Sr. Scientist, Virus Construction

Replimune; United Kingdom; Remote; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Replimune in Milton Park seeks a Senior Scientist, Virus Construction, to lead the design, development and testing of HSV-derived oncolytic virus candidates. You will drive projects, apply molecular and cellular techniques and contribute to translational studies.

The role may include line management of the Virus Construction team and requires a strong track record in virology, data analysis and cross-functional collaboration. On-site 5 days a week.

Qualifications

• Bachelor or Master in a biological science is required.
• 6-8+ years industry experience in Cell & Gene Therapy or virology.
• Experience with molecular/cellular techniques including cloning, sequencing and assays.

Responsibilities

• Manage and construct new oncolytic virus candidates per regulatory guidelines.
• Test novel viruses using established and new methods to confirm construction.
• Evaluate methods for virus characterization and transfer to other departments.
• Produce materials and coordinates batch production for internal studies.
• Contribute to regulatory submissions and cross-functional collaborations.
• Provide guidance and potential line management for the Virus Construction team.

Skills

Molecular construction

Virus characterization

Cell culture

PCR/qPCR

Immunoblotting

Whole-genome sequencing

Data analysis

Project management

Education

B.A./B.Sc. in biological science

M.S./Ph.D. in biochemistry/virology

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

Outlook

Job description

Overview

Replimune’s mission is to revolutionize cancer treatment with therapies designed to activate a powerful and durable full-body anti-tumor response, boldly transforming cancer care because patient’s lives depend on it.

At Replimune, we live by our values:

United: We Collaborate for a Common Goal.

Audacious: We Are Bold.

Dedicated: We Give Our Full Commitment.

Candid: We Are Honest With Each Other.

People are at the center of everything we do, and when it comes to our employees, we make it personal. With a deep sense of purpose, a strong and evolving culture, a competitive and forward-looking total rewards program, everyone at Replimune has a unique opportunity to impact on the lives of patients, caregivers and themselves.

Join us, as we reshape the future.

Summary of job description:

The Senior Scientist, Virus Construction, plays a key role in managing the design, development and testing of novel HSV-derived oncolytic virus candidates. The Senior Scientist, Virus Construction will drive key projects and will use their knowledge and experience of molecular, cellular, computational or other technologies to introduce and develop new methods to further characterize oncolytic virus products.

The Senior Scientist, Virus Construction will additionally support translational research, biodistribution, toxicity, sequencing or other studies when required, including performing data analysis using statistical techniques, final data preparation, presentation, and reporting. The Senior Scientist, Virus Construction, may also act as line manager for other members of the Virus Construction team.

This position is based in our Milton Park location and typically has a 5-day on-site expectation.

Key responsibilities

Manage and execute the design and construction of new oncolytic virus candidates in accordance with regulatory guidelines and requirements.

Manage and execute the testing of novel oncolytic viruses using previously established and novel methods to confirm successful construction.

Drive introduction, evaluation and qualification of methods for virus characterization and oversee execution and transfer to other departments e.g. AD, PD, etc., where required.

Produce and assess critical materials required by other departments e.g. cell banks, virus controls and other biological materials.

Coordinate and execute the batch production and testing of non-GMP virus material for use in internal studies and external collaborations.

Contribute technical input to regulatory submissions and information requests e.g. BLA, IND, IMPDs.

Collaborate with other functions e.g. Translational Research to support external clinical and non-clinical studies e.g. efficacy, toxicology, biodistribution and shedding etc, where required, through provision of virus material, technical input and data analysis.

Drive the daily operation of the Virus Construction department, ensuring laboratories are maintained and operations are completed in accordance with company policies and procedures, e.g. Health and Safety, Biological Safety, equipment, consumables management etc.

Other responsibilities

Provide subject matter expert input relating to biological safety of existing and novel oncolytic viruses and GMOs and other safety-related activities.

Represent Virus Construction department in cross-functional projects with Analytical Development, Translational Research, Process Development, Quality Assurance, Regulatory Affairs and external partners.

Provide direct line management, mentorship or training for other members of the Virus Construction department if required.

Manage, author and review relevant technical reports, SOP’s, risk assessments and other documentation as required.

Educational requirements

B.A or B.Sc. degree in a relevant biological science. M.S., Ph.D. or other postgraduate degree in biochemistry, virology or related science is preferred.

Experience and skill requirements

6-8+ years industry experience, preferably in a Cell & Gene Therapy or virology-based environment encompassing product lifecycle from concept to commercialization.

Significant experience in the molecular construction and characterisation of novel ATMP’s/gene therapies.

Experience in molecular/cellular biological techniques including some of: molecular biology/cloning, cell culture, cell-based analytical methods, ELISA, PCR/qPCR, virus particle characterization, immunoblotting, whole-genome sequencing etc.

Demonstrated project management, line management and time management skills and able to work independently, as part of a small team and cross functionally, with effective verbal and written communication.

Independent data analysis capability using statistical methods and good IT skills in core applications e.g. Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook etc.

About Replimune

Replimune Group, Inc., headquartered in Woburn, MA, was founded in 2015 with the mission to transform cancer treatment by pioneering the development of a novel portfolio of oncolytic immunotherapies. Replimune’s proprietary RPx platform is based on a potent HSV-1 backbone intended to maximize immunogenic cell death and the induction of a systemic anti-tumor immune response. The RPx platform is designed to have a unique dual local and systemic activity consisting of direct selective virus-mediated killing of the tumor resulting in the release of tumor derived antigens and altering of the tumor microenvironment to ignite a strong and durable systemic response. The RPx product candidates are expected to be synergistic with most established and experimental cancer treatment modalities, leading to the versatility to be developed alone or combined with a variety of other treatment options. For more information, please visit www.replimune.com.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.