About Aura: At Aura Biosciences, we are developing a new class of therapies to target and destroy cancer cells selectively, while leaving surrounding tissue unharmed – an approach we call molecular surgery. By safely eliminating cancer locally, we can treat early and transform the lives of people with a wide range of cancers that are poorly managed today.
Our lead program in ocular melanoma is designed to remove cancer cells in the back of the eye as a first-line therapy potentially long before the disease progresses and metastasizes to the liver, where it almost always is fatal. Development of a first-in-class treatment option to selectively destroy cancer cells would create the possibility of a cure in this and other cancers where the disease can be detected early.
Position Summary:
This role on the Analytical Sciences (AS) team contributes to Aura’s efforts to develop safe and effective therapies using virus-like particle (VLP)-based technologies. This role is expected to spend 60-80% at the bench.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Experience performing mammalian cell cytotoxicity assays, ELISA based assays, protein quantitation assays, and scientific principles related to cytotoxicity
- Data trending and analysis using logistic fitting methods, including advanced software platforms for statistical analysis and presentation.
- Analytical methodologies relevant to qualitative and quantitative characterization of virus like particles (e.g., UV/Vis, FTIR, Raman, SPR, Octet, NTA, DLS, flow imaging, etc)
- Some experience with Analytical method development and/or method qualification
- Design studies with internal AD and QC, CDMO, and CTL for VLP and small molecule analytical development, characterization, and qualification to support release testing, stability study, and extended characterization
- Author and review technical protocols and reports, assay summaries, study design and protocols, SOPs, etc
- Ensure accurate and complete documentation of any scientific experimental plan, data and report
- Establish and maintain familiarity with contemporary industrial standards, practices, technologies, literature and ways of performing lab studies
Minimum Requirements:
Knowledge, Skills & Capabilities:
- In depth understanding and hand on experience in one or more of the following area is required: Cell-Based cytotoxicity assay, ELISA, spectroscopy (UV/Vis, FTIR, Raman), binding affinity (SPR, Octet, etc.), SDS-PAGE, particle analysis (NTA, DLS, flow imaging, etc.)
- Fundamental understanding of assay development, qualification, validation and transfer
- Strong communication, analytical thinking, technical writing and problem-solving skills
- Knowledge of statistical methods for DOE design and data analysis (e.g. JMP), experience with Quality by Design (QbD) is preferred
- Ability to lead problem solving for issues related to analytical development, qualification, and sample testing
- Ability to author and approve comprehensive and accurate protocols/reports
- Ability to select, implement and use appropriate data management concepts and tools
- Ability to function independently, manage priorities and engage/communicate cross functionally across various teams and meet deadlines with a high tolerance for ambiguity
Education & Relevant Work Experience:
- A MSc degree in a relevant scientific discipline e.g. Analytical Chemistry/Biochemistry with 3+ years of industry experience, BSc with 5+ years of industry experience
- Experience in analytical development and testing of antibody-drug conjugate, viral vectors or other biologics (3+ years)
- Experience performing mammalian cell cytotoxicity assays, ELISA based assays and protein quantitation assays (3+ years)
Physical & Travel Requirements:
- Travel to CTLs and CDMOs, as needed (<10%)
Interested? Email a cover letter and a copy of your CV to recruiter@aurabiosciences.com referencing the position description in the subject line.