Research Associate, Vector Engineering
About The Position
The Research Associate, Vector Engineering will help execute workflows for producing AAV vectors for Gordian. The role contributes to AAV production using adherent and suspension HEK293 cell transfection, along with scalable purification methods including iodixanol ultracentrifugation, depth filtration, TFF, and FPLC. During the first month, the associate will learn the team’s production protocols, documentation standards, and workflows by shadowing team members, while taking on routine lab tasks such as media preparation and media changes. The role supports AAV requests from other groups and helps Gordian’s HFpEF and CKD programs through vector production. Within three months, the associate is expected to independently perform core production tasks and purification steps with limited supervision, forecast weekly media needs, order routine reagents, calculate AAV requirements using historical production data, and communicate progress, blockers, risks, and handoffs. The associate will also identify and begin a process-improvement mini-project. By six months, the associate is expected to execute existing Vector SOPs independently with little or no supervision while maintaining strong records and communication. The role will own TC hood organization and shaking-incubator maintenance, complete a first mini-project, and contribute further improvement ideas to team meetings.
Requirements
- Background in biology.
- Hands-on serological pipetting experience and ability to perform an accurate serial dilution.
- Organized and detail-oriented, with a history of managing multiple time-sensitive projects, collaborating across teams, and maintaining a thorough lab notebook.
- Curious, coachable, driven, and able to take initiative, investigate problems, and own outcomes.
- Ability to articulate how the role fits into long-term plans and why Gordian’s mission matters.
Nice To Haves
- Tissue culture experience.
- Wet-lab experience such as transfections, qPCR, Western blot, or SDS-PAGE.
- Experience with flow systems such as FPLC, TFF, or depth filtration.
- Previous experience with AAV, lentivirus, or gene therapy.
Responsibilities
- Produce AAV vectors using adherent and suspension HEK293 cell transfection techniques.
- Perform AAV purification using methods such as iodixanol ultracentrifugation, depth filtration, TFF, and FPLC.
- Learn and follow Vector team production protocols, documentation standards, and workflows.
- Perform routine laboratory tasks, including media preparation and media changes.
- Support groups requesting AAV and contribute to the HFpEF and CKD programs through vector production.
- Perform HEK293 cell splits, transfections, and harvests.
- Carry out purification steps, including iodixanol ultracentrifugation and FPLC.
- Forecast weekly media requirements and order routine reagents.
- Calculate AAV requirements for project requests using historical production data in company databases.
- Communicate progress, blockers, risks, and handoffs clearly and close loops without repeated prompting.
- Identify, design, and execute process-improvement mini-projects.
- Execute existing Vector SOPs independently while maintaining accurate records and communication.
- Own TC hood organization and shaking-incubator maintenance.
Benefits
- Company equity.
- Competitive salary.
- Health, dental, vision, and life insurance.
- 401(k) with matching.
- Onsite lunch paid for three days a week.
- Onsite gym.
- Vacation flexibility.
- Remote work flexibility.
- Access to mentors and advisors to support professional growth.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
