Scientist I, Process Development - Upstream

About Forge

Our mission at Forge Biologics, is to enable access to life changing gene therapies and help bring them from idea into reality. We partner with innovators in the gene therapy community: scientists, physicians, biotech/pharma companies, and patient groups. We bring expertise in gene therapy manufacturing and therapeutics development to the table, helping to champion teams that are navigating the long road from the lab bench to the bedside. Our goal is simple but vital to patients living with disease, and we take it seriously. With a patient-first approach, we are forging new models for working together to better accelerate these transformative medicines to reach those who need them the most. 

Forge is based in Columbus, Ohio, in a 200,000 square foot facility known affectionately by team members as, the Hearth. The Hearth, is a custom-designed cGMP facility dedicated to AAV manufacturing and hosts scalable, end-to-end manufacturing services.

About The Team

The Upstream Process Development team is responsible for designing and optimizing the production processes of Adeno-Associated Virus (AAV) vectors, which are essential components in gene therapy treatments. The team focuses on developing scalable and robust upstream processes that enable efficient and high-yield production of AAV vectors. They conduct research and apply advanced techniques to enhance vector yield, quality, and purity, while also ensuring compliance with regulatory guidelines. 

About The Role

We are currently seeking a Scientist I, Process Development - Upstream to join the Forge Biologics team. This is an exciting opportunity to provide active leadership and execution of the laboratory experiments and protocols for upstream process development efforts. The candidate will be responsible for the execution of process development protocols/studies to optimize procedures for unique viral vector platform process and to assist in the transfer of client programs.

What You’ll Do

• Maintain cell growth, transfection, and infection of mammalian cells for rAAV manufacturing using shake flasks and single use bioreactors 
• Conduct research as an independent scientist and assist in the leadership of projects.
• Develop laboratory protocols and experimental designs with input from management.
• Compile experimental data with minimal oversight and contribute results for publications or reports.
• Support internal process transfer activities from Process Development to GMP 
• Review data of self and junior scientists and/or associates.
• Independently present results and prepare publications or reports.
• Work on problems of moderate scope in which analysis of situation or data requires a review of identifiable factors.
• Exercise judgment within defined procedures and practices to determine appropriate action.
• Train and mentor junior laboratory technicians
• Serve as a Subject Matter Expert for single-use bioreactors and methods.
• Oversee day to day laboratory activities, including cleaning, replenishing supplies, and maintenance of equipment.
• Additional responsibilities not listed may be assigned as needed by leadership.

What You’ll Bring

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or related discipline.
• Technical proficiency required for aspects of cell line growth and production of biological product  
• Broad understanding of cell culture techniques
• Experience utilizing bioreactors with mammalian or microbial cell lines.
• Must be self-motivating, organized and proactive 
• Strong technical aptitude including demonstrated experience in applying scientific reasoning to solve complex problems 
• Must be a team player with strong collaborative skills, but also able to work independently.
• Ability to work hours necessary to support development and/or product transfer activities

COVID Safety

In our commitment to the safety of our employees and customers, a COVID vaccination is required.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned.

Forge Biologics is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to building an inclusive and diverse workforce. Forge Biologics, provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Life at Forge

We are a team of diverse, driven and passionate people working together to trailblaze a new model for how we make medicines to treat patients with genetic diseases. Our team members use their creativity and talent to invent new solutions, meet new demands, and offer the most effective services in the industry. Forge’s core values lay the foundation for H.O.P.E. It provides us a common purpose that we all understand, work towards and live by. 

HARDWORKING - We work hard and smart, making a persistent and determined effort toward success. Working hard, with focus and desire is the key.

OPEN - We strive to be approachable, actively listen and encourage others to contribute and speak up. We positively offer and receive constructive feedback.

PURPOSE DRIVEN - We are passionate about working towards and delivering on our mission to manufacture gene therapies.

ENGAGED - We are fully absorbed by and enthusiastic about our work and take positive action to further Forge’s vision, mission and goals.

We’ve Got You Covered

We take the health and happiness of our employees seriously and are consistently evaluating new ways to make our benefits truly UnFORGEttable.

• Health, Dental, and Vision insurance that starts on your first day at Forge, with 90% of premiums covered for team members as well as dependents
• Unlimited PTO (plus 14 paid company holidays)
• Annual bonus for all full-time employees
• Equity-incentive plan
• 401(K) company match
• Fully-stocked kitchen with free food/drinks
• 12 weeks of paid parental leave - additional discount programs include childcare support & dependent care
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness benefits (financial planning services, mental health counseling, employer paid disability)
• Professional & Personal development resources - LinkedIn Learning, a dedicate training staff in-house, mentoring opportunities & access to leadership development coaches