Manager/Senior Manager of Viral Vector Research Production - Downstream

We are currently seeking a Manager/Senior Manager of Viral Vector Research Production - Downstream to join the Forge Biologics team. This is an exciting opportunity to provide active leadership and oversight of downstream vector production. The candidate will lead a team of skilled technicians and scientists to produce research and toxicology grade rAAV vectors. The ideal candidate will be an expert in technical problem-solving, laboratory techniques, and developing interorganizational relationships to support our growth in the Gene Therapy sector.

This position is responsible for overseeing production of research-grade recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vectors in mammalian and insect cell lines. The incumbent will offer hands-on leadership of the downstream production group utilizing FPLC systems, tangential flow filtration, centrifugation, and other downstream purification technologies.

Responsibilities:

• Schedule and adhere to daily, weekly, and monthly production targets for internal and external clients
• Organize workflow and clearly communicate duties and tasks to direct reports
• Participate, oversee, and communicate priorities for the execution of downstream manufacturing procedures for simultaneous batches
• Execution of downstream purification technologies related to rAAV purification using chromatography (affinity and ion-exchange) and filtration processes including microfiltration, depth filtration, tangential flow filtration, and sterile filtration
• Assist in the production of preclinical and toxicology materials in a laboratory setting
• Preparing protocols and reports in notebooks and electronic documents
• Train junior staff in the various downstream techniques
• Oversee inventory management for the group in coordination with materials management group to keep lab well stocked and organized
• Track production and quality metrics

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree with 5+ years’ relevant experience; or Master’s degree with 3+ years’ direct experience, or Ph.D. with the completion of a postdoctoral fellowship in biological sciences or two years’ of relevant experience in biopharmaceutical manufacturing/R&D
• Technical proficiency required for aspects of production of biological products
• Experience in production of viral vectors is preferred
• Working knowledge of downstream purification techniques; experience with GE AKTA
• systems (Pure, Avant, or Pilot) or Bio-Rad NGC FPLC systems is highly preferred
• Broad knowledge of cell culture techniques is preferred