Vector Optimization Research Lead

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.

Primary Duties

The Vector Optimization Research Lead will manage one or more Vector Optimization programs within the Discovery Research group under Research. They will be responsible for:

• Operational management and strategic planning of DNA sequence optimization studies from library design through to proof-of-technical principle for specific Vector Optimization programs, providing leadership within in a group of scientists/research associates.
• Lead innovative efforts to on-board new technologies, such as genome editing or programmable epigenetic regulators
• Initiation and active oversight of joint programs with external collaborators.
• Establishing and managing project timelines and ensuring work is completed according to schedule.
• Training and developing staff at varying levels of experience.
• Writing and reviewing documents to support regulatory filings, manuscripts, and present results at appropriate scientific meetings.

The Vector Optimization Research Lead position requires extensive experience with control of gene expression and delivery of gene therapies, including:

• In-depth familiarity with the molecular architecture of non-coding regulatory elements such as promoters and enhancers, optimization of transcription factor binding sites, DNA barcoding, and the application of of molecular, cellular and in vitro/in vivo techniques for screening for transcriptional potency and tissue-specificity.
• Experience in the application of miRNAs and other regulatory RNAs to control gene expression.
• Ability to design and interpret -omics studies such as RNA-seq, ATAC-seq, and ChIP-seq.
• Proficiency with the design and use of genome editing tools.
• Subject matter expertise in nucleic acid delivery and high-throughput screening is preferred.
• Track record of performing technology assessments and due diligence efforts in an industry setting is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage a team of scientists to execute Discovery programs from conceptual stages through proof-of-technical principle.  Mentor and develop staff. Ensure individual goals and objectives are aligned to departmental and organizational goals and objectives.    
• Identify and validate new technologies or approaches to gene expression cassette optimization. Design and trouble-shoot experiments based on personal experience and literature review. Prepare and deliver scientific presentations at internal and external meetings
• Preparing study reports

• Prioritize projects, plan workload, manage resource and personnel scheduling
• Benchside training of scientists in specialized techniques and/or methodology harmonization within Discovery

Education and Experience Requirements

• Ph.D. in relevant scientific discipline (e.g. cell, molecular, or synthetic biology, biochemistry, etc.)
• Typically has between 5-7 years of hands-on experience in the field of gene therapy.
• Previous management or supervisory experience strongly preferred.

Key Skills, Abilities, and Competencies

• Hands-on research experience, ideally with AAV-based gene therapies
• Strong organizational skills, including use of electronic notebooks.
• Experience with studies in laboratory animals.
• Familiarity with translational research
• Excellent communication skills (both oral and written)
• Previous management experience preferred, but not required.
• Strong analytical skills and problem-solving capabilities
• Strong publication record is a plus.
• Experience managing external collaborations is a plus.

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.