Research Scientist or Senior Research Scientist – Preclinical Development

Permanent employee, Full-time · London

Your mission

Purpose of Job

The purpose of the job is to provide technical execution of development projects and support the preclinical team personnel in vector development.
Job Description
Major Activities
  • Utilise understanding of AAV vectorology and molecular biology to help advance Meira’s AAV platform
  • Assist in developing our next-generation AAV platform and constructing and screening of libraries of capsid variants
  • Design and execute assays for quantitative assessment of gene expression in cell models and assist in AAV vector production
  • Lead in the development and drafting of SOPs/ Work instructions for assays that are being developed
  • Identify and test opportunities to improve our laboratory discovery platform
 
Additional Activities
  • Tech transfer of process improvements
  • Ambassador/speaker for MeiraGTx at key Cell and Gene Therapy conferences
 
Key Performance Indicators
  • Completion of Experiments within provided budget & Timelines
 
Key technical Job Competencies – essential
  • Deep theoretical knowledge in molecular biology, general vector design and AAV vectorology
  • Strong technical skills in molecular biology with a primary focus on cloning techniques
  • Knowledge and experience with AAV biology and production 
  • Experience with analytical techniques such as Western Blot, qPCR, flow cytometry, with the ability to perform robust data analysis and interpretation, troubleshooting and optimization
  • Proficiency in time management, attention to detail and documentation
 
Key technical Job Competencies - desirable
  • Knowledge and experience in RNA seq/single cell RNA seq methodologies
  • Basic understanding of NGS
  • Experience with genome editing applications (CRISPR/CAS9)
  • Knowledge of CNS/Neuroscience-based research, especially retina and/or brain
 
Other key competencies
  • Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; gathers and analyzes information skillfully; develops alternative solutions; works well in group problem solving situations; uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
  • Change Management - Develops workable implementation plans; communicates changes effectively; builds commitment and overcomes resistance; prepares and supports those affected by change; monitors transition and evaluates results.
  • Cost Consciousness - works within approved budget; develops and implements cost saving measures; contributes to profits and revenue; conserves organizational resources.
  • Motivation - sets and achieves challenging goals; demonstrates persistence and overcomes obstacles; measures self against standard of excellence. 
  • Planning/Organizing - prioritizes and plans work activities; uses time efficiently; plans for additional resources; sets goals and objectives; organizes or schedules other people and their tasks; develops realistic action plans.
  • Professionalism - approaches others in a tactful manner; reacts well under pressure; treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; accepts responsibility for own actions; follows through on commitments.
  • Oral Communication - speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; listens and gets clarification; responds well to questions; demonstrates good presentation skills; participates effectively in meetings.
  • Written Communication - writes clearly and informatively; edits work for spelling and grammar; varies writing style to meet needs; presents numerical data effectively; able to read and interpret written information.
  • Demonstrated commitment to continuous improvement at the individual, department, and organizational levels.
  • Experience evaluating and implementing new technologies/techniques.
  • Experience with experimental design, with an understanding of process validation.

Job Responsibilities
  • Completion of Experiments within provided budget & Timelines
  • Assist in the performance of routine maintenance of the Lab
 
Job background
  • PhD degree in molecular/biological sciences; or
  • MSc degree in molecular/biological sciences and 1-3 years of academic/ biotech industry experience; or BSc degree in molecular/biological sciences and 3-5 years of academic/ biotech industry experience 
About us

MeiraGTx is a clinical-stage gene therapy company focused on developing potentially curative treatments for patients living with serious diseases. We currently have six programs in clinical development including three ocular indications, a salivary gland condition, and a Parkinson’s disease program. Our initial focus on diseases of the eye, salivary gland and central nervous system is based on the significant unmet medical need coupled with the high potential gene therapy has to provide meaningful clinical benefit in these areas. With headquarters in New York and London, our global footprint provides us the opportunity to partner with leading institutions around the world, allowing us to deepen our understanding of diseases and their progression.

Our team was built with deep expertise in gene therapy development, allowing us to efficiently advance our programs from preclinical to clinical development. Our core capabilities in viral vector design and optimization and gene therapy manufacturing give us a differentiated approach to developing gene therapies. Additionally, we are developing proprietary technology to potentially enable innovative gene therapy treatments whose expression can be turned on and off with an easily administered small molecule. We believe temporal control of gene therapy products has the potential to transform the gene therapy landscape.

Our state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, completed in early 2018, was designed to meet global regulatory requirements, including the current good manufacturing practices (cGMP) required by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in the UK and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The 29,000-square foot facility has the flexibility and capacity to produce sufficient product for all our clinical trials and will scale to commercial capacity.

We are looking forward to hearing from you!
Thank you for your interest in MeiraGTx. Please fill out the following short form. Should you have difficulties with the upload of your data, please send an email to talent@meiragtx.com
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