Job Description

ABOUT THIS ROLE Biogen’s Gene Therapy Accelerator Unit is driving innovation on both technology and drug discovery process fronts to accelerate gene therapies that may one day help transform the way we treat neurological diseases. We are looking for an innovative, enthusiastic, and dedicated scientist to join our team and contribute to the generation of pioneering gene therapies.

You will work independently and with cross-functional teams to advance vector screening technologies and optimize high throughput workflows in support of gene therapy research across multiple disease areas.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

• Design and execute novel strategies to enhance in vivo AAV library screening
• Innovate and optimize next-generation sequencing (NGS) sample preparation workflow for high diversity libraries
• Design and conduct cell-based assays (mammalian cell lines, primary cell culture, iPSCs, etc.) for molecular screening and function assessment of gene therapy prototypes
• Manage external CROs for gene synthesis, cloning, plasmid/viral vector production
• Participate in animal experiment design. Manage and coordinate internal stakeholders and external CROs for animal experiment execution.
• Represent the unit at internal program team meetings and at meetings with external partners
• Present experimental designs and results to various audiences at program meetings and department meetings

WHO YOU ARE You are passionate about gene therapy research and use your scientific curiosity to drive novel discoveries. You are a forward-thinker, motivated to learn new skills, and are a team player who strives to make an impact on patients’ lives.

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Qualifications

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Ph.D. in a relevant scientific discipline (e.g. biological engineering, molecular biology, synthetic biology, biochemistry, etc), with 3+ years of postdoctoral and/or biotech/pharmaceutical industry experience
• Extensive hands-on experience in high-diversity NGS library preparation.  Familiarity with cutting edge molecular biology techniques.
• Extensive wet-lab experience with transcriptome analysis
• Proficiency in mammalian cell culture and aseptic cell culture techniques
• Robust analytical skills and deep understanding of bioinformatics and statistical principles related to high-throughput screening

PREFERRED SKILLS

• Proven track record of applying molecular biology techniques on innovative NGS assay design and optimization
• Expertise in protein purification
• Previous experience in neuroscience
• Strong publication record

WHAT BIOGEN OFFERS YOU  Our mission to find therapies for neurological and rare diseases is a unique focus within our industry and this shared purpose is what connects us as a team. We work together to overcome obstacles and to follow the science. We are resilient as we strive to make an impact on our patients’ lives and on changing the course of medicine. Together, we pioneer. Together, we thrive.

Additional Information

Biogen is strengthening its commitment to becoming the leaders in neuroscience gene therapy and we are looking for the next great scientific minds in this area of research.