PD Downstream Scientist

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.

The downstream process development (DSPD) team is seeking a highly motivated and innovative scientist to join our downstream purification technology development team.  The successful candidate should have solid technical training in scientific and/or engineering discipline, preferably having biopharmaceutical industry experience.  She/he will participate in multiple downstream process development projects for early or late phase program, with a focus on developing platform technology, continued process and product understanding and bringing innovation in adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector purification and characterization. The position will report to Purification Process Development Manager, the major responsibilities include, but not limited to:

• Develop process solutions to technical problems of significant scope and complexity.
• Execute, evaluate, and interpret downstream process development experiments and provide recommendations based on scientific data
• Utilize technical expertise and sound judgment for troubleshooting technical problems and finding appropriate solutions
• Evaluate, select, and apply sound engineering techniques and procedures to process design, scale up and scale down.
• Conduct experiments for process optimization, process characterization, support tech transfer, person in plant support of engineering or clinical runs
• Present findings in internal and external meetings, author technical reports and publications
• Effectively communicate with internal and external partners to progress projects

Responsibilities

80% of time- Working in the lab to perform experiments described above in the job primary duties.

15% of time- Design the experiments, discuss the experimental plan, analyze the data, and provide a summary and further suggestion.  Identify, design and implement new idea/ technology to the downstream processes. 

5% of time- Prepare the presentation in either team meeting or various project meeting.

Requirements

• PhD or MS in chemical engineering, biochemistry, chemistry, biophysics, or related area with -0-4 year of industry experience
• Individual experience may vary based on skillset and expertise. 
• Possess a fundamental understanding of protein biophysics, transport, and separations. Some experience with protein separations is helpful.
• Knowledge of downstream process development of the biologics, such as viral vectors, monoclonal antibodies, vaccines, and therapeutic recombinant proteins in the biopharma industry is desired.
• Hands-on experience of AKTA, UPLC or equivalent system is preferred.  
• Scientific publication record is plus.

Key Skills, Abilities, and Competencies

• A desire to solve complex problems and the ability to think critically
• A thorough understanding of protein biophysics, transport, and separations. Some experience with protein separations is helpful.
• Ability to independently perform experiments and data analysis
• Attention to detail and precision in work
• Ability to understand, present and interpret data
• Self-motivated, flexible, and willing to adapt to shifting priorities
• An avid reader who stays informed of new scientific/technology development in near and far fields
• Excellent communication, organization, and multi-tasking skills
• Self-sufficient and able to work independently or in a team

Spark takes into consideration a combination of candidate’s education, training, and experience as well as the position’s scope and complexity, the discretion and latitude required in the role, and external market and internal value when determining a salary for potential new employees.  The base salary range for this position is currently from $98,100  to $147,100.

Spark Therapeutics does not accept unsolicited resumes/candidate profiles from any source other than directly from candidates. Any unsolicited resume/candidate profile submitted through our website or to personal email accounts of employees of Spark Therapeutics are considered property of Spark Therapeutics and are not subject to payment of agency fees.