Scientist II: AAV Analytics & Upstream NGS

UCB; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 99,200 - 130,200; Full time

Job summary

UCB's Gene Therapy Vector Core group seeks a Scientist II in Upstream Process Development and Bioprocess Analytics to advance gene therapy projects and AAV platform development. You will collaborate across functional teams to develop analytical methods including ddPCR, qPCR, and NGS-based assays.

The role emphasizes hands-on assay development, characterization of research materials, and supporting process development activities with a strong biology foundation and rigorous documentation.

Qualifications

• MS in Molecular Biology with 10+ years experience or PhD/postdoc with 2+ years.
• 4+ years PCR-based assay development and molecular characterization of AAVs.
• 4+ years NGS development (long/short reads) for genomic/transcriptomic analyses.
• 4+ years serving as a functional representative in multi-disciplinary drug discovery teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and execution of ddPCR and qPCR assays to support gene therapy analytics.
• Optimize and apply NGS technologies to characterize impurities and heterogeneity in AAV products.
• Guide cell-based potency assays to evaluate biological function and activity.
• Support platform development through evolving analytics and cross-team collaborations (capsid engineering).
• Collaborate across data scientists, cell biologists, and CMC professionals with strong documentation.

Skills

PCR Assay Dev

NGS Development

Cell-based assays

Cross-functional collaboration

Bioprocess analytics

Education

MS in Molecular Biology

PhD or Postdoc in related field

Tools

ddPCR

qPCR

NGS library preparation

Illumina sequencing

PacBio sequencing

Job description

UCB's Gene Therapy Vector Core group seeks a Scientist II in Upstream Process Development and Bioprocess Analytics to advance gene therapy projects and AAV platform development. You will collaborate across functional teams to develop analytical methods including ddPCR, qPCR, and NGS-based assays.

The role emphasizes hands-on assay development, characterization of research materials, and supporting process development activities with a strong biology foundation and rigorous documentation.