Senior Scientist, AAV Viral Vector Production

Chroma Medicine is pioneering a new class of genomic medicines that harness epigenetics, nature's innate mechanism for gene regulation, to deliver precise, programable single-course therapeutics while preserving genomic integrity.

Founded by the world's foremost experts in genomic medicine and backed by industry-leading investors, Chroma is working at the cutting edge of precision genetic medicine, building an entirely new class of therapeutics that can precisely and durably control gene expression without changing or cutting the underlying DNA sequence. Chroma is rapidly advancing novel epigenetic editing therapeutics to patients who are living with serious diseases.

We are hiring at our Boston, Massachusetts site, offering a unique opportunity to be part of our foundational Chroma team.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Chroma is seeking a highly motivated Senior Scientist/Principal Scientist, AAV Viral Vector Production to join our Technology Development team. This individual will oversee production activities, team organization, and training, while working closely collaboratively and cross-functionally to manufacture and test general and project-specific supply of AAV vectors to support Chroma's drug discovery pipeline with differentiated genomic medicines based on our core epigenetic modulation technology.

The ideal candidate will have broad hands-on expertise in AAV production encompassing both upstream and downstream processes at research to medium scale, along with analytical characterization for release of product to be used in a research setting. This role will be required to establish core processes and analytical testing to support vector manufacturing.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Design/implement research grade viral vector production methods at research to medium scale
• Design/implement downstream purification process methods
• Lead analytical testing of AAV batches to assess quality and safety
• Drive forward research timelines to meet program and corporate objectives
• Capable of handling tight AAV production timelines
• Collaborate with external partners to ensure timely delivery of viral vectors to support internal and external stakeholder's process
• Analyze experimental results and formulate conclusions for presentation to key stakeholders
• Prepare SOPs, technical reports, summaries, protocols, and quantitative analyses for all experimental results
• Collaborate cross-functionally to achieve shared objectives.
• Ensure safe workplace in compliance with the company and EHS rules and regulations.

SKILLS & COMPETENCIES

• Extensive expertise in viral production, purification, and characterization. Experience in capsid design and transduction assays both in vitro and in vivo a plus
• Impactful leadership skills and demonstrated ability to build and lead.
• Proven track record of managing complex timelines
• Excellent analytical, problem solving and critical thinking skills, including an ability to combine attention to detail with a big picture perspective
• Strong oral and written communication skills with experience presenting scientific research both internally across all levels of the organization and externally to other interested parties
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, innovative, and, at times, uncertain or changing environment while remaining flexible, proactive, and resourceful
• Adept at prioritizing and managing multiple tasks simultaneously, integrating cross-functional issues, and balancing competing priorities effectively
• Collaborative and team-oriented mindset with a desire to positively impact a new company's evolving culture
• Passionate, adaptable, and keen on working in the fast-paced biotech startup space to drive cutting-edge science

QUALIFICATIONS

• PhD or MS in neuroscience, molecular biology, biochemistry, or other related field with 5+ or 10+ years of industry experience in viral vector manufacturing, process development and/or analytical development
• Extensive expertise in AAV vector design and/or expression construct engineering, viral production, purification, and characterization in a biotechnology setting. Transduction assays in vitro and in vivo a plus
• Experience with viral vector production, technology transfer to CDMO/manufacturing facility, and process characterization experience is a bonus
• Adept in ambiguous situations, flexible, and comfortable making decisions using minimal available data
• Experience in process development or manufacturing planning and strategy is required; familiarity with preclinical drug development processes is a bonus
• Experience with scientific writing, US/EU regulatory expectations and CTD section authorship preferred

Chroma Medicine is an equal opportunity employer, providing equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex or gender identity, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Chroma Medicine complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment.

COVID-19 Vaccination Policy: All Chroma Medicine team members must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19. This requirement includes a booster dose once eligible. Requests for exemptions for medical or sincerely held religious beliefs will be considered.