Lead Scientist, Ocular Immunology

Join the Spark Team

We were born of innovation, springing from the curiosity, imagination and dedication of remarkable scientists and healthcare visionaries. Our shared mission is to unlock the power of gene therapy to accelerate healthcare transformation. 

We don’t follow footsteps. We create the path.

As a member of the Immunology Team in the Research and Technology Department,  the Ocular Immunology Lead directs a group of scientists and the research to elucidate immune response to the ocular gene transfer. S/he is responsible for development of novel immunosupressive treatments specific for different routs of AAV administration. The Ocular Immunology Lead is accountable for the coordination of the research projects with the actual needs of the ocular AAV gene therapy programs in clinical and pre-clinical development, presenting findings at the internal and external meetings, oversight of the CRO activities and scientific research agreements. In the partnership with Ocular program development teams, s/he supports immunogenicity risk assessment, preclinical and clinical immunomonitoring design and interpretation of the clinical immune readouts. S/he ensures that the work of his team is compliant with the internal Spark policies.

Responsibilities

55% of time- Assumes responsibility for strategic planning, execution, and reporting of research work in alignment with the Ocular therapeutic area

20% of time- In the partnership with ocular program development teams, supports immunogenicity risk assessment, preclinical and clinical immunomonitoring design and interpretation of the clinical immune readouts.

5% of time- Oversees the development of novel immune assays.

5% of time- Oversees research conducted by CROs and SRAs.

5% of time- Keep abreast of new scientific/technology development by participating in scientific meetings/seminars and through regular scientific review.

10% of time- Manage performance.   Ensure every team member knows what is expected of them, what it takes to be successful, and how they are progressing.  Provide team members with continuous and on-going performance feedback.  Hold everyone accountable to achieve results while demonstrating the Spark Values. Help team members understand how their work contributes to the overall success of Spark by periodically reviewing individual objectives to ensure alignment to corporate and functional objectives, making adjustments if priorities have shifted. Develop team members.   Help employees effectively assimilate to Spark and continually grow through challenging experiences so they can realize their full potential.  Understand your employee’s goals, strengths and motivators.  Partner with your employees to identify areas for development, conduct coaching conversations regularly and provide guidance on ways to develop through on the job experiential learning, social networks and development opportunities. Foster Spark’s Culture, Mission, Vision, and Values:  Lead by example.  Create an environment where team members thrive in our Culture by living our truths, always in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Emphasize to employees that “how” they achieve performance objectives is just as important as “what” they accomplish.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Ocular Immunology or related field required and at least 4 years of relevant post degree experience
• Previous experience as a team leader

• A solid publication track record
• A strong background in ocular immunology
• Knowledge of AAV gene therapy is a plus

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