Sr. Scientist, DNA Development

Asklepios Biopharmaceutical Inc; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

AskBio Inc. seeks a PhD-level DNA Development Scientist to optimize DNA manufacturability and quality for rAAV production. You will design and test DNA constructs and serve as technical consultant for CMC activities, regulatory strategies, and process transfer.

Based in RTP, NC, you will mentor teammates, lead collaborations with CMDO and QA teams, conduct hands-on experiments, and prepare regulatory-ready documentation while upholding our rigorous safety and quality standards.

Qualifications

• PhD (Molecular Biology, Genetics, Virology) with 5+ years of relevant work experience or MS with 10+ years.
• Expertise in viral gene therapy, including recombinant AAV systems.
• Strong understanding of DNA replication in bacteria and rAAV production in mammalian culture.

Responsibilities

• Independently design and execute projects to improve DNA manufacturability and quality.
• Lead collaborations to transfer DNA processes into manufacturing.
• Serve as technical consultant on DNA starting materials for CMC and regulatory activities.
• Author technical and development documents and present data in forums.
• Mentor team members and maintain safe, compliant lab practices.

Skills

DNA design

rAAV production

Molecular biology

Data analysis

Regulatory docs

Education

PhD in Molecular Biology

MS in Molecular Biology

Tools

AKTA systems

Fermenters/bioreactors

SnapGene

PCR/cloning

Job description

AskBio Inc., a wholly owned and independently operated subsidiary of Bayer AG, is a fully integrated gene therapy company dedicated to developing life-saving medicines and changing lives. The company maintains a portfolio of clinical programs across a range of neuromuscular, central nervous system, cardiovascular, and metabolic disease indications with a clinical-stage pipeline that includes investigational therapeutics for congestive heart failure, limb-girdle muscular dystrophy, multiple system atrophy, Parkinson’s disease, and Pompe disease. AskBio’s gene therapy platform includes Pro10, an industry-leading proprietary cell line manufacturing process, and an extensive array of capsids and promoters. With global headquarters in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, and European headquarters in Edinburgh, Scotland, the company has generated hundreds of proprietary capsids and promoters, several of which have entered pre-clinical and clinical testing.Our vision: Pioneering science to create transformative molecular medicines.Our mission: Lead innovative science and drive clinical outcomes to transform people's lives.Our principles:Advance innovative science by pushing boundaries.Bring transformative therapeutics to patients in need.Provide an environment for employees to reach their fullest potential.Our values:Be a Pioneer. We are not afraid of the impossible and to innovate to make gene therapies accessible to those in need.Cultivate Collaboration. Strive to be the best teammate, actively listen, openly communicate, and embrace diverse points of view.Embrace Responsibility. We are humbled by the enormity of our mission. We hold a relentless commitment to advance science and clinical outcomes for our patients, families, and caregivers.Raise the Bar. Continuously drive improvements and efficiencies. Seek and provide constructive feedback. Have a bias for learning and action.Act with Uncompromising Integrity. Be honest, transparent, and committed to doing what’s right in every situation. Make clear commitments and follow through.Position SummaryThis strategic role leads independent initiatives to optimize DNA manufacturability, quality, and scalable production. The successful candidate will be accountable for the rational design and technical review of DNA constructs that serve as critical starting material for rAAV manufacturing. This role drives process understanding by linking DNA design to process performance and vector quality while generating summary technical documentation and fostering a collaborative culture of scientific excellence.This position is based on-site in Research Triangle Park (RTP), North Carolina, and reports to the Process Development Associate Director/Director.Job ResponsibilitiesIndependently design and execute project initiatives to improve DNA manufacturability and quality with good judgement against defined timelinesRationally design and test DNA constructs to increase DNA and rAAV manufacturing productivity and/or improved DNA and vector qualityProvide subject matter expertise on development of new and/or improved methodologies for DNA production that is fit for purpose (scale, yield etc)Lead AskBio CMDO collaborations to improve DNA manufacturing and transfer of relevant processesServe as a technical consultant on DNA starting materials used for Chemistry, Manufacturing and Control (CMC) activities and regulatory strategis, when applicableLead investigations and troubleshooting of DNA purification and analytical characterization as neededRepresent the DNA Development function in project teams and present data at internal and external forumsAuthor technical and development documents, including relevant regulatory submission sectionsExcellent team player who develops and encourages a team environment within the company’s mission and valuesMentors and develops team members by establishing a collaborative and growth minded culture that encourages personal and professional developmentPerform hands-on experiments, when necessary, while maintaining and promoting a clean, efficient, and safe laboratory environmentMinimum RequirementsPhD (Molecular Biology, Genetics, Virology or equivalent) with 5+ years of relevant work experience including post-doc experience; or MS (Molecular Biology, Genetics, Virology or equivalent) with 10+ years of relevant work experienceExpertise in viral gene therapy, including recombinant adeno-associated virus systemsStrong, comprehensive understanding of the molecular attributes that influence both DNA replication in bacteria and rAAV production in mammalian cultureDemonstrates self-motivation, strong orginzational acumen, and independent strategic thinking with the versatility to perform effectively in both autonomous and collaborative settingsExcellent written and verbal communication, work planning, data analysis and record keeping skillsGood working knowledge of Microsoft Office suite (Word, Outlook, Excel) and SnapGenePreferred Education, Experience and SkillsIn-depth knowledge of bacterial cell culture (E. coli preferred), establishing bacterial glycerol stocks, DNA purification by commercially relevant methods, and molecular biology techniques such as cloning, PCR, DNA quantification, restriction enzyme digest and Sanger and/or NextGen SequencingDemonstrated technical proficiency with fermenters/bioreactors, AKTA liquid chromatography systems, and tangential flow filtrationCompetnecy with electronic laboratory notebooksApplied understanding of rAAV manufacturingAskBio Inc. (AskBio) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or any other protected status prohibited under Federal, State or local laws. All employment decisions are based on valid job‐related requirements. If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran and are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our website, you may request a reasonable accommodation to express interest in a specific opening by calling us at [phone] or sending us an email at [e-mail] .Agencies: Please do not contact any employee at AskBio about this requisition. Any resume submitted by a recruitment agency to any employee at AskBio, through any medium, will be deemed the sole property of AskBio unless the agency was engaged by AskBio Talent Acquisition team to recruit for that position. All agencies must have a prior executed service agreement with AskBio prior to any search engagement. If a candidate who was submitted outside of the AskBio agency process is hired by AskBio, no fee or payment of any kind will be paid to the agency.