Advisor, guide-RNA Process Development

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Organizational Overview

Verve Therapeutics, a wholly owned subsidiary of Eli Lilly & Company within Lilly Research Labs, is a clinical-stage genetic medicines company established with a mission to solve the global health epidemic of cardiovascular disease. Founded by world-leading experts in cardiovascular medicine, human genetics and gene-editing, Verve is pioneering a new approach to the care of cardiovascular disease, potentially transforming treatment from chronic management to single-course gene editing medicines.

Position Summary:

We are seeking an experienced process chemist to join the guide-RNA process development team.  You will be joining a team that is heavily focused on clinical manufacturing process development.  This is primarily a lab-based role supporting guide-RNA drug substance process development for programs in clinical development.  The role will also contribute to the development of guide-RNA manufacturing platform technologies in a highly collaborative effort with process and analytical chemistry teams.

Responsibilities:

• Design and execute solid-phase synthesis and purification experiments to support process development and scale-up of oligonucleotide drug substance manufacturing

• Lead guide-RNA process development efforts by identifying areas of continuous improvement through literature and state-of-art practices and applying these learnings to Verve’s gRNA process development projects.   

• Collaborate cross-functionally with process and analytical teams to progress process and manufacturing technology development projects

• Review and provide technical feedback on internal and external collaborators experimental designs and results

• Participate actively in technical discussions and meetings, proactively communicate technical findings and results to stakeholders, train and support teammates as needed

• Partner closely with members of facilities, lab operations, and safety to maintain the highest level of safety standards within the lab

• Keep an updated lab notebook, order materials, maintain lab equipment, and support equipment troubleshooting as needed

Basic Requirements:

• PhD degree in a relevant scientific discipline with 1-2+ years of industry experience (synthesis, oligonucleotide development, solid phase synthesis, CMC) or MS degree with 6+ years of relevant industry experience (synthesis, oligonucleotide development, solid phase synthesis, CMC)

• Experience designing and troubleshooting oligonucleotide solid phase synthesis studies. Strong preference for candidates who have experience with guide-RNA or longmer synthesis development backgrounds.

• Experience with oligonucleotide manufacturing processes and equipment including solid phase synthesis (Cytiva OligoSynt or OP100), cleavage and deprotection, chromatography (Akta), TFF, sterile filtration, single-use technology, and sterile/aseptic processing preferred

• Background in oligonucleotide process development, scale-up, and GMP manufacturing

• Strong communication skills (oral and written) and the ability to thrive in a team and goal driven environment

Additional Skills/Preferences:

• Background in CRISPR guide RNA development strongly preferred

• Use of strong interpersonal skills for collaboration

• Ability to prioritize multiple activities and handle ambiguity

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