Scientist - Upstream Aav Process Development

The fight against cancer needs new, big, bold ideas. At Siren, we’ve got one: Universal AAV Immuno-Gene Therapy. We are combining two transformative therapeutic technologies – AAV gene therapy and cytokine immunotherapy - into a single, reimagined modality that overcomes key challenges and redefines how we destroy tumor cells and elicit anti-tumor immunity. We're looking for an Upstream Scientist to join our team in developing, testing, and expanding our platforms for new and innovative AAV immuno-gene therapies.

Position Description

Siren Biotechnology is seeking a highly motivated Upstream AAV Process Development Scientist I/II/III/Sr (title dependent on experience) to join our team and help work to advance our gene therapy candidates towards IND. The successful candidate will support gene therapy research programs by providing advanced cell culture and viral production expertise with a primary focus on developing production methods for AAV gene therapies. This role will be responsible for leading our in-house vector production efforts, with a focus on developing and optimizing new methodologies for the production of our AAV gene therapies. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work with a stellar team of AAV experts and drive multiple innovative vector biology research projects.

About Siren

Our name, Siren Biotechnology, was inspired by the powerful signal our AAV immuno-gene therapy sends to the immune system, stimulating an immediate anti-tumor response.

We’re sounding the alarm against cancer!

Our vision is to revolutionize cancer treatment by making Siren's AAV immuno-gene therapy the cornerstone treatment for any solid tumor. The Siren team is the power fueling our bold idea to create the world's first universal AAV immuno-gene therapy for cancer, and we're growing our team! We'd love to meet you.

We at Siren Biotechnology offer a unique working environment within the heart of Mission Bay in San Francisco. Our lab and offices are situated within a beautiful urban campus immediately next to UCSF Mission Bay. We have easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities including Spark Social, Parklab Gardens, Thrive City, and the waterfront!

Want to learn more? Visit https://www.sirenbiotechnology.com

See below for role responsibilities and desired qualifications.

As an Upstream AAV Process Development Scientist at Siren, you will:

• Ensure high-quality, timely, and appropriate documentation in electronic laboratory notebooks.
• Supervise or lead junior team members in their daily activities.
• Drive forward program goals to meet team objectives, working closely with CROs, external scientific partners, and internal teams.
• Prepare SOPs, technical reports, summaries, protocols, and quantitative analyses for all experimental results.
• Establish and continuously improve the production process for AAV vectors at mid-scale via a suspension production platform.
• Assist in creating training material and providing mentorship to junior team members.
• Independently design and execute experiments related to the development, production, and characterization of AAV vectors.
• Assist with technology transfer efforts with our chosen CDMOs.
• Perform all activities in compliance with applicable regulations, Siren’s policies, and guidelines, including maintaining all required training.
• Stay current on industry trends through literature reviews, courses, conferences, and technical meetings.

Qualifications:

• Excellent communication and troubleshooting skills, attention to detail, and ability to work productively in a fast-paced environment and translate technical concepts into user-friendly documentation.
• Experience with technology transfer to CDMO/manufacturing facilities, and process characterization experience is a plus.
• Extensive mammalian tissue culture expertise.
• A proven ability to work cross-functionally and adapt to changing priorities while managing multiple commitments with accuracy and efficiency to meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated track record of clear communication, working with a small multidisciplinary team, mentoring, and developing talent.
• 1-7 years of industry experience post-MS/PhD (# of years will dictate title ranging from Scientist I to Senior Scientist), including with therapeutic programs; contributions to programs that have progressed from discovery research to IND are desirable.
• Must be a self-starter and team player who can thrive in an entrepreneurial environment.
• Proficiency in GraphPad Prism, Excel, PowerPoint, Zoom, and basic statistical data analysis required; bonus if experience with Benchling, Notion, Asana, or Python/R programming.
• Experience with viral vector production.
• Self-motivated and passionate about cutting-edge science and technologies.
• Adept in ambiguous situations, flexible, and comfortable making decisions using minimal available data.
• Experience in process development planning and strategy is required; familiarity with preclinical drug development processes is a bonus.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, technologically savvy with modern software tools, and ability to prioritize and meet deadlines in a fast-paced and multicultural environment.
• MS or PhD in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Virology, or related life sciences field. In the absence of MS/PhD, >4 years of experience with viral vector production in mammalian cells is required.

Desired Traits

• You prioritize “We” over “I”
• You constantly challenge your own assumptions, pushing for continuous improvement
• You are candid, authentic, and transparent
• You collaborate effectively with people of diverse backgrounds and cultures
• You want to make an impact on humankind
• You aren’t afraid of new technologies and relish the opportunity to ‘always be learning’
• You have a growth mindset
• You have superior skills and experience, and constantly strive to be world-class in what you do
• You enjoy getting things done - with super high quality

Siren Fast Facts

• Catalyst Program Award Winner: UCSF's translational accelerator focused on advancing UCSF discoveries with clinical impact and commercial potential
• University of California San Francisco (UCSF) spin-out from the Paulk lab
• Located in San Francisco, CA in Mission Bay, a beautiful, waterfront area of San Francisco next to both UCSF and the Gladstone Institutes.
• 1st Place Award - UCSF Innovation Ventures: Awarded by UCSF's Entrepreneurship Center, a premier life science resource for faculty spinouts

Physical Demands Of The Work Environment

• Ability to lift 15 pounds
• Comfortable handling Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) biological samples such as blood, tissue, bacteria, viruses, and other potentially infectious material
• Position requires the ability to sit/stand for long periods of time
• The position is required to be in person on-site

Compensation and Benefits

• Commuter benefits
• Competitive salary of $100,000 - $180,000/year, commensurate with experience
• Stock compensation plan – you’ll be a Siren co-owner
• Flexible work schedule
• High-performance culture
• Great colleagues
• Platinum health, dental, and vision benefits

In addition to a competitive salary, you will also receive enough equity to feel truly invested in our vision at Siren. The exact salary will be commensurate to experience and will be determined on an individual candidate basis. A competitive benefits package will be provided.

Are you ready to apply? Visit: https://jobs.lever.co/siren-bio/ff5fe13f-0e33-4d30-9594-a58fbcaf40b0

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.