Senior Research Associate, Translational Research (Bioanalytical Sciences)

About Voyager

 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 innovative 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.

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Senior Research Associate to contribute to our Bioanalytic Sciences 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 have a primary role in the development of large molecule PK, immunogenicity 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 ex vivo tissues from preclinical gene therapy program studies and novel capsid discovery platform studies.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize PK, immunogenicity (i.e., Anti-Drug Antibody, ADA), and biochemical assays.
• 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 6 years of relevant hands-on experience with assay development
• 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
• Experience in developing ligand biding assays (LBA) and protein labelling
• 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
• Experience with assay qualification and validation
• Significant experience with early drug development within a small biotech environment