Molecular Biology & Vectorology Associate Scientist/Scientist

Alaya.bio; Villejuif; Sur place; EUR 40 000 - 70 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

A biotechnology company in the Paris area is seeking a Molecular Biology & Vectorology Associate Scientist/Scientist to design and optimize expression vector systems for CAR T-cell manufacturing. Candidates should have a strong background in molecular biology, cell culture, and bioproduction processes. This role is pivotal in enhancing the efficacy and manufacturability of lentivectors. The position requires proficiency in English and the use of molecular biology software, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.

Qualifications

• Proven track-record in engineering plasmids and regulatory elements.
• Strong expertise in bioproduction of cell-based products.
• Proficiency in IT and molecular biology software.

Responsabilités

• Design, plan and execute screening of molecular constructs.
• Manage partners for plasmid design and manufacturing.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory standards.

Connaissances

Molecular biology

Cell culture

qPCR

Flow cytometry

Formation

MSc in Molecular Biology or Vectorology

PhD in relevant field

Outils

SnapGene

GraphPad Prism

Description du poste

Overview

Alaya.bio is a preclinical-stage biotech company pioneering a new generation of polymeric nanoparticles applied to the rapid and universal in situ manufacturing of CAR T-cells. Founded in July 2022 and based in Paris and Cambridge, Alaya.bio is backed by industry leaders and investors with long track-records in cell therapy. The potential of our universal in situ CAR T technology has been recognized by the closing of five partnerships with renowned players in the clinical development of these groundbreaking therapies.

As part of our continuous growth, we are looking for a highly enthusiastic and talented Molecular Biology & Vectorology Associate Scientist/Scientist who will evolve at the interface between our bioproduction and R&D teams. This role will focus on the design and engineering of expression vector systems that will optimize the manufacturability, safety and efficacy of the lentivectors used as payloads for our lead nanoparticles.

The position is located in Paris area.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, plan and execute the screening and optimization of molecular constructs applied to the bioproduction of new generation lentivectors in close collaboration with our Bioprocess Development Specialist and R&D Director.
• Conduct the implementation of selected molecular solutions within internal biomanufacturing development activities (from USP to fill and finish) and the associated analytical developments.
• Management of partners and sub-contractors with whom the company has chosen to work for plasmid design and manufacturing.
• Perform a variety of biochemical (ELISA, MACSPlex) molecular (RT-qPCR, qPCR) & cellular assays (transfection, transduction and flow cytometry).
• Cell lines culture (adherent and in suspension) for transient and stable transgenes expression studies.
• Design, develop and optimize upstream process unit operations compatible with the industrialization of the bioprocess in agreement with quality by design principles.
• Contribute to the development of appropriate quality controls alongside the optimization of the bioprocess.
• When needed, manufacture engineered lentiviral vector batches used for in vitro and in vivo functional studies.
• Collect, analyze and report data using appropriate software including electronic lab notebooks.
• Support day-to-day laboratory operations, including reagents and consumables purchasing, maintenance of equipment, management of biological, infectious & care activity wastes.
• Compliance with regulatory standards and health and safety rules in place in the company.
• Writing of technical documents including SOPs, experimental protocols and study reports.
• Participation in the dissemination of the company\'s scientific results (scientific articles, communications at international conferences).

Your Profile

• MSc in Molecular Biology, Vectorology or equivalent; PhD is a plus.
• Proven track-record in the engineering of plasmid (backbone and promoter optimization, codon usage, multi-cistronic GOIs, logic gating, etc…) and regulatory elements (lcRNA, shRNA, siRNA, microRNA). Expertise in viral vector plasmid design is a plus.
• Strong expertise in the bioproduction of cell-based products in eukaryotic systems (deepwell plates, shaking flasks, bioreactors) at small (3-30 mL) and medium scale (1 to 3 L). Expertise in viral vector production is a plus.
• Hands-on expertise in molecular biology, cell culture, qPCR, RT-qPCR, bacteriology. Flow cytometry is a plus.
• Additional knowledge in the improvement of GMP-compatible bioprocess units is a plus.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, meet deadlines, and prioritize work on multiple projects.
• Proficiency in English (written and spoken) is essential, given the international exposure of the company.
• Good command of IT including DNA design and sequence analysis software (SnapGene, CLC, Benchling,…) and data analysis tools (GraphPad Prism).