Research Associate, AAV Packaging

About Avista Therapeutics

Avista Therapeutics is a preclinical biotechnology company backed by UPMC Enterprises and based in Pittsburgh, PA whose mission is to develop innovative gene therapies for retinal diseases, including rare ophthalmic conditions that have a profound impact on quality of life. We leverage our computationally guided scAAVengr platform to generate and validate a toolkit of proprietary AAV vectors. Our quantitative in vivo-based approach and clinical ophthalmology expertise allow us to rapidly translate new gene therapies to the clinic.

About the Role

As a Research Associate, you will join the R&D team to develop and produce newly designed AAVs to treat retinal diseases. The ideal candidate will have experience designing, packaging and purifying viral vectors. Job duties will include producing AAVs and conducting protein- and molecular-based assays from cell lines and animal tissue. The candidate must be adaptable and eager to take on new projects and have a propensity to work well in an interdisciplinary team environment.

Job Responsibilities

  • Execute experiments using a combination of biochemical and molecular techniques

  • Design, package and purify adeno-associated viruses as well as associated molecular techniques including DNA cloning

  • Maintain and manage cell lines for viral packaging and in vitro experiments

  • Contribute to the functioning of a well-organized and clean lab environment

  • Collaborate with wet lab and computational scientists to identify sequencing needs and determine best plan of action

  • Prepare scientific progress reports for internal and external distribution

  • Keep detailed records in an electronic lab notebook

Qualifications

  • A Bachelor's degree and three years of professional experience or a Master's degree (Master's degree preferred) in Molecular Biology, Neurobiology, Genetics, or a related field

  • 3+ years of relevant lab/work experience

  • Experience working with cell culture and utilizing sterile technique

  • Cloning experience is a plus

  • Experience with packaging AAV vectors a plus

  • Experience with protein purification a plus

  • Organized and detail oriented

  • Strong communication skills

  • Comfortable in a dynamic startup environment

Compensation and Benefits

We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, including stock options, medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance and PTO.

Avista Therapeutics is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, pregnancy, marital or partnership status, familial status, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status, HIV status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by appropriate federal, state, or local laws.