• Purification Development Senior Scientist

    Genentech (Philadelphia, PA)


    The Position

    The Opportunity

     

    We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Senior Scientist to be an instrumental contributor in the development and implementation of robust and scalable purification processes for Adeno-associated viruses (AAVs), essential vectors in gene therapy. This role requires deep, hands-on expertise in downstream processing, including various chromatography and filtration techniques. The Senior Scientist will be responsible for designing and independently executing complex process development experiments, analyzing critical data, and providing technical guidance to research associates to ensure successful, high-yield, and high-purity AAV vector production.

     

    What You’ll Do

    _Process Execution and Optimization_

    + Design and execute advanced experiments for AAV purification process development, focusing on maximizing yield and purity while maintaining vector integrity.

    + Independently implement and optimize various downstream techniques, including affinity, ion exchange (IEX), and hydrophobic interaction chromatography (HIC), as well as depth filtration and tangential flow filtration (TFF/UFDF).

    + Analyze process performance data, identify critical process parameters (CPPs), and implement process improvements based on scientific rationale.

    _Technology Evaluation and Implementation_

    + Actively participate in the investigation and evaluation of novel purification resins, membranes, and high-throughput screening tools to enhance process efficiency and throughput.

    + Design and execute feasibility studies for integrating new technologies into existing process platforms.

    _Scale-Up and Technology Transfer Support_

    + Execute scale-up and process characterization experiments for optimized AAV purification processes in preparation for GMP manufacturing.

    + Provide detailed technical support during the technology transfer of purification processes to pilot or manufacturing facilities.

    _Mentorship and Technical Guidance_

    + Serve as a subject matter expert in AAV purification for the team.

    + Provide training and mentorship to junior scientists and research associates, overseeing their experimental execution and data analysis.

    _Troubleshooting and Documentation_

    + Independently identify and resolve technical challenges and root causes related to process performance variability, impurity clearance, and yield losses.

    + Generate comprehensive technical reports, detailed batch records, and presentations to effectively communicate experimental design, results, and conclusions to internal stakeholders.

    Who You Are

    + You have a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Virology or a closely related field with 4+ years of relevant industry experience in viral vector or protein purification, with a strong focus on AAV downstream process development.

    + You can also have a Master's or Bachelor's degree with 10+ years of relevant industry experience in the purification of complex biologics, with significant recent experience in AAV vectors.

    + You have expert, hands-on knowledge in operating and developing chromatographic (AKTA) and filtration (TFF/UFDF) systems.

    + You have a demonstrated understanding of critical analytical methods used for AAV characterization (e.g., qPCR, DLS, ELISA, SDS-PAGE, Western Blot).

    + You have a solid knowledge of cGMP principles and quality by design (QbD) concepts as they apply to process development.

    + You have a proven ability to work independently, manage multiple projects, and deliver results under tight timelines.

    + You have excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present complex technical data clearly and concisely.

    + You have a demonstrated ability to mentor peers and direct the work of research associates.

     

    Relocation Benefits are not available for this role

     

    The expected salary range for this position based on the primary location of Philadelphia, PA is 105,000 - 195,000. Actual pay will be determined based on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other job-related factors permitted by law. A discretionary annual bonus may be available based on individual and Company performance. This position also qualifies for the benefits detailed at the link provided below.

     

    Benefits (https://roche.ehr.com/default.ashx?CLASSNAME=splash)

     

    Genentech is an equal opportunity employer. It is our policy and practice to employ, promote, and otherwise treat any and all employees and applicants on the basis of merit, qualifications, and competence. The company's policy prohibits unlawful discrimination, including but not limited to, discrimination on the basis of Protected Veteran status, individuals with disabilities status, and consistent with all federal, state, or local laws.

     

    If you have a disability and need an accommodation in relation to the online application process, please contact us by completing this form Accommodations for Applicants (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdZWlsbfQOvFVIQgHE\_iDzWUTlhZvj6FytIzjS7xq6IGh1H5g/viewform) .