Group Leader AAV Process Development

About Us

Do you want to work with a team that is changing science and enabling the next generation of genetic medicines? The stellar growth in cell and gene therapy has accelerated the need for a better quality, faster and more robust DNA manufacturing technology. Touchlight has created a new DNA vector for use in advanced genetic medicines that is safer and more efficacious than conventional plasmid DNA. Our unique platform also enables DNA production at unprecedented scale, speed and purity. We believe that DNA is fundamental to the future of medicine and our CDMO has a focus on the following areas:

• Nucleic acid medicines (mRNA and DNA).
• Ex-vivo and in-vivo cell and genetic medicines.
• Gene therapy using viral vectors and gene editing.
• Autologous and allogenic cell therapy.

Role Overview:

The Group Leader AAV Process Development (Upstream) will be responsible for leading activities in the optimisation of upstream AAV production processes for a range of AAV serotypes, using enzymatically produced dbDNA™ in a transient transfection setting. The individual will be responsible for a small team and is also expected to work alongside their colleagues in the lab. They will interact with others within the R&D and Operational teams for support in molecular biology and analytics. The individual will also be expected to work with Touchlight’s application specialists to interpret client’s AAV data and advise on client’s experimental plan. This is a newly created position, offering the incumbent the opportunity to play a significant role in shaping AAV-related process development strategy, generating robust AAV platforms for evaluation of Touchlight’s synthetic DNA products.

Key Responsibilities:

• Work with third party consultants, KOLs and the internal team, to define the dbDNA AAV Process Development strategy.
• Oversee and design series of laboratory experiments.
• Manage and supervise scientific staff in execution of experiments, train them in new techniques, review lab books, and author and review technical reports as needed.
• Communicate plans and data to management, through formal and informal channels.
• Utilize laboratory techniques, such as cell culture, transfection, viral harvest and processing analytics, including ELISAs and PCR methods.
• Interpret and analyse data from experiments and research to draw meaningful conclusions.
• Collaborate with other scientists and researchers to conduct interdisciplinary research.
• Write and publish research findings in scientific journals and present at conferences.
• Ensure all laboratory work complies with health and safety regulations.

Skills and Experience:

• PhD (preferred) in Virology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, or a related field, or equivalent industry experience.
• Proven work experience in upstream process development and/or molecular virology of AAV.
• Proficiency in laboratory techniques, such as cell culture, transfection, viral harvest and processing analytics, including ELISAs and PCR methods.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Team leadership skills and the ability to lead and mentor junior scientists and lab technicians.
• Eagerness to stay updated with the latest advancements in AAV and contribute to innovative research methods.

Touchlight Benefits

Touchlight is a successful scale-up business with a record of world-leading innovation and a welcoming, entrepreneurial culture. We make Touchlight an extraordinary place to work by providing our employees with incredible facilities, flexible working and a competitive benefits and remuneration package.

A Place for Everyone

We believe diversity drives innovation and for that reason we strongly encourage those from all backgrounds to apply for roles at Touchlight. We are an equal opportunity employer and aim to build a workforce that is truly representative of the communities in which we operate and our customers. If you need reasonable adjustments at any point in the application or interview process, please speak with the HR team who will be happy to support you.