Senior Associate Scientist, Process Development - Downstream

About Forge  

Our mission at Forge Biologics, is to enable access to life changing gene therapies and help bring them from idea into reality. We partner with innovators in the gene therapy community: scientists, physicians, biotech/pharma companies, and patient groups. We bring expertise in gene therapy manufacturing and therapeutics development to the table, helping to champion teams that are navigating the long road from the lab bench to the bedside. Our goal is simple but vital to patients living with disease, and we take it seriously. With a patient-first approach, we are forging new models for working together to better accelerate these transformative medicines to reach those who need them the most.   

Forge is based in Columbus, Ohio, in a 200,000 square foot facility known affectionately by team members as, the Hearth. The Hearth, is a custom-designed cGMP facility dedicated to AAV manufacturing and hosts scalable, end-to-end manufacturing services.  

About The Team 

The Downstream Process Development Department is responsible for refining and optimizing the purification and characterization processes for Adeno-Associated Virus (AAV) vectors. The team focuses on developing scalable and efficient downstream processes that enable the isolation, purification, and formulation of high-quality AAV vectors. The team utilizes state-of-the-art technologies and analytical techniques to ensure the removal of impurities and contaminants while maintaining vector integrity and potency.

About The Role

We are currently seeking a Senior Associate Scientist, Process Development - Downstream to join the Forge Biologics team. This is an exciting opportunity to assist in the execution of laboratory experiments and protocols for downstream process development efforts. The candidate will assist in process development protocols/studies to optimize procedures for unique viral vector platform process and to assist in the transfer of client programs. 

What You’ll Do

• Assist with overall maintenance of the production and testing facilities. This includes but may not be limited to performing quality systems checks, buffer preparation, autoclaving of media, packing of biohazard material, monitoring or sanitizing equipment, preparing facility for production campaigns, and periodic cleaning of incubators, centrifuges, FPLCs, biological safety cabinets (BSCs), and other equipment.
• Culturing cells, performing transfections and/or infections with seed vectors, harvesting and lysing cells, and purifying vectors using density gradients, FPLC, or other techniques
• Provide support in the receipt and distribution of incoming raw materials for research, preclinical, and clinical manufacturing.
• Unpack reagents, maintaining proper cold storage, restock supplies in storerooms or laboratories.
• Quarantine and prepare incoming raw materials intended for preclinical or clinical manufacturing for inspection and release.
• Assist in maintaining proper inventories of raw materials and consumables.
• Prepares formulations and raw materials as specified in protocols without the introduction of contaminants.
• Prepare sterile reagents as dictated by procedures or management by filtration or steam autoclaving.
• Maintains clean work environment in all work areas.
• Reports any discrepancies from protocols/study procedures or any materials preparation problems to management.
• Delivering results in a high paced environment
• Package and ship finished product to clients in accordance with procedures and regulations. 

What You’ll Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Molecular Biology, Virology, Biochemistry or related discipline
• Practical experience with FPLC (Fast Protein Liquid Chromatography)
• Experience with other aspects of downstream purification (e.g. – clarification/filtration, TFF, etc.)

Preferred Skills   

• Experience with lab, pilot, and large-scale FPLC systems.
• Experience with the purification of vaccines or viral vectors.
• Experience with the production of biologics and performing bioassays. 

Work Environment and Physical Demands  

This position works in both a laboratory environment and typical office environment where the physical work demands will vary depending on the specific tasks and duties required of the job. The employee will be stationary (standing/sitting) for extended periods of time. Employees regularly wear personal protective equipment based on the task being performed. Must be able to work in a confined space, such as a clean room or laboratory environment. Ability to identify small details within the field of vision, distinguish between diffe