Technician in Gene and Cell Therapy, Translational Research 12-month Fixed-Term

Location: London, UK

Reporting to: Senior Research Technician

Orchard Therapeutics, a Kyowa Kirin company, is a global gene therapy leader focused on transforming the lives of patients with rare disorders through innovative gene therapies based on gene-modified hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Orchard has its global headquarters in London, England.

Job Summary

Join Orchard's Translational Research Team for a 12-month fixed-term contract opportunity based in our Hammersmith Research Facility. We're looking for a highly motivated and proactive Research Technician, ideally with experience in working with Viral Vectors for Gene Delivery, to join Orchard's Translational Research Department. As an integral part of the Translational Research Team, the Technician in Gene and Cell Therapy Research will support all Orchard's pre-clinical research activities to specifically undertake the production of Lentiviral Vectors. This role will include molecular cloning methods for construction of novel vectors, and the production and characterisation of Lentiviral Vector stocks using several methods. The role will require you to work closely with all the Translational Research Team to plan and conduct routine lentiviral production runs and ensure laboratory documentation and reports are maintained to the highest standards. Successful research activities can then be taken forward into Orchard's Pre-clinical Research programs, ultimately for implementation into Orchard's evolving therapeutic portfolio.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct microbiology workflows for preparation of plasmids stocks and libraries.
• Perform routine cloning to generate plasmid and Lentiviral Vector constructs.
• Conduct cell culture and transfection workflows for the production of Lentiviral Vectors.
• Determine titer and conduct quality control of viral particles using flow cytometry and droplet digital PCR methods.
• Test and optimize protocols for production and quality control of viral particles.
• Organize and track samples during production and storage.
• Support lab operations, including inventory management, solution preparation, and standard lab tasks, including routine mycoplasma testing.
• Contribute towards the preparation, review and completion of study reports and protocol SOPs.
• Contribute to the overall activities of the research team and department as required, including laboratory duties, attendance and participation in group and department meetings.

Required knowledge

Candidates must have experience in cellular and molecular biology. Experience of working with Lentiviral Vectors.

Skills & Abilities

• Skills required include mammalian cell culture, vector engineering, genetic engineering e.g. Cloning, PCR, transfection, transduction, and assay development.
• Organised and proactive with the ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently and be flexible and adaptable as needed.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to effectively collaborate with the research team and cross-functionally as necessary.
• Keen attention to detail, with a good analytical ability to interpret data sets.
• Ability to analyse and write up data, and to keep accurate records.
• IT skills including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and experience of working with an ELN (e.g. Benchling) would be preferred.
• Candidates should also be highly motivated and eager to take responsibility for their part in the achievement of Orchard's mission.

Candidate Must Possess

BSc or MSC with focus on a relevant biological discipline, including molecular biology/biotechnology and at least 2 years of experience of laboratory work with viral vectors and molecular biology is essential. Or >5 years of experience in Virology, Lentiviral Vector production and genetic engineering technologies.

Orchard is an equal opportunity employer. We recognise and celebrate the diverse culture of our workforce and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for our employees. We fully support the principle of Equality and Diversity in employment and oppose all forms of unlawful or unfair discrimination. We assess all applications on basis of job requirements and individual qualifications. We work within the requirements of all current legislation and we implement the provisions of regulatory codes of practice in employment.