Vector Core

SUMMARY

The Gene Transfer Vector Core (GTVC) of the Grousbeck Gene Therapy Center (GTC) at the Ocular Genomics Institute (OGI), part of the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, a Harvard Medical School Affiliated Teaching Hospital, is looking for a Core Associate Director to support the service activities in the core. Our core is focused on research grade Adeno-associated Virus (AAV) vector production to support the studies in the field of gene therapy and building transformative medicine for disease with unmet need. The position provides a set of diverse and independent responsibilities in a team context with excellent support and training.

Applicants are required to be highly motivated to support a highly productive life science research program, to be able to perform in a team, and have a MS/Ph.D degree in the life sciences or M.D. degree.

Prior laboratory and tissue culture experience is required, viral vector production experiences are highly desired, but not required. Full Time with benefits and 50% off the MBTA pass.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Direct operation of the GTVC core, and ensure the facility is running efficiently and accurately.
2. Overview the production queue for every week’s AAV vector production of custom and inventory viral vectors. Manage plasmid-to-AAV vectors workflow, quality, and exchanges with customer.
3. Lead Process development on AAV production. Identify novel and evolving technologies and direct the adoption of appropriate new methods and technologies to meet the mission of the Grousbeck GTC and the OGI; implement novel technologies and develop standard operating procedures.
4. Lead Collaboration research projects for vector applications
5. Communicate with customers on – order inquiries, quotes, generating online request for processing payment, vector shipments. Communicate with customer’s AP teams for vendor set-up, PO’s questions, payments
6. Coordinate to generate Service agreements, MTA, CDA, working with legal teams
7. Generate insights and data helpful to address Customer’s query for vector usage and applications
8. Supervise cloning projects and maintain plasmids and vectors reagents in and out-flow
9. Manage the inventory of supplies, order reagents and consumables, renew quotes for capital orders. Equipment PMs.
10. Reconcile fiscal budgets from Core’s production, expenses with Revenues processing systems. Assess pricing for main and allied service offerings
11. Website development for better customer-experience.
12. Marketing of Core’s offerings to Linkedin, customer’s website page, email list-serve, other avenues like conferences and relevant communities. Generate marketing content.
13. Seek networking and BD opportunities
14. Personnel management – Hiring, Timekeeping, managing employees as a point-person for HR
15. Participate in lab meetings and journal clubs. Present in conferences and meetings.

There are opportunities to write grants and support process development as Co-lead on project

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• MS or PhD degree required with two or more years of professional full-time work experience in directly relevant positions.
• Experience in gene therapy field preferred.
• Experience with training and supervision of research staff, and management of research services.
• Knowledge of experimental planning, computer skills and data analysis skills.
• Excellent communication (verbal and written) and interpersonal skills.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Lifting of 5 to 20 lbs.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Schepens Eye Research Institute, 2W, 20 Staniford Street, Boston, MA, 02114.

EEO Statement Massachusetts Eye and Ear is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer and is committed to providing a workplace free from harassment or discrimination. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, age, gender, gender identification, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, sex, pregnancy or conditions related to pregnancy, national origin/ancestry, citizenship, disability, military status, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by law. These protections extend to all management practices and decisions, including recruitment and hiring practices, appraisal systems, promotions, training, and career development programs