Principal Scientist, Vector Biology
On-sitePhiladelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Job Summary
Establish and optimize early-stage seed train strategies from shake flask through bench-scale bioreactor, defining foundational process parameters and cell culture conditions for a scalable lentiviral vector platform. Apply molecular biology expertise to evaluate LVV constructs, including plasmid architecture and packaging system selection, to establish high-performing vectors meeting manufacturability requirements for in-vivo CAR-T applications. Design and optimize LVV production workflows, including transient transfection systems, to systematically improve vector yield and process robustness. Conduct systematic media optimization and bioreactor process control development to define critical process parameters and support scale-up to 40-L and beyond. Partner with Downstream colleagues to integrate harvest conditions and clarification approaches into cohesive, end-to-end manufacturable processes. Design and execute fit-for-purpose early process development studies using Design of Experiments to generate data packages for process lock and regulatory filings. Serve as the upstream scientific lead, providing authoritative technical input to cross-functional forums on construct-process relationships and early development strategy. Operate in full adherence to BSL-2 biosafety requirements while maintaining rigorous electronic laboratory notebook records. Synthesize complex experimental datasets into structured data packages to drive go/no-go decisions and inform process development strategy. Author high-caliber technical reports and stage-gate presentations communicating scientific progress to leadership and cross-functional stakeholders.
Required Qualifications
- MS degree with 10+ years
- PhD degree with ~5-8+ years of progressive industry experience in Bioengineering, Cell Biology and Chemical Engineering, or a closely related discipline
- Advanced degree (PhD) with a molecular biology or virology foundation
- Demonstrated hands-on expertise in viral vector production, upstream process development, and characterization across multiple development scales
- Clear track record of translating early research-stage processes toward manufacturable, scalable platforms
- Substantial experience in mammalian suspension cell culture and upstream bioprocessing
- Meaningful exposure to molecular biology workflows relevant to viral vector construct engineering
- Meaningful early process development experience within gene therapy or viral vector platforms
- Direct hands-on contribution to defining manufacturable upstream processes from concept through bioreactor scale
- Exceptional analytical acumen and structured scientific reasoning
- Experienced in the application of Design of Experiments (DoE), multivariate data analysis, and risk-based decision frameworks
- Demonstrated commitment to scientific rigor and research data integrity
- Proficiency in maintaining meticulous, contemporaneous electronic laboratory notebook records
- Highly organized and execution-oriented
- Demonstrated capacity to manage multiple concurrent early development workstreams
- Ability to prioritize effectively in a fast-paced R&D environment
- Ability to deliver scientifically sound results within program-driven timelines
- Exemplary oral and written communication skills
- Ability to translate complex early process development findings into compelling scientific narratives
- Ability to operate with equal effectiveness as a self-directed scientific contributor and an engaged collaborative partner
Desired Qualifications
- Experience with bioreactor operations (up to 50 L)
- Familiarity with downstream processing operations including clarification, chromatographic purification, and tangential flow filtration
- Ability to apply downstream process constraints to upstream design decisions
- Proficiency in molecular biology techniques central to viral vector construct design, including plasmid architecture and engineering, packaging system configuration, promoter selection and regulatory element optimization, transgene design, and transfer vector development
- Working knowledge of downstream processing operations —encompassing harvest and clarification strategies, affinity and ion-exchange chromatography, and tangential flow filtration
- Scientific acuity to incorporate purification process requirements and vector quality attribute targets into upstream process design
- Experience in integrated upstream-downstream process development
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