Senior Scientist I, Lentiviral Vector Purification and Analytics
About The Position
The Lentiviral Vector (LVV) Team in Novartis’s Biologics Research Center in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is seeking a scientist experienced in viral vector production and purification. This onsite, lab-based role supports cell and gene therapy research initiatives, including CAR-T programs. The scientist will develop, optimize, and characterize viral vector processes and produce high-quality research materials through purification and analytical workflows. Novartis states that relocation support is not available for this position. The role involves hands-on lentiviral vector purification, including clarification, chromatography, and tangential flow filtration, as well as molecular- and cell-based analytical testing. The scientist will contribute to experimental design, data analysis, troubleshooting, process documentation, and cross-team collaboration. The position also includes writing and reviewing protocols, technical reports, technology transfer documents, SOPs, and instrument procedures, and presenting scientific data.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s or master’s degree in bioengineering, virology, or a related field, with relevant laboratory experience.
- Six years of postgraduate experience in viral vector purification with a bachelor’s degree, or four years with a master’s degree.
- BSL2 experience with AAV, lentiviral, or retroviral vector production.
- Proficiency in aseptic technique, cell culture, molecular biology, and analytical testing.
- Expertise operating bioreactors at different scales for viral vector production.
- Hands-on chromatography experience and familiarity with AKTA operation.
- Familiarity with downstream processing techniques, including depth filtration, ultrafiltration, diafiltration, and tangential flow filtration.
- Strong coordination, communication, collaboration, learning agility, and self-motivation.
- Proficiency with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and GraphPad Prism.
- Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
Nice To Haves
- Hands-on experience with Ambr bioreactors.
Responsibilities
- Perform hands-on lentiviral vector purification, including clarification, chromatography, and tangential flow filtration (TFF).
- Execute molecular- and cell-based analytical methods to assess the quality of purified vector.
- Write and review protocols, technical reports, and technology transfer documents, including supported conclusions and recommendations.
- Write and review SOPs, instrument procedures, and other laboratory documents.
- Plan and prioritize work to meet goals while managing multiple research activities.
- Support experimental design, data analysis, and troubleshooting.
- Identify root causes, implement solutions, and verify their effectiveness.
- Present scientific data and contribute to discussions.
- Thoroughly document experimental procedures and processes.
- Collaborate across teams, share knowledge, and train team members in technical areas as needed.
Benefits
- Performance-based cash incentive.
- Potential eligibility for annual equity awards, depending on role level.
- Health benefits.
- Life benefits.
- Disability benefits.
- 401(k) with company contribution and match.
- Vacation, personal days, holidays, and other leaves.
- Other benefits as part of a comprehensive benefits package.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
