Lead Principal Associate - Fermentation, Development & Scale-Up

Company: Affinivax Inc.
Location: Cambridge
Posted on: June 19, 2022

Job Description:

About AffinivaxAffinivax is a Cambridge-based clinical-stage biotechnology company with a novel, next-generation approach to the development of vaccines and immunotherapies targeting infectious and other immune-mediated diseases. This novel and highly efficient vaccine technology - called Multiple Antigen Presenting System (MAPS) - enables the high-affinity binding of protective polysaccharides as well as proteins in a single vaccine, uniquely inducing a broad and protective B-cell and T-cell immune response.Our vision is to take a major step forward in vaccine innovation to prevent and combat a wide range of infectious and other immune-mediated diseases, protecting infants and adults in our communities and making a meaningful impact on global public health. Affinivax is focused on developing vaccines for the most challenging bacterial infections, with a goal of improving upon existing vaccines and providing solutions for where there are no vaccines or prevention strategies available today.The role---Affinivax is seeking a motivated and enthusiastic leader to manage day-to-day operations of the Fermentation Upstream Development team. As part of the broader Protein Chemistry group, the successful candidate will help coordinate development and production activities, as well as manage external protein manufacturing campaigns. This position will also be responsible for the management of a team of 3-4 individuals focusing on process optimization of bench scale bacterial fermentation processes and will report to the Head of Fermentation, Development & Scale-Up.You'll have the opportunity to...

• Lead, design, and develop bacterial fermentation experiments in an effort to maximize expression and solubility of proteins of interest across multiple programs
• Develop robust 10-30 liter scale prototype Fermentation processes for lead candidates to support IND-enabling toxicology studies
• Optimize process by designing and performing experiments at shake flask, 3L, and 5L benchtop bioreactor scale
• Coordinate with Discovery Protein team to ensure effective transfer of processes, technology, and materials (research cell banks) to development team
• Serve as the subject matter expert for technology transfers to contract manufacturing organizations in support of scale-up to GMP production
• Lead fermentation development project team of 3-4 people and coordinate with downstream processing to ensure constant supply of necessary protein material to support ongoing development and toxicology studies
• Manage purchasing and onboarding for critical capex equipment to support fermentation development and production
• Manage workflows, materials, and resources to ensure the quality and timely delivery of protein batches
• Continuously improve documentation (batch records, solution preparation records, etc.) and process analytics by coordinating with Quality Assurance and Analytical Development where necessaryWho you are and what you bring to the team...
  • Bachelors or Master's degree in chemical engineering, Cell Biology, Microbiology, or related field with with 5-8 years of relevant experience
  • Hands-on experience developing and optimizing bacterial fermentation processes using bench scale stirred-tank bioreactors
  • Industry experience with process scale-up and large scale (> 10L) fermentation processes is preferred
  • Experience managing technology transfers with CMOs is a plus
  • People management experience is a plus
  • Demonstrated ability to work in a dynamic environment as a team player with a strong work ethic
  • Strong written and oral communication skills as well as demonstrated organizational aptitudeWhat We Offer
    • Competitive compensation
    • Medical and Dental plans (BCBS), employer-paid at 85%
    • Vision Insurance, employer-paid at 100%
    • Life Insurance, Short- and Long-Term Disability
    • Flexible Spending Accounts/Health Savings Accounts
    • Wellness Benefits
    • 401(k) Plan with a 4% match
    • Tuition Reimbursement
    • Generous PTO package
    • 11 paid holidays, plus Holiday Shutdown
    • Pet Insurance
    • Subsidized Parking
    • Commuter Reimbursement Program
    • Brand new facility in Kendall SquarePlease NoteIn accordance with Affinivax's duty to provide and maintain a safe workplace that is free of known hazards, we have adopted a COVID-19 vaccine policy to protect the health of our employees and their families, our visitors, and the community at large from COVID-19. This policy requires all employees, contractors, and temporary workers, to (1) obtain an approved vaccination and provide proof of vaccination or (2) request an accommodation for a medical or religious exemption. Our policy is based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention.Affinivax is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, status as a veteran or as a member of the military or status in any group protected by applicable federal or state laws.AgenciesAll resumes submitted by search firms/employment agencies to any employee at Affinivax via email, the internet, or in any form and/or method will be deemed the sole property of Affinivax, unless such search firms/employment agencies were engaged by Affinivax for this position and a valid agreement with Affinivax is in place. In the event a candidate who was submitted outside of the Affinivax agency engagement process is hired, no fee or payment of any kind will be paid.

Keywords: Affinivax Inc., Cambridge , Lead Principal Associate - Fermentation, Development & Scale-Up, Other , Cambridge, Massachusetts