Associate Scientist, Upstream Process Development

Company Summary:

Ring Therapeutics Inc. is a privately held, early-stage biotechnology company pioneering a completely novel form of gene therapy by exploiting a family of naturally occurring commensal viruses to create the first redosable and targetable DNA medicines. This approach enables a powerful new class of tropic, persistent, non-integrating vectors that overcome the immunogenicity, and limited tropism of existing gene therapy vectors. Ring Therapeutics is leveraging this versatile technology to develop a broad pipeline of novel, targeted medicines for disease with high unmet medical need.

Ring Therapeutics was founded by Flagship Pioneering, focused on launching breakthrough companies based on internally conceived innovations and insights. Flagship Pioneering has created over 40 groundbreaking companies over the past fifteen years, all of which are pioneering novel and proprietary biological, industrial, and engineering approaches to solve major needs in human health and sustainability. These companies include Seres Therapeutics (NASDAQ:MCRB), Moderna, Syros Pharmaceuticals (SYRS), Rubius Therapeutics, Axcella Health, Evelo Biosciences, and Indigo Agriculture.

Position Summary:

Ring is seeking an Associate Scientist to join the Upstream Process Development team to help establish and develop our viral vector platform. The candidate will work directly with a team of scientists to implement a bioreactor/suspension-based process at the miniature and benchtop volumes with a focus on scaling to larger systems.  This position will include opportunities to evaluate new cell culture technologies, generate process improvements through optimization of current unit operations, as well as early characterization of the novel platform. The candidate will lead experimental design and strategy, execution, and analysis of a variety of generated data sets. The candidate will interface with equipment companies and other vendors, research institutes/universities, and contract manufacturing organizations as required to accelerate the development effort. This will be a great opportunity to be exposed to aspects of viral biology as well as process development in a translational context. We are searching for enthusiastic and highly motivated individuals who are comfortable multitasking and working independently on various aspects of the gene therapy production platform.

Responsibilities:

• Lead process development activities to optimize upstream processes for the production of viral vectors as well as protein products
• Design and execute key experiments to support development goals using Quality-by-Design (QbD) principles
• Develop, scale-up, and tech transfer upstream processes, authoring required documentation
• Develop, acquire, and implement new technologies to Ring Process Development platform
• Assist in the generation and review of protocols, reports, and batch records
• Provide technical oversight on upstream related activities
• Prepare and present data internally to cross functional teams
• Maintain substantial knowledge of state-of-the-art principles and theories and contribute to scientific literature and conferences.
• Hire, manage and mentor staff. Plan and assign duties to meet departmental and organizational objectives. Provide guidance and direction to staff; establishes expectations, defining roles, supporting career development and managing performance.
• Work with vendors to evaluate new technology in upstream process development
• Performs additional job-related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications:

• BS + 6 years or MS + 4 years relevant experience in bioengineering, chemical engineering, biology, virology, biochemistry or related field
• Experience in the development of a biologic or cell therapeutic from bench to product approval
• Demonstrated ability in working with highly skilled teams in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial and technical environment
• Strong experimental skills, including cell culture, viral vectors, data analysis
• Experience with process development and Quality by Design methodology
• Extensive knowledge of key unit operation based on experience: Media selection and/or development, bioreactor operations, perfusion, tangential flow/alternating tangential flow cell retention/concentration, lysis and harvest
• Attention to detail and problem-solving skills

Flagship Pioneering and our ecosystem companies are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status.   Recruitment & Staffing Agencies: Flagship Pioneering and