Scientist I/II, Capsid Engineering (Capsid Discovery)

About Voyager

 Voyager Therapeutics (Nasdaq: VYGR) is a biotechnology company dedicated to breaking through barriers in gene therapy and neurology. The potential of both disciplines has been constrained by delivery challenges; Voyager is leveraging innovative expertise in capsid discovery and deep neuropharmacology capabilities to address these constraints. Voyager’s TRACER AAV capsid discovery platform has generated novel capsids with high target delivery and blood-brain barrier penetration at low doses, potentially addressing the narrow therapeutic window associated with conventional gene therapy delivery vectors. This platform is fueling alliances with Pfizer Inc., Novartis and Neurocrine Biosciences as well as multiple programs in Voyager’s own pipeline. Voyager’s pipeline includes preclinical programs in Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), each with validated targets and biomarkers to enable a path to rapid potential proof-of-biology. For more information, visit www.voyagertherapeutics.com.

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 Scientist I or II 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 Scientist I/II 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.     

Responsibilities 

• Participate in all aspects of the library screening process, including, but not limited to: library design, cloning, virus production, animal tissue processing and library recovery, NGS preparation, data analysis, and in vivo capsid validation.
• Develop and execute novel cell-based assays for screening and individual capsid assessment.
• Manage and conduct in-house studies across multiple teams as well as with external collaborators.
• Conduct advanced procedures precisely and consistently by following established protocols, as well as document and maintain a well-organized account of lab work and results.
• Regularly communicate results within the research organization and at conferences.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s Degree and a minimum of 8 years of work experience in a research setting OR a PhD and a minimum of 0-2 years of research work experience in Molecular/Cellular Biology or a related field.
• Demonstrated expertise in standard molecular biology techniques (PCR, qPCR, gel electrophoresis, cloning techniques, etc.) as well as mammalian cell culture.
• Experience in developing and optimizing cell-based assays.
• Track record of driving independent scientific projects, as demonstrated by peer-reviewed publication(s) and poster(s).
• Ability to be highly productive and self-motivated in a fluid, fast-paced team environment.
• Outstanding problem solving and troubleshooting skills.

Preferred Qualifications 

• Hands-on experience with and knowledge of viral vectors, preferably AAV
• Experience with synthetic DNA libraries
• Familiarity with NGS Illumina library preparation and sequencing
• Rodent husbandry, handling, and dissection

RECRUITING & STAFFING AGENCIES: Voyager Therapeutics does not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than candidates. The submission of unsolicited resumes by recruitment or staffing agencies to Voyager or its employees is strictly prohibited unless contacted directly by Voyager’s internal Talent Acquisition team. Any resume submitted by an agency in the absence of a signed agreement will automatically become the property of Voyager, and Voyager will not owe any referral or other fees with respect thereto.