Senior MSAT Scientist

About us

The Gene Therapy Vector Facility at King's (GTVF) manufactures Lentiviral, Retroviral and AAV viral vectors in state-of-the-art Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) facilities for novel therapies of different cancers and rare diseases.

About the role

We have a vacancy for a Senior MSAT scientist, within the MSAT team at GTVF. This post supports the translation of cutting-edge medicinal research into clinical application.

It is an opportunity to work within a leading translational Gene Therapy Innovation Hub led by the Centre for Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, focussed on the delivery of Lentiviral and Retroviral gene therapy products for early phase clinical trials as well as AAV gene therapies.

As an experienced R&D scientist the post holder will work within the CGT-K MSAT team at Guy’s and Denmark Hill campuses, involved in manufacturing cell therapies/ viral vectors for clinical trials. The MSAT team are responsible for engineering runs, preGMP productions, process optimisation and improvement and investigations in the R&D labs. They may also take part in GMP productions as assistants, trainers and observers in the GMP cleanrooms. The post holder will be drawing on their extensive expertise in a wide range of molecular and cell biology skills such as cell culture of cell line and primary cells, transfections, QPCR, Flow cytometry. They will also be using their hands-on experience of bioprocessing techniques such as TFF, Bioreactors, Ultracentrifugation, Column Chromatography, Suspension adaptation of cells etc.

The post holder will lend technical expertise to internal and external collaborators and contribute to strategy of individual projects, following and writing GMP compliant documentation such as SOPs and BMRs, change controls and operating inside a QMS. This is a cross functional role, and the post holder will need strong flexibility, interpersonal and organisational skills as they will be interacting with the Production, Process Development, QA and Technical teams, whilst ultimately reporting to the Head of MSAT.

This is a full-time post (35 hours per week), and you will be offered an indefinite contract.

About you

To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:

Essential criteria 

1. Knowledge of GMP and the impacts of working under regulation
2. Level 6 qualification, e.g. relevant undergraduate degree (Biological Sciences) or equivalent, plus substantial work experience in relevant technical/scientific service posts
3. Documented experience of cell culture, QPCR, ELISA, Flow Cytometry, TFF, Bioreactors, Column chromatography
4. Background theory applicable to working aseptically in cleanrooms
5. Experience in cell and molecular biology relevant to recombinant vector manufacture
6. Excellent spoken and written communication skills, with advanced computer use and strong interpersonal and influencing/behavioural skills to build a strong network to support the delivery of the service
7. Ability to work independently based on an agreed work plan, setting own priorities and those of the team, working cooperatively to achieve the project objectives
8. Pro-active, flexible and delivery driven attitude, high level of performance during rapidly changing priorities

Desirable criteria

1. Working knowledge and experience in viral vector manufacture
2. Experienced in process development
3. Experienced in GMP manufacturing
4. Familiarity with QbD principle to develop quality target product profile (QTPP).

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