Scientist II, Gene Therapy Upstream & NGS Analytics

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

Job summary

UCB is seeking a Scientist II in Upstream Process Development and Bioprocess Analytics within the Gene Therapy Vector Core to advance AAV platform development. The role emphasizes analytical method development including ddPCR/qPCR and NGS, plus cell-based potency assays for product characterization.

The candidate will collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive process improvements, optimize assays, and ensure robust data generation supporting drug discovery and development efforts.

Qualifications

• MS in Molecular Biology or related field with 10+ years experience, OR PhD/Postdoc with 2+ years.
• 4+ years PCR-based assay development and molecular characterization of AAVs or biomolecular characterization for gene therapies.
• 4+ years of NGS development (long and/or short read) for genomic and transcriptomic analyses in early drug discovery and analytics.
• 4+ years of experience serving as a functional representative in multidisciplinary drug discovery project teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and execution of custom molecular assays, including ddPCR and qPCR, to support gene therapy analytics.
• Optimize and apply next generation sequencing technologies to characterize impurities and heterogeneity in AAV products.
• Guide or run cell-based potency assays to evaluate biological function and activity.
• Support gene therapy platform development through evolving analytical methodologies and cross-team collaborations.
• Interact with data scientists, cell biologists, disease area experts, and CMC professionals to ensure project alignment.
• Document experimental work with high quality and manage competing priorities across teams.

Skills

PCR-based assay

Molecular characterization

NGS development

Cross-functional team

Education

MS in Molecular Biology

PhD or Postdoc

Tools

Illumina sequencing

PacBio sequencing

Job description

UCB is seeking a Scientist II in Upstream Process Development and Bioprocess Analytics within the Gene Therapy Vector Core to advance AAV platform development. The role emphasizes analytical method development including ddPCR/qPCR and NGS, plus cell-based potency assays for product characterization.

The candidate will collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive process improvements, optimize assays, and ensure robust data generation supporting drug discovery and development efforts.