AAV Production Senior Research Associate / Associate Scientist

job
  • Amber Bio
Job Summary
Location
Santa Clara ,CA
Job Type
Contract
Visa
Any Valid Visa
Salary
PayRate
Qualification
BCA
Experience
2Years - 10Years
Posted
03 Jan 2025
Share
Job Description

Amber Bio is a biotechnology company pioneering new gene editing modalities using multi-kilobase edits to reach previously undruggable patient populations. Founded by pioneers in the CRISPR field from leading institutions for gene editing research, the company is developing a first-of-its-kind RNA writing platform that can correct thousands of bases at once, thereby correcting genetic mutations safely and reversibly. Multiple openings are available on a rapidly growing team. As an early team member, you will have the opportunity to contribute to strategic planning and future hiring. If you are interested in building a new frontier in genetic medicine, please apply via LinkedIn or through our website ( ).


We are seeking a skilled AAV Production Senior Research Associate/Associate Scientist to join our growing team. This role involves leading and executing all aspects of AAV production, with a focus on downstream optimization to enhance viral yield, quality, and consistency. The ideal candidate will bring extensive expertise in AAV production across adherent and suspension cell platforms and demonstrate a proven track record of optimizing protocols for scale-up, purification, and workflow efficiency. This role requires a collaborative spirit and the ability to work across teams to support AAV production and characterization.


Key Responsibilities

AAV Production and Process Development

  • Develop and scale AAV production processes, including IOX gradient purification and affinity column purification, for increased yield and optimized turnaround.
  • Perform cell culture for AAV production (adherent and suspension).
  • Operate bioreactors, AKTA systems, pumps, mixers, and automated buffer exchange systems to streamline and automate purification workflows.
  • Continuously improve purification methods (e.g., AKTA tandem purification) to automate and streamline multi-sample processes.

AAV Characterization and Assay Development

  • Run AAV potency, biodistribution, transduction efficiency, and immunofluorescence assays to evaluate AAV performance in mammalian cell lines.
  • Perform ddPCR, sequencing, and ELISA-based assays for quantitative and qualitative characterization of AAV vectors, including titer, purity, and genome integrity assessments.
  • Conduct in-depth analysis on AAV stability, aggregation, and particle-to-infectivity ratios to refine vector quality and consistency
  • Collaborate on optimizing purification and buffer exchange protocols to enhance yield, purity, and formulation stability across multiple AAV serotypes.
  • Support upstream cell culture scale-up with a focus on consistent AAV quality and reproducibility for downstream characterization assays.

Inventory, Documentation, and Workflow Management

  • Manage lab inventory, ensuring timely ordering of supplies and efficient use of resources.
  • Maintain accurate records and data using platforms such as Benchling Workflow; author SOPs, testing summaries, and production batch records.
  • Produce AAV lots to support research and preclinical studies, ensuring all production steps meet quality and consistency standards.

Collaboration and Training

  • Train and guide team members in AAV production techniques.
  • Support viral transduction for in vitro and in vivo applications.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to meet project goals, and advance novel vectors into pipeline.
  • Lead troubleshooting efforts for production challenges and ensure compliance with established protocols.

Qualifications

  • Education: Bachelors or Masters in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Virology, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
  • Experience: 4+ years of hands-on industry experience in AAV production, preferably with both adherent and suspension HEK293 cells. Proven track record in scale-up production and purification processes.
  • Technical Skills: Proficiency with AKTA, bioreactors, molecular biology techniques (DNA/RNA/protein isolation, cDNA synthesis, RT-PCR, qPCR, digital PCR, western blot, and immunofluorescence).
  • Leadership: Demonstrated ability to manage and mentor team members in a production environment.
  • Analytical Skills: Strong troubleshooting and optimization skills for viral vector production.


Preference will be given to those who display:

  • High motivation, with a strong work ethic and dedication to generating impact
  • Attention to detail, with the ability to extract deep insights from data
  • Ability to go from ideation to data in an independent fashion
  • Long-term personal vision with defined career goals
  • High EQ with team-oriented thinking
  • Demonstrated excellence in small team environments, including a “no task is too small” attitude


If you have a passion for advancing gene editing technologies and desire to be part of a pioneering biotech company, we encourage you to apply and join our ambitious team.


Please apply directly through LinkedIn or through our website ( ).


Amber Bio is an equal-opportunity employer and encourages applications from candidates of diverse backgrounds. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive work environment for all employees.