Process Development (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 challenge the inevitability of genetic disease by discovering, developing, and delivering treatments in ways unimaginable – until now.

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

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

• 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 experimental design, execution, and analysis.
• 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.

20% of time- Design the experiments, discuss the experimental plan, analyze the data, and provide a summary and further suggestion.    Identify, design, and implement new ideas/ technologies to the downstream processes. 

Education and Experience Requirements

• Recent PhD or MS in chemical engineering, biochemistry, chemistry, biophysics, or related area with -0-4 year of experience
• Possess a fundamental understanding of protein biophysics, transport, and separations. Laboratory experience with protein separations is helpful.
• Fundamental knowledge of downstream process development of the biologics, such as viral vectors, monoclonal antibodies, vaccines, and recombinant proteins.
• Hands-on experience of AKTA, UPLC or equivalent system is helpful.
• Scientific publication record is plus.

Key Skills, Abilities, and Competencies

• Have demonstrated the ability to think critically.
• A thorough understanding of protein biophysics, transport, and separations. Laboratory experience with protein separations is helpful.
• Ability to follow directions and independently perform experiments and data analysis.
• Attention to detail and precision in work
• Self-motivated, flexible, and willing to adapt to shifting priorities.
• Self-sufficient and able to work independently.
• Excellent communication, organization, and multi-tasking skills

Other Job Requirements

• Must be able to lift 20 pounds
• Must be able to wear appropriate all Personal Protective Equipment
• Must be able to stand for long periods

Please be aware that Spark mandates COVID-19 vaccination of all employees regardless of work location.  Accommodations may be made in accordance with applicable law.

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.