Research Associate / Sr. Research Associate - AAV Immunogenicity

We are a fully integrated AAV engineering and gene therapy company poised to create the next generation of innovative genetic therapies, with life-changing potential for patients with grievous unmet medical needs.

We leverage our proprietary high-throughput AAV engineering platform to create viral vectors with cell-type and tissue level specificity, overcoming many of the biological limitations of early gene therapy efforts. Combined with our in-house preclinical and manufacturing expertise, we are positioned to create the next generation of AAV delivered gene therapies, dramatically changing the lives of patients.

We are founded on the idea that diverse backgrounds and skill sets combine to create an environment that stimulates innovation and creativity, enabling us to grow into a leader in the AAV gene therapy space. Our leadership team is comprised of the scientific founders that developed the underlying intellectual property, and experienced industry veterans with a track record for bringing transformative drugs to market. Together with our partners, we will combine next generation engineered capsids with cutting edge gene editing and delivery modalities to bring novel medicines to patients that need them. Our research and development labs, offices, and manufacturing space are located in Newbury Park, near the Amgen campus.

Research Associate (I/II) / Sr. Research Associate – AAV Immunogenicity

We are looking for scientists to develop technologies that will bolster our gene therapy programs. This role will include developing immunological assays, molecular assays, and in vitro cell-based reporter assays. Successful candidates will have experience with a combination of at least two of the following technologies: sterile tissue culture, ELISA, ELISPOT, antibody-based assays, flow cytometry, reporter assays with in vitro cell lines, primary human cells (e.g. PBMCs), and various chemical transfection/nucleofection platforms. This position will require the applicant to work with internal collaborators to execute projects. Laboratory activities are expected to constitute approximately 80% of the time.

Responsibilities

• Development, qualification, and operation of assays assessing the immunogenicity of AAV gene therapies.
• Assist in development of approaches to reduce immunogenicity of capsid and cargo.
• (Research Associate) Present findings to immunogenicity team
• (Sr. Research Associate) Draft full technical reports and present findings to immunogenicity team and interdisciplinary scientific teams to seek input on key studies.

Requirements

• (Research Associate) B.S. degree in biology, immunology, or a related scientific discipline with 2 or more years of academic or industry experience OR M.S. degree in biology, immunology, or related field
• (Sr. Research Associate) B.S. degree in biology, immunology, or a related scientific discipline with 4 or more years of academic or industry experience OR M.S. degree in biology, immunology, or related field with 2 or more years of academic or industry experience.
• Experience with a combination of two or more technologies described above. Candidates with experience in immunological assay development are preferred.
• Demonstrated capability of testing data-driven hypotheses
• Consistently running properly controlled assays demonstrating high reproducibility
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Collaborative mindset and a willingness to work in a team environment.
• Thrives in a dynamic and fast-paced research environment.
• Adherence to thorough documentation of experimental protocols and results

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with immunological assay development, or AAV gene therapy.
• Experience with sterile tissue culture.
• Experience with molecular biology-based assays.

Compensation and Benefits:

The well-being of our employees and their families is of the highest importance. As such, we offer a competitive salary and exceptional benefits, including generous stock options, medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, and significant PTO.

Research Associate Salary: $64,000 - $88,000 per year

Research Associate II Salary: $72,000 - $99,000 per year

Sr. Research Associate Salary: $80,000 - $110,000 per year

Compensation will vary depending on location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. You may also be offered a bonus, stock options, and benefits. These ranges are subject to change.

Additionally, we offer:

• Relocation compensation
• Fully stocked kitchen
• Social lunches, happy hours, and other events on a regular basis

We are an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to age, race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status, or any classification protected by federal, state, or local laws.