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Senior/Principal Research Associate, AAV Capsid Engineering

Lexington, MA

About Voyager Therapeutics

Voyager Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: VYGR) is a biotechnology company dedicated to leveraging the power of human genetics to modify the course of – and ultimately cure – neurological diseases. Our pipeline includes programs for Alzheimer’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Parkinson’s disease, and multiple other diseases of the central nervous system. Many of our programs are derived from our TRACER™ AAV capsid discovery platform, which we have used to generate novel capsids and identify associated receptors to potentially enable high brain penetration with genetic medicines following intravenous dosing. Some of our programs are wholly owned, and some are advancing with partners including Alexion, AstraZeneca Rare Disease; Novartis Pharma AG; Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc.; and Sangamo Therapeutics, Inc. For more information, visit www.voyagertherapeutics.com.

Voyager Therapeutics® is a registered trademark, and TRACER™ is a trademark, of Voyager Therapeutics, Inc. 

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/Principal Research Associate 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/Principal Research Associate 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 and perform cell-based assays for library screening and individual capsid assessment
  • Perform nucleic acid recovery from biological samples (cultured cells, animal tissue)
  • Prepare NGS libraries for the identification of capsid variants
  • Play an active role in project & experiment design, data analysis, interpretation, and presentation to a larger team
  • Simultaneously manage the progression of multiple workflows in order to meet deadlines
  • Maintain an up-to-date electronic laboratory notebook and a clean and organized laboratory bench while following lab protocols and safety rules
  • Be a collaborative team player. Be flexible and willing to assist others based on team and company goals and priorities

Minimum Qualifications:

  • BS or MS in Biology, Molecular Biology, Virology, Immunology, or related fields
  • 4+ years hands-on wet lab research experience (industry or academia)
  • High level of knowledge and comfort working with standard molecular biology techniques (nucleic acid extraction, PCR, RT-qPCR, gel electrophoresis, standard cloning techniques, etc.)
  • Highly skilled at mammalian cell culture and cell-based assays
  • Experience in assay development and generating detailed protocols
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Hands-on experience with viral vectors, preferably AAV
  • Knowledge of DNA sequence design and analysis software (e.g., Snapgene, Benchling, Geneious)
  • Familiarity with NGS Illumina library preparation and sequencing
  • Rodent handling, injection, and dissection or a desire to learn
  • Track record of driving scientific projects, as demonstrated by publication(s) or poster(s)

*Position level determined by candidate experience, qualifications, and competencies

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