Career Opportunities in the Foresite Capital Network

About Voyager Therapeutics

Voyager Therapeutics (Nasdaq: VYGR) is a biotechnology company dedicated to breaking through barriers in gene therapy and neurology. The potential of both disciplines has been constrained by delivery challenges; Voyager is leveraging cutting-edge expertise in capsid discovery and deep neuropharmacology capabilities to address these constraints. Voyager’s TRACER™ AAV capsid discovery platform has generated novel capsids with high target delivery and blood-brain barrier penetration at low doses, potentially addressing the narrow therapeutic window associated with conventional gene therapy delivery vectors. This platform is fueling alliances with Alexion, AstraZeneca Rare Disease; Novartis Pharma AG; Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc. and Sangamo Therapeutics, Inc., as well as multiple programs in Voyager’s own pipeline. Voyager’s pipeline includes wholly-owned and collaborative preclinical programs in Alzheimer’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Parkinson’s disease, and other diseases of the central nervous system, with a focus on validated targets and biomarkers to enable a path to rapid potential proof-of-biology. For more information, visit www.voyagertherapeutics.com.

Job Summary:

Voyager is seeking a highly motivated Scientist/Senior Scientist to join the TechOps organization to advance our AAV manufacturing platform.

The Scientist/Senior Scientist will join the Cell and Molecular Biology team in Technical Operations and be responsible for developing and improving Voyager’s AAV expression platform through cell line and expression vector development. The candidate will collaborate with Research Vector Production, Vector Engineering and Novel Capsid Discovery teams regarding new product candidates. They will work closely with the different functions within Technical Operations to evaluate and develop manufacturing processes for the selected capsid transgene combinations. This is an ideal position for a candidate who enjoys problem-solving creatively, can work independently, has a strong work ethic, and thrives in a team-oriented, fast-paced, and cross-disciplinary environment. This is a hands-on role requiring significant presence in the lab.

Key Responsibilities:

• Plan and execute experiments to assess new and existing techniques to fundamentally improve the platform for expression of AAV.
• Drive experimental design, execution, data analysis and technical report authoring associated with development of the expression system.
• Develop new cell lines including cell line engineering, single cell cloning, clone screening and characterization to generate robust and productive cell lines for AAV manufacturing. Define and document workflows for cell line development.
• Hands-on development of plasmids for transient transfection based production of AAV; assessment of alternate expression vectors for the production of AAV.
• Collaborate with internal and external partner groups as needed to advance scientific initiatives.
• Author appropriate sections of IND filings and regulatory documents to support IND filings.
• Present work at internal meetings and externally at industry conferences; contribute to scientific documentation such as patent applications and publications

Specialized Knowledge & Skills:

• Extensive hands-on experience with molecular biology and cell culture techniques including vector design and construction, stable cell line generation and single cell cloning,
• Experience with cell line and expression vector development for recombinant protein production - prior experience working with rAAV products is highly desired
• Prior experience in cell line engineering using gene editing techniques is highly preferred.
• Good working knowledge or some hands-on experience with transfection based process for recombinant protein/AAV production is desirable
• Significant attention to detail and accuracy in developing, reviewing and following protocols, as well as documenting experimental results in technical reports.
• Experience in basic analytical skills such as ddPCR, qPCR, Western blot and ELISA. Strong desire to learn new techniques and willingness to work as part of a larger team
• Ability to be productive in a fluid, fast-paced and teamwork oriented environment, work collaboratively on multiple projects and manage competing priorities
• Well developed communication skills – interpersonal, written and presentation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage projects in an industrial or academic setting is desirable

Requirements:

Educational Requirements:

• BS, MS or PhD degree in biology, biochemistry or similar field with a strong emphasis in Cell or Molecular Biology

Experience:

• BS in relevant scientific discipline with 8+ years relevant experience, MS in relevant scientific discipline with 7+ years relevant experience, Ph.D. (or equivalent) in relevant scientific discipline, with 1-2 years of relevant experience.