Senior Research Associate I/II, AAV Capsid Engineering

About Voyager

We are Voyager Therapeutics, a pre-clinical stage biotech compelled by curiosity and powered by persistence. Voyagers are bold innovators who are energized in unlocking the full potential of AAV gene therapy employing our TRACERTM capsid discovery platform. Our resolve is to advance the field of AAV gene therapy, and through our innovative capsids, we are extending the reach and impact of our technology to help more patients in need.

Recognizing that we can expand on the experience, innovation, and outcomes that propel our efforts by working together, we actively seek diverse views. If you’re someone who wants to make discoveries that change the landscape of medicine for patients, we want you on our team!

Job Summary

The Novel Capsid Discovery team is generating a portfolio of designer AAV capsids with tailored properties using our state-of-the-art TRACER platform technology, which could prove truly transformative for the future of gene therapy. We are looking for a talented and motivated Senior Research Associate I or II to join the Vector Engineering group in order to support capsid programs aimed at improving tropism, tissue detargeting and immune evasion. The role will involve: 1) generating high-diversity AAV capsid libraries, 2) screening libraries using cell-based assays and/or in vivo models to select capsids with desired properties, 3) recovering nucleic acids from cells and animal tissues, 4) identifying capsid variants via Next-Generation Sequencing and analysis of large datasets, and 5) characterizing the functional properties of individual capsid variants. As a Senior Research Associate I/II in the Novel Capsid Discovery team, you will demonstrate a strong level of curiosity, self-motivation and accountability as well as desire to drive research projects under minimal supervision. This is the opportunity to leverage cutting-edge technologies and make an impact in the field of AAV gene therapy by bringing novel capsids to the clinic.     

Key Responsibilities 

• Clone and generate AAV libraries
• Large-scale preparation and sequencing of plasmid DNA
• Assist in the production, purification and quality control of AAV libraries and rAAV as well as maintain cultured cell lines
• Develop novel cell-based assays for screening and individual capsid assessment
• Perform nucleic acid recovery from biological samples
• Prepare NGS libraries for the identification of capsid variants
• Perform transfection and transduction experiments to evaluate novel capsid variants
• Play an active role in project & experiment design, data analysis and interpretation       
• Maintain an up-to-date laboratory notebook and a clean and organized laboratory bench
• Follow lab protocols and safety rules

Qualifications

• BS or MS in Molecular Biology, Virology, Immunology, or related fields
• 3+ years hands-on wet lab experience, title commensurate with experience
• High level of comfort working with standard Molecular Biology techniques (PCR, gel electrophoresis, cloning techniques, etc.),
• Experience with nucleic acid extraction, RT-PCR
• Highly skilled at mammalian cell culture and cell-based assays
• Experience in assay development and generating detailed protocols
• Ability to conduct advanced procedures precisely and consistently by following established protocols, as well as document and maintain an organized account of lab work and results

Preferred Qualifications 

• Hands-on experience with viral vectors, preferably AAV
• Experience with DNA libraries
• Knowledge of DNA sequence design and analysis software (e.g., Geneious, Benchling, Snapgene)
• Experience with qPCR and/or ddPCR
• Familiarity with NGS Illumina library preparation and sequencing
• Rodent husbandry, handling, and dissection
• Track record of driving scientific projects, as demonstrated by publication(s) or poster(s)
• 1+ years of industry experience

Voyager Therapeutics requires all U.S. new hires to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 prior to the first date of employment.  Voyager Therapeutics will consider reasonable accommodations as required by federal, state, and local laws.