Advisor, guide-RNA Process Development

Role Summary

We are seeking an experienced process chemist to join the guide-RNA process development team. You will be joining a team that is heavily focused on clinical manufacturing process development. This is primarily a lab-based role supporting guide-RNA drug substance process development for programs in clinical development. The role will also contribute to the development of guide-RNA manufacturing platform technologies in a highly collaborative effort with process and analytical chemistry teams.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute solid-phase synthesis and purification experiments to support process development and scale-up of oligonucleotide drug substance manufacturing
• Lead guide-RNA process development efforts by identifying areas of continuous improvement through literature and state-of-art practices and applying these learnings to Verve’s gRNA process development projects
• Collaborate cross-functionally with process and analytical teams to progress process and manufacturing technology development projects
• Review and provide technical feedback on internal and external collaborators' experimental designs and results
• Participate actively in technical discussions and meetings, proactively communicate technical findings and results to stakeholders, train and support teammates as needed
• Partner closely with members of facilities, lab operations, and safety to maintain the highest level of safety standards within the lab
• Keep an updated lab notebook, order materials, maintain lab equipment, and support equipment troubleshooting as needed

Qualifications

• Required: PhD in a relevant scientific discipline with 1-2+ years of industry experience (synthesis, oligonucleotide development, solid phase synthesis, CMC) or MS with 6+ years of relevant industry experience
• Required: Experience designing and troubleshooting oligonucleotide solid phase synthesis studies; strong preference for guide-RNA or longmer synthesis development background
• Required: Experience with oligonucleotide manufacturing processes and equipment (solid phase synthesis, cleavage and deprotection, chromatography, TFF, sterile filtration, single-use technology, sterile/aseptic processing)
• Required: Background in oligonucleotide process development, scale-up, and GMP manufacturing
• Required: Strong communication skills (oral and written) and ability to thrive in a team-driven environment
• Preferred: Background in CRISPR guide RNA development

Skills

• Interpersonal collaboration and ability to work cross-functionally
• Ability to prioritize multiple activities and handle ambiguity

Education

• PhD or MS in a relevant scientific discipline as noted in Qualifications