Research Associate/Senior Research Associate

About Voyager

We are Voyager Therapeutics, a pre-clinical stage biotech compelled by curiosity and powered by persistence. Voyagers are bold innovators who are energized in unlocking the full potential of AAV gene therapy employing our TRACERTM capsid discovery platform. Our resolve is to advance the field of AAV gene therapy, and through our innovative capsids, we are extending the reach and impact of our technology to help more patients in need. Additionally, to expand our portfolio in the neurological disorders, Voyager has launched therapeutic antibody program with a goal to treat neurodegenerative diseases.

Recognizing that we can expand on the experience, innovation, and outcomes that propel our efforts by working together, we actively seek diverse views. If you’re someone who wants to make discoveries that change the landscape of medicine for patients, we want you on our team!

 Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Research Associate to contribute to our Assay Development team at our facility in Cambridge, Massachusetts. This is an ideal position for an individual with a strong background in bioanalytical assays and methods development, who thrives in a team-oriented, fast-paced, and cross-disciplinary small biotech environment. The successful candidate will have a primary role in the development of large molecule quantification and other biochemical assays. In addition, the candidate will participate in the development, implementation, and execution of assays to assess vector biodistribution, transgene expression, and pharmacodynamic effects in various tissues.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and transfer PK, immunogenicity (i.e., Anti-Drug Antibody, ADA), and biochemical assays, including enzymatic assays
• Utilize molecular and cell-based assays to identify, validate, and translate potential pharmacodynamic and predictive biomarkers in preclinical models
• Perform sample testing, tabulate the results, and present in team meetings
• Adopt innovative technologies in improving bioanalytical methods
• Integrate and collaborate with internal research teams in a fast-paced environment
• Maintain laboratory equipment per manufacturers’ recommendations
• Maintain reagent, sample, and tissue inventory
• Coordinate with external partners (e.g., CROs) for shipping reagents

Qualifications and experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Molecular/Cellular Biology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, or a similar field with relevant hands-on experience
• Experience in protein labelling and developing ligand biding assays (LBA) using ELISA, MSD, AlphaLisa, SIMOA etc.
• Experienced in cell culture techniques and cell-based assays, including viral transduction, DNA and siRNA transfection and electroporation
• Independently motivated, meticulous with excellent critical thinking and problem- solving skills
• Outstanding people skills including written and verbal communication
• Ability to be highly productive in a collaborative and matrixed team environment
• Must be organized and able to contribute to multiple parallel work streams

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficiency in Excel, SoftMax Pro, and GraphPad Prism
• Experienced in viral gene therapy and/or biologics related bioanalytical techniques
• Experience in enzymatic assay
• Experience with molecular and biochemical techniques including RT-qPCR, ddPCR, DNA and RNA isolation, activity assays, Western blot
• Familiarity with early drug development in a small biotech environment