Spirovant is a gene therapy leader focused on changing the course of cystic fibrosis and other respiratory diseases. Our gene therapy technologies are using adeno-associated virus (AAV) and lentivirus vectors designed to overcome the historical barriers that have prevented effective genetic treatments for lung conditions such as cystic fibrosis. We are a rapidly growing company located in the biotech heart of University City, Philadelphia. To support our continued expansion and enable our future success, Spirovant is looking for a Research Scientist, Respiratory Gene Therapy, with the following Responsibilities and Requirements:

Responsibilities:

• Conduct research to elucidate the critical molecular and structural components of novel recombinant AAV and/or lentivirus vectors that are required to promote and maintain intended gene transfer functions.
• Conduct molecular and biochemical research to optimize all aspects of desired vector biology: cellular tropism and transduction, genome packaging efficiency, promoter activity, vector titers and transgene expression.
• Technical experience with molecular biology (PCR, ddPCR, RNA tissue extraction), biochemical analysis (ELISA, FACS), cell culture, cell transfection/infection and immune-histological methods.
• Experience in AAV and lentivirus vector packaging, preparation, purification, analysis and viral titer assays.
• Experience with primary airway cell cultures, differentiation and phenotyping is preferred.
• Generate, manage, evaluate, and maintain critical data in a highly organized manner.
• Author technical reports, method transfer documents, and prepare scientific presentations as needed.
• Provide project leadership to ensure that internal research objectives and activities are aligned with corporate goals. Drive research activities with diligence to maintain program timelines.
• Serve as liaison with the process/analytical development and manufacturing group to guide the maintenance of vector product quality across multiple production and purification operations.
• Collaborate with and provide subject matter expertise to other individuals/groups within Spirovant as needed.
• Maintain compliance with facility mandated chemical inventory and safety requirements.
• Interpret, prepare, review and finalize written reports for discovery and translational studies.
• Identify gaps in development plan(s) and establish timelines and budget as needed for specific pipeline assets.
• In collaboration with the VP, Research, will develop strategies to address unmet need in respiratory diseases using gene therapy technologies.
• Participate in the scope-creation, execution, and oversight of Research Agreements with external collaborators.
• Provide oversight to external consultants in the research area, as needed.

Requirements:

• PhD in relevant biological sciences (i.e. molecular biology, biochemistry, pharmacology) or related fields with 3+ years post-doctoral or relevant industry experience
• Experience in respiratory disease, immunology and/or gene therapy
• Experience in designing, executing and monitoring of research and/or nonclinical studies.
• Knowledge of virus vector-based drug development.
• Experience in nonclinical aspects of gene therapy, experience with monoclonal antibody or vaccine development are a plus.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Proven ability to independently manage multiple projects/tasks at one time, as well management of program interdependencies to meet set timelines.
• Demonstrated experience and track-record accomplishment in lab management.
• Team oriented, highly motivated, execution focused with strong work ethic, ability to thrive in an entrepreneurial and multidisciplinary environment.
• Flexible, collaborative, and responsive to scientific, technical and business opportunities and needs.

Spirovant is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.