Senior Director, Analytical Development

Rocket Pharmaceuticals; Cranbury Township (NJ); On-site; USD 220,000 - 293,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) matching

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Paid vacation and holidays

Job summary

Rocket Pharmaceuticals, based in Cranbury Township, NJ, is seeking an experienced Senior Director, Analytical Development. This role involves leading assays for gene therapy programs and mentoring scientific teams. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in assay development and leadership in a fast-paced environment.

The compensation range is $220,000 to $293,000, accompanied by competitive benefits and the opportunity to make significant contributions to innovative therapies.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years in biotechnology/biopharmaceutical industry.
• 5+ years leadership experience in assay development.
• Experience in developing assays for gene therapy.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of viral vector downstream methods.
• Support drug substance development.
• Provide leadership to scientific staff.

Skills

Assay development

Analytical chemistry

Leadership

Molecular biology

GMP compliance

Education

PhD in biochemistry or related field

M.S. in relevant field

BS in relevant field

Tools

Excel

JMP

DNA analysis software

Job description

Overview

Create a future where DNA is no longer destiny. Join Rocket Pharma.

Rocket Pharma is a fully integrated, late-stage biotechnology company advancing gene therapies with curative potential for patients with rare and life‑threatening diseases. We are a team of creative, compassionate, and driven individuals united by a profound mission of seeking gene therapy cures. Rocket places tremendous value on our people and fosters a collaborative environment where bold ideas thrive and every team member makes a meaningful impact. Our core values guide everything we do: we trust one another, show generosity toward patients, embrace curiosity, and strive to elevate science. Team members receive a competitive total rewards package, including equity participation, 401(k) matching, and excellent health benefits.

Position Summary

Rocket Pharma is seeking an experienced Senior Director, Analytical Development to join our Technical Development team. Reporting to the Vice President, Technical Development, the ideal candidate will have extensive experience and knowledge in assay development and a passion for tackling new challenges in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment. This role will involve coordinating internal testing and development activities to support pipeline products, as well as providing leadership to a team of scientists.

We are looking for someone who is deeply curious about science and gene therapy and is motivated to translate innovative research into impactful therapies.

Responsibilities

• Strategically lead and oversee the development and optimization of viral vector downstream and drug product release and characterization methods in preparation for transfer into a GMP environment
• Analytically support drug substance process development and drug product development efforts, including characterization of processes and finished products, as well as establishing/refining Quality Attribute designations
• Review and approve technical documents, standard operating procedures, method transfer/qualification/validation reports, specifications, and relevant study reports.
• Provide hands‑on leadership and guidance to scientific staff.
• Foster the development, coaching, and mentoring of a growing team of scientists.

Qualifications

• PhD in biochemistry, analytical chemistry, or a related biological science discipline, with 10 years’ experience in the biotechnology/biopharmaceutical industry in assay development or related fields in cell or gene therapy; M.S. with 12 years of relevant experience, or BS with 15 years of experience
• Minimum 5 years leadership experience required
• Proven experience developing assays to support cell and gene therapy programs in both development and GMP environments.
• Candidates with direct experience in AAV or LV technologies, and/or expertise in viral vector biophysical characterization (e.g., particle distribution analysis, capsid characterization/modification, and viral genome sequencing), will be given strong consideration.
• Extensive background in developing molecular (PCR), ELISA, HPLC/UPLC and cell‑based potency assays
• Significant experience qualifying, verifying/validating, and transferring analytical methods to a QC lab setting.
• Strong understanding of GMP and ICH guidelines.
• Proficient in Excel, JMP, and DNA analysis software.
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced environment, meet deadlines, and prioritize multiple projects.
• Experience in leading teams and fostering the development of team members.
• Excellent communication skills in technical writing and oral presentation.
• A strong sense of responsibility, scientific rigor, accountability, and integrity.
• Strong time management skills with the ability to prioritize tasks across multiple projects to meet deadlines.

Compensation

The expected salary range for this position is $220,000 to $293,000.

At Rocket, our compensation philosophy and ranges are built upon data and insights collected from validated world‑class providers. We are committed to compensating employees equitably based on several factors, including responsibilities and level of the position, depth and types of the employee’s experience, location of the position and availability of similar talent in a competitive market.

For U.S.-based candidates, this is an at‑will position, and Rocket reserves the right to adjust the range at hire or during the year due to market shifts.

In addition to base salary, Rocket offers a competitive total rewards package that may include bonuses (short‑term incentives), medical, dental, and vision insurance, life insurance, 401(k) with company match and generous vesting, paid vacation and holidays, global shutdown days between Christmas and New Year’s, and a variety of wellness resources and employee support programs. Also, certain positions are eligible for added forms of compensation, such equity awards (long‑term incentives).

EEO Statement

A diverse workforce fosters innovation and strengthens Rocket’s business. We ensure equal opportunity without discrimination or harassment in the workplace on the basis of gender, race, color, religion, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, citizenship, status as a protected veteran, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local, state, and federal laws.