Senior Research Associate/ Associate Scientist, Capsid Production
Company Summary
Ring Therapeutics Inc. is a privately held, early-stage biotechnology company pioneering a novel form of gene therapy by exploiting a family of naturally occurring commensal viruses to create the first re-dosable and targetable viral vector. This approach enables a powerful new class of tropic, persistent, non-integrating vectors that overcome the immunogenicity, and limited tropism of existing gene therapy vectors. Ring Therapeutics is leveraging this versatile technology to develop a broad pipeline of novel, targeted medicines for disease with high unmet medical need.
Ring Therapeutics was founded by Flagship Pioneering, focused on launching breakthrough companies based on internally conceived innovations and insights. Flagship Pioneering has created over 40 groundbreaking companies over the past fifteen years, all of which are pioneering novel and proprietary biological, industrial, and engineering approaches to solve major needs in human health and sustainability. These companies include Moderna (MRNA), Seres Therapeutics (MCRB), Syros Pharmaceuticals (SYRS), Rubius Therapeutics (RUBY), Axcella Health, Evelo Biosciences (EVLO), and Indigo Agriculture.
Job Description
About this Role
The In Vitro Assembly and Delivery group at Ring Therapeutics is seeking an independent and highly motivated Scientist to contribute to the discovery and development of gene delivery technology for Anellovirus platform. In this role, you will work in a fast-paced and cross-functional environment, support cross-functional collaborations to design, characterize and validate novel ANV (Anellovirus) vectors in vitro and in vivo.
What You’ll Do
- Express, purify, and characterize novel Anello capsid proteins and AnelloVLPs using the tools of biochemistry, biophysics and microscopy
- Design and conduct biochemistry assays for expression and function assessment and validation of novel Anellovectors.
- Perform basic molecular biology techniques including molecular cloning, construct designs, DNA/RNA isolation, RT-PCR, qPCR, etc.
- Collaborate closely with cross-functional research groups to identify novel strategies and reagents for viral vector targeted delivery
- Manage external CROs for gene synthesis including but not limited to plasmids, viral vector production, ds DNA, ssDNA and/or circular ssDNA
- Work in partnership with colleagues to ensure assays and experiments are designed optimally, biologically relevant, aligned with goals, and implemented effectively
- Present experimental designs and results to various audiences at team meetings and department meetings
- Maintain organized and detailed electronic records to support internal documentation needs and regulatory submissions
Qualifications
Who you are
You are a wet-bench protein biochemist who is passionate about innovations and tackling key challenges in therapeutic platform discovery and development through technology innovation. You enjoy working as part of an innovative, collaborative, and dynamic team, and have strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Required skills
- BS or MS degree in Biochemistry, Structural Biology, Viral Capsid or related fields
- Minimum 2-4 years for SRA or 4-6 years for Associate Scientist of post-degree experience in industry.
- Expertise with protein production, purification, and characterization of viral vectors
- Proficient in AKTA, ion exchange purification, SEC purification, Western Blot
- Proficient in protein characterization methodologies, including Octet, HPLC, ELISA and protein quantitation is a plus
- Expertise with mammalian cell culture techniques including transfection and cell line maintenance.
- Experience with molecular biology including cloning, nucleic acid isolation and purification, and qPCR.
- Experience with protein antibody engineering
- Preferred experience with process development
- Strong ability to design, execute, trouble-shoot, analyze, and interpret experiments.
- Proficient in data analysis and presentation software such as Excel, GraphPad, and PowerPoint
- Can-do attitude, enthusiastic, self-motivated, team oriented with a strong collaborative spirit
