Senior Scientist

Kriya is a next generation gene therapy company focused on expanding the field to new frontiers. We have built a fully integrated, technology enabled platform for rational vector design, analytical characterization, and scalable manufacturing to design and develop gene therapies for diseases with well-understood underlying biology. We believe that rationally engineered gene therapies can transform the treatment of a broad universe of diseases and we are prepared to lead this revolution in medicine.

Our team is made up of leading scientific experts who are passionate about improving patients’ lives and easing the burden of these life-changing disorders for patients. We are looking for teammates with the ambition, creativity, and energy to help us build a unique organization.

If you are looking to be a part of a company with an entrepreneurial culture, a bold vision, and a meaningful purpose, Kriya is the company for you.

Position Summary:

The Senior Scientist will lead the scientific evaluation of recombinant adeno-associated viral vectors within the Research Core team. This individual will utilize their expert knowledge of rAAV biology to independently design, execute, and draw conclusions from experiments used to screen, improve, and facilitate the production of rAAV vector in our Research Core.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Use creative, technical, and functional knowledge to plan and execute experiments assessing AAV vector properties utilizing mammalian cell culture at shake flask and bioreactor scales
• Lead introduction of concepts and principles for the operation and optimization of bench-scale bioreactors for AAV production and quality assessment
• Apply expert knowledge to design, execute and interpret early-stage AAV vector screening experiments
• Manage the completion of ultracentrifugation and chromatography based AAV production runs efficiently and safely
• Facilitate internal collaboration with Research, Process Development, and Analytical Development teams to implement process changes and support internal research and program vector needs
• Develop and manage daily lab operations, including inventory management, solution preparation, and standard lab tasks
• Design, propose improvements, and troubleshoot current laboratory protocols and operations
• Maintain accurate records and thoroughly document work through data entry into electronic laboratory notebooks, with minimal supervision
• Prepare, organize, and track sample inventory during production and storage
• Perform additional lab tasks as assigned

Required Qualifications:

• Doctorate degree in Biochemistry, Biology, Bioengineering, or similar Gene Therapy related discipline
• 3+ years industry experience in an increasingly responsible role, leading hands-on gene therapy research in an industry setting.
• Technical expertise in utilizing proper lab technique while working with biologics (ex. bacterial or mammalian cultures, proteins, plasmid DNA, viral vectors)
• In depth and hands on knowledge working with mammalian cell culture and upstream AAV production process is required
• Highly self-motivated, organized, and detail-oriented, with proven ability to foster strong relationships with other team members and stakeholders

Preferred Qualifications:

• Hands on experience with AKTA systems and Unicorn software is strongly preferred
• Hands on experience with depth filtration, TFF and other downstream methods is preferred
• Hands on molecular biology techniques (cloning, Western blot, gene expression analysis) is preferred
• Experience performing gradient-based ultracentrifugation is a plus

Working Conditions:

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  Must have flexible work hours, and be willing to work outside of normal, scheduled hours; as necessary.

Kriya is an equal opportunity employer.

We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.