Senior Research Associate, Translational Research

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.

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 Senior 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 molecular and biochemical assays and methods development, who thrives in a team-oriented, fast-paced, and cross-disciplinary small biotech environment.  The successful candidate will participate in the development, implementation, and execution of assays to assess vector biodistribution, transgene expression, and pharmacodynamic effects in ex vivo tissues from preclinical gene therapy program studies and novel capsid discovery platform studies.

Key Responsibilities

• Optimize and execute assays to assess distribution, expression, and pharmacodynamic effects of AAV gene therapy candidates in samples from preclinical pharmacology studies in support of multiple development and platform programs
• Develop and perform molecular and biochemical analyses for the quantitative analysis of target proteins, DNA, mRNA, and miRNA in tissue samples from preclinical pharmacology studies
• Utilize molecular and cell-based assays to identify, validate, and translate potential pharmacodynamic and predictive biomarkers in preclinical models following AAV gene therapy
• Identify, evaluate, and integrate cutting edge tools and novel bioanalytical methods
• Provide technical expertise to identify gaps, troubleshoot technical challenges, and develop new and optimize existing assays
• Independently analyze and interpret data and present in various team formats
• Integrate and collaborate with internal research teams in a fast-paced environment

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Molecular/Cellular Biology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology or a similar field with 1-5 years of relevant hands-on experience
• Proven experience with molecular and biochemical techniques including RT-qPCR, ddPCR, bDNA, DNA and RNA isolation, various ELISA formats (traditional, MSD, AlphaLisa, Simoa), functional activity assays, Western blot
• Experienced in the development of molecular, biochemical, and/or cell-based assays
• Experienced in cell culture techniques and cell-based assays, including viral transduction, DNA and siRNA transfection and electroporation
• Independently motivated, detail-oriented scientist with excellent critical thinking and problem- solving skills
• Possess outstanding interpersonal 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

• Experienced in viral gene therapy bioanalytic techniques
• Significant experience with early drug development within a small biotech environment

Voyager Therapeutics requires all U.S. new hires to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 prior to the first date of employment.  Voyager Therapeutics will consider reasonable accommodations as required by federal, state, and local laws.

About Voyager Therapeutics
Voyager Therapeutics (Nasdaq: VYGR) is a biotechnology company dedicated to breaking through barriers in gene therapy and neurology. The potential of both disciplines has been constrained by delivery challenges; Voyager is leveraging cutting-edge expertise in capsid discovery and deep neuropharmacology capabilities to address these constraints. Voyager’s TRACER AAV capsid discovery platform has generated novel capsids with high target delivery and blood-brain barrier penetration at low doses, potentially addressing the narrow therapeutic window associated with conventional gene therapy delivery vectors. This platform is fueling alliances with Pfizer Inc., Novartis and Neurocrine Biosciences as well as multiple programs in Voyager’s own pipeline. Voyager’s pipeline includes preclinical programs in Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), each with validated targets and biomarkers to enable a path to rapid potential proof-of-biology. For more information, visit www.voyagertherapeutics.com.

Voyager Therapeutics® is a registered trademark, and TRACER™ is a trademark, of Voyager Therapeutics, Inc.