Associate Scientist III, Assay Development (Contract)

Adverum Biotechnologies, Inc. is a mission-driven clinical-stage company that aims to establish gene therapy as a new standard of care for highly prevalent ocular diseases with the aspiration of developing functional cures to restore vision and prevent blindness. Leveraging the research capabilities of its proprietary intravitreal (IVT) platform, Adverum is developing durable, single-administration therapies designed to be delivered in physicians’ offices to eliminate the need for frequent ocular injections to treat these diseases. By overcoming the challenges associated with current treatment paradigms for these debilitating ocular diseases, Adverum aspires to transform the standard of care, preserve vision, and create a profound societal impact around the globe.

Note to Recruiters and Agencies

All recruiter and agency inquiries must go through Adverum’s internal Talent Acquisition team.  Unsolicited resumes sent to Adverum will be considered Adverum's property.   Adverum’s Talent Acquisition team must expressly engage agencies for any requisition.  Direct contact with hiring managers by agencies will not be tolerated and may affect your ability to work with Adverum in the future.

Adverum is looking for an Associate Scientist III with knowledge and experience in molecular and AAV biology to join our team in our Redwood City, CA office. This position reports to the Molecular Team Leader.  The candidate will be working with Assay Development, Quality Control, and Process Development departments.  This role is responsible for developing, qualifying, transferring, and troubleshooting molecular assays such as AAV genome integrity methods, AAV empty full ratio measurement, and assays to detect AAV product nucleic acid impurity in support of product characterization and release. 

• Independently design, develop, qualify, troubleshoot, and transfer assays to internal and external scientists.
• Apply molecular biology techniques such as qPCR, ddPCR/dPCR, NGS, CE methods to quantitatively/semi-quantitatively measure AAV genome size and components and AAV product nucleic acid impurities.
• Participate in decisions on experimental approaches and interpretation of data.
• Work collaboratively with different research and development departments to evaluate and implement new assay formats and/or technologies.
• Perform internal sample analysis as needed in support of product characterization.
• Transfer assays to and oversee work at Contract Research Organizations and in the QC group.
• Maintain current knowledge of regulatory requirements for analytical methods
• Write test procedures, documented standard test methods, SOPs, protocols, and technical reports.
• Present project status updates in internal and external forums.
• Maintain excellent documentation of laboratory activities.
• Perform routine lab maintenance.
• Other responsibilities may be assigned as needed

• Minimum of a biological science or similar Bachelor’s degree with 10 years experience in a biotech/pharmaceutical company, or a Master’s degree with 6 years experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• 4 years experience in assay development is required
• Ability to read and extract information from published literature and internal reports is required.
• Expertise is required in DNA/RNA extraction, qPCR, RT-qPCR, ddPCR/dPCR, CE methods such as CE-SDS
• Experience with NGS with long read method is highly desired
• Experience in the qualification/validation of quantitative assays and knowledge of FDA requirements is strongly desired.
• Broad knowledge of molecular biology, nucleic acid assay methods and biochemistry with application to gene therapy is strongly desired.
• Background in the area of retinal diseases with an understanding of AAV biology is a plus.
• Experience with ELISA and cell culture is a plus
• Must be a self-starter, proactive, co-operative, and proficient at working both independently and in a small team environment.
• Proven initiative and demonstrated accountability in a fast-paced environment with high degree of flexibility.
• Detail oriented and with time management skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience in presenting data through written reports and oral presentation; publication in a peer-reviewed journal or presentation at a conference is desired.
• Proficiency with GraphPad Prism, JMP, SoftMaxPro and other common analytical software desired.
• Proficient with MS Office and other common office software.

At Adverum, Inclusion and Diversity are at our core. We believe in the power of being your authentic self.  We strive to create the space which allows for everyone in our Adverum Community to not only feel safe but encouraged to speak, learn from each other, grow in their professions and be the very best versions of themselves no matter what their age, ethnic background, gender, origin, religion or sexual orientation.

Salary : $50 - $60