Location:                    London, UK

Reporting to:              Senior Scientist, Cell and Gene Technical Development

This an exciting opportunity for a well-qualified candidate to join a rapidly growing international company focused on transforming the lives of patients with rare disorders through innovative gene therapies.

Orchard Therapeutics, Ltd. (OTL) is looking for an Associate Scientist for the Cell Process Development team to work on the development, manufacture, and delivery of Orchard Therapeutics’ innovative gene-modified cell-based therapeutic products. Primary activities will include the process development and optimisation of our drug product manufacturing process, investigating all manufacturing process steps including cell selection, transduction, culture, and formulation. The post may also include research with internal departments and external partners to support OTL’s product pipeline programs.

The role will be based in Orchard’s London Hammersmith site where the state-of-the-art development laboratories are located.

Responsibilities

1.      Involvement in experiments for process development and characterization of HSC-based gene modified cell processes to deliver robust platform processes.

2.      Support the process development team with performing routine processes, analytics and data analysis, such as flow cytometry, ddPCR, lentiviral vector production/titration.

3.      With guidance, design and perform experiments and data analysis, and prepare reports required and suitable for regulatory submissions.

4.      Participate in compilation, review, editing and approval of batch records, standard operating procedures, development protocols and reports.

5.      Assist in lab management duties, stock management and equipment maintenance.

6.      Other activities may be assigned as required, in agreement with line management.

Requirements

Job Requirements

As a keen and enthusiastic scientist, with a sound scientific background and willingness to learn new skills and develop in an exciting and face-paced environment, this candidate will possess:

·         BSc in biotechnology/biological sciences or equivalent experience in industry with a primary focus on the development, manufacture, and testing of cell and gene-based therapy products.

·         Practical laboratory experience in cell culture, cell transduction, and related analytical methods e.g. ddPCR/qPCR, flow cytometry

·         Confident in performing various lab techniques with the ability to quickly learn and develop new practical lab skills

·         Expertise and understanding of gene therapy vectors and autologous gene modified cellular therapies preferred

·         This job is fully lab based and will require to be onsite in the Hammersmith development daily

Education & skills

·         A minimum BSc or equivalent, in bioprocessing, biological sciences, gene therapy or similar subject

·         Excellent interpersonal skills

·         Outstanding organizational skills, with the ability to manage your time and multiple projects

·         Excellent written and oral communication skills

·         Creative problem solver

·         Ability to operate in a fast-paced, multi-disciplinary industrial environment