreactors) to manufacture viral vectors is required.
• Demonstrated competency and experience with viral vector upstream production, aseptic processing, process development, process qualification/validation and technology transfer for GMP production.
• Qualified candidates should be detail oriented with an ability to multi-task and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong planning, capacity for managing multiple projects and excellent time management.
• Ability to think critically and demonstrate troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.

• Previous experience managing and mentoring junior scientific staff. Must have excellent verbal, written communication and meeting management skills.
• Must be proficient with MS Office and other commonly used software and technology programs.

Adicet Bio requires all workers to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, including the booster dose.

BENEFITS:

Adicet Bio offers both comprehensive benefits and Paid Time (PTO) plans for employees, which begin on the first day of employment, as well as the opportunity to work in a growing, dynamic environment.

Adicet Bio 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 or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.