Sr. Research Associate, Upstream Process Development

Position: Research Associate/Senior Research Associate, Upstream Development

Job Description:

Capsida is a fully integrated AAV engineering and gene therapy company poised to create the next generation of innovative genetic therapies, with life-changing potential for patients. We leverage our proprietary high-throughput AAV engineering platform to create viral vectors with cell-type and tissue level specificity, overcoming many of the biological limitations of early gene therapy efforts. Combined with our in-house preclinical and manufacturing expertise, we are positioned to create the next generation of AAV delivered gene therapies, dramatically changing the lives of patients.

We are founded on the idea that diverse backgrounds and skill sets combine to create an environment that stimulates innovation and creativity, enabling us to grow into a leader in the AAV gene therapy space. Our leadership team comprises the scientific founders that developed the underlying intellectual property and experienced industry veterans with a track record for bringing transformative drugs to market. Together with our partners, we will combine next generation engineered capsids with cutting edge cargos to bring novel medicines to patients. Our research and development labs, offices, and manufacturing space are located in Newbury Park, near the Amgen campus.

The Role

Team member will support upstream process development and technology transfer to manufacturing. This is a laboratory-based position that will include conducting experiments, evaluating new technologies, and process troubleshooting. The role will focus on small scale cell culture activities, process development using bench scale bioreactors, and scale-up to assess process performance. The preferred candidate has experience in upstream bioprocessing and aseptic operations and is familiar with bioreactors and their operating principles. The candidate will analyze data and draw conclusions in support of various programs.

Responsibilities

• Execute established experimental protocols to obtain reproducible and reliable results making modifications or proposing improvements, as necessary.
• Develop upstream unit operations to support transfer to manufacturing.
• Process optimization using DOE or other applicable approaches
• Record, analyze, and communicate experimental data/results.
• Maintain an electronic lab notebook and write technical reports.
• Effectively trouble-shoot equipment and experimental difficulties.
• Evaluate new technologies that may be beneficial to process development
• Collaborate cross-functionally, internally and/or externally, to develop experimental approaches and exchange experimental material, reagents, and data.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, or a related field
• 0-5 years of lab-based experience with cell passaging, bioreactors, aseptic operations, pipetting techniques
• Experience with gene therapy and cGMP manufacturing is a plus.
• Good organizational skills with the ability to analyze and think critically.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Collaborative mindset, experience working as part of a larger group to achieve scientific goals.
• Thrives in a dynamic and fast-paced development environment.

Work Environment/Physical Demands

The employee may frequently be required to sit and talk or hear. The common requirements of an office environment apply when not working in the laboratory. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities for this job include close vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Compensation and Benefits

The well-being of our employees and their families is of the highest importance. As such, we offer a competitive salary and exceptional benefits, including generous stock options, medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, and significant PTO.

Additionally, we offer:

• Relocation compensation
• Fully stocked kitchen
• Social lunches, happy hours, and other events on a regular basis

We are an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to age, race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status, or any classification protected by federal, state, or local laws.