Scientist III, Virology and Gene Therapy

$91,700 - $137,525/Yr

Thermo Fisher Scientific - Hunt Valley, MD

Full-time - Mid Level

Hunt Valley, MD

Computer and Electronic Product Manufacturing

About the position

We are seeking a highly innovative scientist with expertise in virology, gene therapy, cell culture, and other biotechnology applications to join our outstanding team of development scientists. In this role, you will contribute to research projects that have the potential to make a significant impact on the scientific community.

Responsibilities

• Work as a technical leader to develop products and drive innovation in gene therapy and viral vaccine-centered projects, guiding the strategic direction of our research.
• Demonstrate expertise in mammalian cell cultures, handling/infectivity techniques of multiple viruses, and technical work in a containment laboratory (BSL2+). Understanding and experience with immuno- and nucleic acid assays will be impactful to your work.
• Demonstrate technical expertise by staying up-to-date with the latest scientific literature and engaging in discussions with customers and colleagues.
• Design scientifically robust experimental plans, conduct studies, analyze data, and interpret results to implement new technologies, develop novel products, support customer needs, and drive process efficiencies.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure the successful commercialization of new products.
• Maintain efficient lab operations through activities such as cell culture maintenance, media preparation, and equipment maintenance, paying strict attention to detail and adhering closely to protocols.
• Maintain accurate lab notebooks and training files in accordance with relevant standards to support patent application and defense, as well as international compliance requirements.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree with at least 5 years of experience, Master's degree with at least 3 years of experience, or PhD degree in Virology, Microbiology, Biology, or a related field or equivalent knowledge and experience.
• Experience with AAV, Lentivirus, Adenovirus, and/or other Gene Therapy workflows.
• Proficiency in adherent and suspension mammalian cell cultures.
• Strong understanding of virus infectivity culture and assays.
• Exceptional teamwork orientation and interpersonal skills.
• Competence in data analysis, research design, troubleshooting, and evaluation of new techniques and procedures.
• Advanced computer skills, including biostatistical analyses.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Nice-to-haves

• Prior industrial experience, particularly in process development and/or cell culture media formulation.
• Excellent understanding of viral vaccine technologies and/or gene therapy technologies.
• Experience with insect cell lines.
• Experience using DOE tools and methodologies.
• Understanding of next generation sequencing.
• Knowledge or experience with biocontainment facilities and procedures, laboratory safety, and decontamination.
• Familiarity with operation of bench-top stirred tank bioreactors and/or high throughput cell culture technologies (e.g. ambr15).

Benefits

• A choice of national medical and dental plans, and a national vision plan, including health incentive programs
• Employee assistance and family support programs, including commuter benefits and tuition reimbursement
• At least 120 hours paid time off (PTO), 10 paid holidays annually, paid parental leave (3 weeks for bonding and 8 weeks for caregiver leave), accident and life insurance, and short- and long-term disability in accordance with company policy
• Retirement and savings programs, such as our competitive 401(k) U.S. retirement savings plan
• Employees' Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) offers eligible colleagues the opportunity to purchase company stock at a discount