King's College London

About us

​​​​​​The King’s College London Gene Therapy Vector Facility (GTVF) provides comprehensive GMP-grade viral vector manufacturing services. This includes Lentiviral Vector (LV), Retroviral Vector (RV) and Adeno-Associated Viral Vector (AAV) production for early-phase clinical trials, alongside substantial programmes in process innovation, knowledge transfer and training to address critical skills shortages.  

​​​In partnership with the Network of Innovation Hubs, our vision is to ensure that the UK capitalises on its outstanding academic medical research to deliver novel gene therapies to patients, providing transformative treatments for currently intractable conditions, and generating a vibrant economic landscape.  

​​​The GTVF is run by a large, industry-leading team of >50 people who have extensive experience in delivering end-to-end viral vector manufacture for both academic and commercial clients, with a focus on early-stage clinical trials.​ ​​  

About the role

The Process Development QC Scientist for the Gene Therapy Vector Facility (GTVF) is responsible for the testing and analysis of the QC samples generated from the Viral Vectors manufacturing process in process development lab. 

The post holder will work closely with colleagues in Upstream and Downstream team members in process development department. The post holder will also work very closely with colleagues in other department including MSAT, QC and QA teams and support as and when required. 

The post holder is responsible for testing of the analytical samples and evaluating the results in timely manner and writing reports. The successful candidate will be working under the direction of Head of Process Development / Technical Director. 

The post holder will be responsible for the technical evaluation of QC sample strategy and proposing targeted lab work to optimise the analytical testing processes.

This is a full time (35 hours per week) post and 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.       B.Sc/M.Sc/Ph.D degree in a Biochemical Engineering or Life science discipline.

2.       Experience of working in commercial companies within process development at Pharma/Biotech/Contract Manufacturing organisation (CMO) sectors.

3.       Experience on Viral Vector quantification and quality assessments using qPCR/dPCR, ELISA, Western blot, Cell based Potency assay, infectious genome assays and flowcytometry.

4.       Extensive hands-on skills and experience with molecular biology, cell culture techniques, and cell-based assays

5.       Previous experience of working with AAV or LV for analytical tests

6.       Experience in analytical methods development and transfer to GMP QC would be beneficial.

7.       Experience of working with in compliance with regulatory requirements and quality standards including those of ICH, ISO, GMP and Good Laboratory Practice.

8.       Excellent verbal and written communication skills and comfortable working independently and building professional networks.

9.       High level of work organization, self-motivation, drive for performance and improvement and flexibility in approach and attitude.

Desirable criteria

1.      Experience of successfully development of analytical methods for Viral Vectors like Adeno associated, Lenti virus and Retro Viruses.

2.      Experience in tech transfer of analytical methods to GMP QC team

3.      Understanding of and familiarity with regulatory guidance governing viral vector and biopharmaceutical development

Downloading a copy of our Job Description

Full details of the role and the skills, knowledge and experience required can be found in the Job Description document, provided at the bottom of the next page after you click “Apply Now”. This document will provide information of what criteria will be assessed at each stage of the recruitment process.

Further Information

We pride ourselves on being inclusive and welcoming. We embrace diversity and want everyone to feel that they belong and are connected to others in our community.

We are committed to working with our staff and unions on these and other issues, to continue to support our people and to develop a diverse and inclusive culture at King's.

We ask all candidates to submit a copy of their CV, and a supporting statement, detailing how they meet the essential criteria listed in the advert. If we receive a strong field of candidates, we may use the desirable criteria to choose our final shortlist, so please include your evidence against these where possible.

To find out how our managers will review your application, please take a look at our ‘ How we Recruit’ pages.

We are not able to offer sponsorship for candidates who do not currently possess the right to work in the UK.