Scientist I, Downstream Process Development (Contract)

Company Summary:

Ring Therapeutics Inc. is a privately held, early-stage biotechnology company pioneering a completely novel form of gene therapy by exploiting a family of naturally occurring commensal viruses to create the first redosable and targetable DNA medicines. This approach enables a powerful new class of tropic, persistent, non-integrating vectors that overcome the immunogenicity, and limited tropism of existing gene therapy vectors. Ring Therapeutics is leveraging this versatile technology to develop a broad pipeline of novel, targeted medicines for disease with high unmet medical need.

Ring Therapeutics was founded by Flagship Pioneering, focused on launching breakthrough companies based on internally conceived innovations and insights. Flagship Pioneering has created over 40 groundbreaking companies over the past fifteen years, all of which are pioneering novel and proprietary biological, industrial, and engineering approaches to solve major needs in human health and sustainability. These companies include Seres Therapeutics (NASDAQ:MCRB), Moderna, Syros Pharmaceuticals (SYRS), Rubius Therapeutics, Axcella Health, Evelo Biosciences, and Indigo Agriculture.

Position Summary:

Ring is seeking a Scientist I to join the Downstream Process Development team to help establish and develop our in vitro viral vector platform. The candidate will work directly with a team of scientists to develop bioprocess unit operations for a new class of genetic medicine. This is a hands-on, wet, lab-based role.

This position will focus on high-throughput screening of chromatographic media, evaluation and optimization of cell lysis and depth filtration processes, and bionanoparticle formulations development. Most of this work will be performed in micro-scale or bench-scale format as we develop the process and product knowledge required to scale and improve our platform. The candidate will lead experimental design, strategy, execution, and analysis of a variety of generated data sets.

This position will include opportunities to evaluate new purification strategies, design new experimental workflows and to generate process improvements through optimization of current unit operations.

This position is a great opportunity to be exposed to aspects of viral biology as well as process development in a translational context. As a new therapeutic modality, scientists in process development work closely with colleagues throughout the organization to identify the early makings of Anellovector quality attributes, which are critical for process development and drug candidate nomination.

We are searching for enthusiastic and highly motivated individuals who are comfortable multitasking and working independently on various aspects of the gene therapy production platform.

Responsibilities:

• Lead process development activities to optimize downstream processes to produce viral vectors, VLPs, and protein products.
• Work cross-functionally with R&D to assess platform fit of new product candidates.
• Design and execute key experiments to support development goals.
• Develop, scale-up, and tech transfer downstream processes, authoring required documentation.
• Develop, acquire, and implement new technologies to Ring Process Development platform.
• Assist in the generation and review of protocols, reports, and batch records.
• Provide technical oversight on downstream related activities.
• Prepare and present data internally to cross functional teams.
• Maintain substantial knowledge of state-of-the-art principles and theories and contribute to scientific literature and conferences.
• Work with vendors to evaluate new technology in downstream process development
• Performs additional job-related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications:

• PhD (preferred) or BS + 8 years or MS + 6 years relevant experience in bioengineering, chemical engineering, biology, virology, biochemistry or related field.
• Experience in the development of non-enveloped VLPs, viral (or non-viral) vectors, or other ATMPs.
• Experience with bionanoparticle formulations development.
• Demonstrated ability in working with highly skilled teams in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial, and technical environment.
• Strong experimental skills, including purification development, viral vectors, and data analysis.
• Experience with process development and Quality by Design methodology.
• Extensive knowledge of key unit operation based on experience: Preparative chromatography, depth/normal-flow/ultrafiltration, process intensification.
• Experience with process transfer, scale-up, and facility fit.
• Attention to detail and problem-solving skills.