Senior Associate Scientist, AAV Cell Line Development

About the role

Asimov is at the forefront of developing innovative platforms aimed at engineering living systems for the creation of advanced therapeutics. We are currently seeking a dedicated scientist to join our Synthetic Biology team on a six-month contract basis. This role will focus on supporting our initiatives in cell line development, particularly for adeno-associated virus (AAV) and lentiviral vectors. You will own the execution of critical experiments that establish and characterize robust cellular platforms capable of producing high-quality viral vectors. The position demands rigorous planning and execution to ensure that all scientific activities align with the company's overarching goals for therapeutic innovation. You will be responsible for translating complex biological concepts into scalable and reproducible manufacturing processes. Furthermore, you will act as a key contributor in a dynamic environment where scientific curiosity and data-driven decision making are paramount. Your work will directly influence the quality and yield of vector production pipelines.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Engineer stable producer cell lines for AAV and lentiviral vectors by executing transfection, clonal selection, and comprehensive cellular characterization.
• Implement advanced analytical assays using flow cytometry, ELISA, and droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) to rigorously evaluate vector purity, potency, and integrity.
• Refine and optimize existing manufacturing workflows to enhance the overall efficiency and scalability of viral vector production systems.
• Strategize and conduct experiments to improve vector quality, focusing specifically on potency, specific transductional targeting, and the stoichiometric balance of empty to full viral particles.
• Foster deep collaboration with cross-functional teams, integrating feedback to propel the synthetic biology design platform toward greater scientific insight.
• Architect and oversee the design of complex experiments, ensuring meticulous data analysis and the maintenance of comprehensive experimental records.
• Synthesize complex scientific data into clear and concise updates for internal stakeholders to maintain project transparency and alignment.
• Proactively monitor the scientific literature to identify and integrate the latest advancements and best practices into the ongoing development processes.
• Guide and mentor junior scientists by providing expert consultation on experimental techniques, data analysis, and biological interpretation.
• Author detailed scientific reports and manuscripts that accurately convey experimental outcomes and support publication efforts.
• Facilitate productive participation in team meetings to discuss project milestones, troubleshoot challenges, and identify innovative solutions.
• Validate and standardize protocols to ensure consistency and reliability across all phases of vector production.
• Manage project timelines and deliverables to ensure the successful execution of research objectives within contractual constraints.
• Contribute to the maintenance of strict data integrity and organization within shared digital and physical repositories.

Requirements

• Hold a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Virology, or Biological Engineering as a non-negotiable baseline qualification.
• Possess a minimum of five years of hands-on experience specifically in developing producer cell lines for AAV or lentiviral vectors within a gene or cell therapy GMP environment.
• Demonstrate exceptional verbal and written communication skills essential for effective collaboration, scientific documentation, and cross-team coordination.
• Exhibit a proven capacity to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously while maintaining an uncompromising attention to detail.
• Show familiarity with current regulatory requirements and established best practices governing GMP environments and cellular manufacturing.
• Maintain a proactive approach to problem-solving that drives innovation and a strong desire to contribute to cutting-edge research and development initiatives.
• Adhere to the highest standards of laboratory safety, quality control, and ethical scientific conduct.
• Thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic research setting that requires adaptability and resilience.
• Commit to the successful execution of duties located in the Boston, MA facility.
• Ensure eligibility to work in the United States and be prepared to provide necessary documentation for visa sponsorship if required by the role.

Nice to have

• Demonstrate expertise in techniques related to viral transductions, transfections, and quantitative gene expression analysis.
• Bring experience in engineering host cells or viral genomes specifically for production technologies.
• Utilize familiarity with bioinformatics tools and data analysis software to enhance the role's impact on data interpretation.

Practical notes

This position is a full-time, six-month contract aimed at covering maternity leave within the team. There may be opportunities for contract extension or potential transition into a permanent role based on business needs and individual performance. The role is located in Boston, MA, and offers a competitive hourly wage ranging from $55 to $60. Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States and may need to provide documentation for visa sponsorship if applicable.