Laboratory Technician

The Laboratory Technician, Pre-Clinical Vector Manufacturing reporting to the Vector Manufacturing Team Lead is responsible for supporting routine laboratory operations related to manufacturing research-grade recombinant Adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vectors as part of company’s Vector Core. The rAAV vectors manufactured support capsid technology development, intellectual property portfolio and progression of internal and external early-stage gene therapy programs.

The Laboratory Technician, Pre-Clinical Vector Manufacturing will Assist in the organization, preparation, and maintenance of the vector manufacturing laboratory. The position is responsible for maintaining operational readiness of the vector manufacturing laboratory by assisting in routine laboratory activities, such as solution preparation, process staging, daily equipment checks, and inventory management.

The successful candidate will have, at minimum, an Associates degree in in a relevant field of study or relevant experience operating in a laboratory or biological manufacturing environment

Responsibilities and Accountabilities:

• Perform buffer and solution preparation activities in accordance with established procedures
• Monitor and maintain buffer and solution inventory levels to support daily lab activities
• Monitor biohazardous and liquid waste containers throughout the day and ensure they are changed out regularly. Organize pickup and disposal as needed in collaboration with facilities waste management team.
• Assist with cleaning of lab and equipment (incubators, biosafety cabinets, centrifuges, etc.) before and after each manufacturing run
• Clean and stock labware in accordance with established procedures. Ensure that labware inventory levels are maintained to support daily laboratory operations.
• Operate autoclave in accordance with established procedures
• Assist with operation and maintenance of laboratory equipment, including daily calibrations and cleanings to ensure operational readiness. Keep work surfaces clean and orderly.
• Monitor inventory levels of laboratory supplies (reagents, consumables, buffers, etc.) and ensure minimum inventory levels are maintained.
• Perform weekly sampling of water system and submit for analytical testing
• Support production activities including aliquoting buffers, system setup, and plasmid staging and reconciliation
• Assist with sample chain of custody, including login and transfer of samples to analytical teams for testing
• Assist with shipment and receipt of materials between sites, including sample aliquoting and compiling sample-specific documentation to accompany material shipments
• Understand and adhere to laboratory safety requirements, follow environmental health and safety guidelines to properly dispose of samples and waste.
• Conducts work in accordance with established SOPs and ensures documentation is executed in a timely and professional manner in accordance with good documentation practices (GDP)
• As needed, collect data and prepare for analysis and interpretation.
• Perform other lab-related duties, as assigned.

Required Education and Experience:

• AS in Biotechnology/Biopharmaceutical Technology, Engineering, biology, microbiology, chemistry, biochemistry, or related field with 2+ years of relevant laboratory experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Knowledge of lab safety procedures and processes
• Excellent written and verbal communication, and record keeping skills (with strong attention to detail) is required
• Good organizational skills
• Familiarity with upstream or downstream process operations, such as cell culture, centrifugation, depth filtration, tangential-flow filtration, and/or chromatography with expertise in at least one functional area is preferred
• Be comfortable with working and learning in a fast-paced laboratory environment.

Preferred Experience and Skills:

• Able to follow instructions and strictly follow procedures
• Ability to effectively communication with leadership and co-workers to ensure that task assignments are understood, and delays or problems are communicated in an efficient and timely manner
• Familiarity with ELN or LIMS systems is a plus
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and Word
• Experience with BSL-2 microbial culture, mammalian cell culture
• Self-motivation, a strong sense of accountability, willingness to participate in developing and maintaining a strong, positive, and supporting work climate
• Have a service-oriented and quality mindset/attitude.
• Experience maintaining documentation in accordance with good documentation practices is preferred