Scientist/ Senior Scientist, AAV, Gene Therapy Research

Job Title: Scientist/ Senior Scientist, AAV, Gene Therapy Research

Job Number: 30344

Location: Lexington, MA

Job Description

Working within the Company’s Gene Therapy Research Team, the Scientist / Senior Scientist will be integral to discovering and developing the next generation of AAV-based gene therapies for diabetes. Successful candidates will be responsible for contributing to Fractyl’s pipeline programs with a primary focus on designing, developing, characterizing, and testing AAV Vectors for the treatment of diabetes. With a desire to overcome obstacles, the Scientist / Senior Scientist will drive the program forward and ensure timely and effective accomplishment of program goals in close collaboration with the Gene Therapy team and external CROs.

Responsibilities

• Optimize AAV Vectors to take proof-of-concept vectors from Discovery to Development Candidate nomination
• Improve AAV design to maximize therapeutic effect though serotype, promoter, and transgene optimization
• Contribute to assay development to assess the quality, safety, and/or efficacy of AAV vectors
• Drive forward program goals to meet team objectives, working closely with CROs and internal teams
• Prepare technical reports, summaries, protocols, and quantitative analysis for all experimental results
• Identify and bring to Fractyl new technologies and vector concepts to support the mission of the gene therapy program
• Perform all activities in compliance with applicable regulations, Fractyl’s policies and guidelines, including, but not limited to, timely documentation of activities and maintaining all required applicable training.
• Bring a “can do” spirit to work and deliver on other responsibilities as assigned.

Required Skills

Education or Certification Requirements

• PhD in a relevant research field preferred (or a Master’s degree with 4+ years of industry experience in a highly-related research field)

Professional Work Experience

• 4+ years of relevant experience either in an academic or industry environment
• Applicable experience in biotech, pharmaceutical and/or medical device industries preferred
• Prior vocational experience in related fields a plus (i.e. Co-Ops, Internships, Fellowships, etc.)

Qualifications and Skills

• Extensive expertise in viral technologies, particularly AAV, including vector design, viral production and characterization, and transduction of mammalian cells both in vitro and in vivo
• Experience with the design, validation, and running of molecular assays to detect gene expression, viral titer, and viral copy number analysis
• Experience with a variety of molecular and cellular biology techniques, such as molecular cloning, gDNA/RNA purification, ddPCR, mammalian cell culture, DNA transfection, etc., with the ability to learn, troubleshoot, and execute for the goals of the team
• Willingness to work with small and large animal models and tissues as needed to drive forward program goals
• Exposure or contributions to programs that have progressed from discovery research to IND is desirable
• Track record of challenging oneself to enhance scientific and professional abilities

Other Essentials and Key Success Factors:

• Successful track record of working in high-growth and dynamic organizations
• Demonstrated record of intellectual curiosity, innovation and creative problem solving with an entrepreneurial spirit
• Ability to lead fast-paced projects with a keen sense of urgency to get the job done well
• Evidence of "hands-on" experience and expertise
• Proven and successful track record as a team-player and collaborator in small working environments
• Highly organized and detail oriented with a passion to deliver quality results
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with experience translating technical concepts into user-friendly documentation
• Highest levels of professionalism, confidence, personal values and ethical standards

Additional Position Requirements:

• Some travel (both local and international) for conferences and meeting with external partners may be necessary
• Local travel in the Greater-Boston area for CRO engagement and management will be required