29092100 - MD-CHILD HEALTH RES INSTITUTE

Biological Scientist II

The Department of Pediatrics, Child Health Research Institute, Dr. Byrne's Research Laboratory is accepting applications to fill the position of Biological Scientist II. This is a Biological Scientist position in a research lab studying adeno-associated virus (AAV) gene therapy. The Biological Scientist is expected to be able to 1. Develop/Edit protocols to improve existing techniques or to incorporate new diagnostic procedures; 2. Oversee their execution assigned experiments; 3. Review, approve, or interpret scientific results; 4. Conduct rodent procedures as necessary to complete research objectives 5. Present researching findings to PI and at laboratory meetings; 6. Maintain laboratory safety programs and train personnel in laboratory safety techniques; 7. Actively participate in the writing of grants, papers, and statements of work. 

The Biological Scientist II must be able to perform the following essential functions:

AAV Production: The primary responsibility of this position is to implement and optimize the production of rAAV in suspension using a methods currently established. The goal is to be able to reproduce the yields and quality of the vector produced in shaker flask up to 10L harvest scale. The incumbent will design protocols with the help of the supervisor, execute, analyze and report to the supervisor for review.

Animal Studies: Will participate in treating animals with pharmacological agents or AAV vectors either through i.p., i.m., or i.v. injection.  Other duties with the mice may include doing echocardiography, sensory and motor function, force mechanics, and metabolic studies.  Collecting blood and tissues for processing in a clean and sterile manner. Individual will play a key role in regulatory management (IACUCs) and record keeping for each animal using a secure web database.

Molecular and Cellular Work: Testing of research, GLP and GMP-grade AAV and HSV vector preparations in compliance with cGMP for the qualitative and quantitative assessment. These activities require strict adherence to written protocols, proper reporting and data entry. During the course of these assays, the candidate will perform standard laboratory techniques that include, but are not limited to, cell culture, molecular biology (PCR, western blot, dot blot, hybridization, protein and nucleic acid electrophoresis), virological techniques (infection, transduction, viral gene expression and detection), microscopy, pH, conductivity. These activities included reagent preparations, storage and tracking of expiration date in compliance with GMP.

Standard Operating Procedures: Writing new and/or editing existing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Test Records (TRs) and Quality Control Reagent Preparation records (QCRPs). 

Regulatory Compliance: Individual will ensure that laboratory is compliant with governing rules and regulations [IRB/IACUCU/Etc].  Coordinate all regulatory submissions/renewals.  Ensure all EH&S standards are met.  Train/ensure new laboratory members to ensure compliance standards are met.

OTHER: Perform tasks and experiments as directed by the Principal Investigator. Any other duties, as needed, to fulfill the mission and to abide by the values of the College of Medicine.

$45,600 - $50,100 annually; commensurate within this range based on qualifications and experience.

Master's degree in biology or a related field with 1 year of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Bachelor's degree required.

• Experience in gene therapy research.
• Advanced degree in related scientific field.
• Working knowledge of basic laboratory techniques.
• Must be extremely knowledgeable in laboratory procedures and must be meticulous in recording, tracking & reporting of data collected.
• Trained in common upstream and downstream purification protocols that include but not limited to cell line development, clonal selection, ion and anion exchange chromatography, affinity preparative chromatography, filtration, tangential flow filtration.
• Experience in eukaryotic cell culture, growth, count, seeding, and some knowledge of basic molecular biological assays including but not limited to PCR, Protein and DNA electrophoresis, Western Blots etc.
• Working understanding of molecular biology, cell biology, physics and chemistry of protein and virus purification using chromatography and other downstream devices, work in laboratory environment and with biological reagents, working in sterile environment.

Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.