BS/MS Associate Scientist (Biology)

Job Description Summary:

The Associate Scientist , Biology is responsible for conducting scientific experiments that contribute to research and drug discovery activities at PTC. This position assists in the conduct of preclinical research in gene therapy, the goal of which is to perform production, purification and characterization of recombinant adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors for in vivo efficacy and safety study in animals. The incumbent is also responsible for communicating experimental results to his/her supervisor and the project team.
The Associate Scientist , Biology supports adherence to all regulatory requirements and company Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) including as appropriate.

Job Description:

Primary duties/responsibilities:

• Under minimal supervision, executes experiments as directed by the supervisor and communicates results as part of multi-disciplinary team(s). May also design and conduct independent research experiments.
  
• Analyze data from experience and understanding of databases such as prism, excel, etc.
  
• Applies relevant scientific principles and techniques to research problems.
  
• Maintains detailed laboratory notebooks.
  
• Maintains broad knowledge of state-of-the-art principles and techniques and may contribute to the identification of new project areas or technologies.
  
• Presents findings internally and externally and contributes to the publication of the work of the project team in well-established and peer reviewed journals, subject to internal scientific and legal approval.
  
• May provide technical and scientific input to the project team or research leadership
  
• Contributes to the development of patent applications as appropriate.
  
• Complies with all safety requirements.
  
• Contributes to general lab operations such as:
  
  • Equipment maintenance.
    
  • Identification of capital equipment needs
    
  • Maintenance of clean and uncluttered work areas
    
  • Maintain Inventory and order supplies as needed.
    

Specific duties may also include, but may not be limited to, the following:

• Contributes to the development of cell-based and cell-free assays for AAV-based Gene Therapy research programs.
  
• Uses in-house established methods to produce rAAV vectors for in vivo efficacy and pharmacology studies.
  
• Participates in the development of new methods and optimization of the existing methods for AAV production in-house.
  
• Assists the team in characterization of the produced rAAV vectors, including determining the titer, purity, and the transduction activity of the produced vectors.
  
• Provides support for in vivo studies as required.
  
• Assists in the development of biologically relevant alternatives to preclinical animal models.
  

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES REQUIRED

• Hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture: Transient and stable DNA/RNA transfection, isolation of stable clones, cryopreservation, cytotoxicity, cell-based reporter assays (e.g., luciferase assays, protein-protein interaction).
  
• Experience using standard cell and molecular biology techniques including molecular cloning, SDS PAGE, western blot, ELISA/Mesoscale Discovery (MSD), nucleic acid isolation, purification and quantification, PCR, qRT-PCR.
  

* Minimum level of education and years of relevant work experience.

• Bachelor's degree in a scientific discipline with a minimum of 6 years' experience or Master's degree in a scientific discipline and a minimum of 2 years' experience.
  

* Special knowledge or skills needed and/or licenses or certificates required.

• Demonstrates high technical proficiency, scientific creativity, independent thought, and the ability to collaborate with others on cross functional teams in a fast-paced, matrixed, environment consisting of internal and external team members.
  
• Possesses knowledge of scientific principles and concepts and keeps current with relevant scientific literature.
  
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office- preferably MS Excel and MS PowerPoint.
  
• Effective verbal and written communication and skills.
  
• Analytical thinker with problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt to changing priorities and deadlines.
  
• Effective planning, organization and time management skills including the ability to support and prioritize multiple projects.
  

*Special knowledge or skills and/or licenses or certificates preferred.

• Knowledge and experience in viral vector are preferred but not required.
  
• Experience with bioreactors, cell factories and scaling up of adherent and suspension cell cultures is preferred but not required.
  

* Travel requirements

Up to 5%

EEO Statement:

PTC Therapeutics is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of race, color, national origin, gender, age, physical characteristics, social origin, disability, religion, family status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, veteran status or any unlawful criterion under applicable law. We are committed to treating all applicants fairly and avoiding discrimination.

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