Working at MIT offers opportunities, an environment, a culture – and benefits – that just aren’t found together anywhere else. If you’re curious, motivated, want to be part of a unique community, and help shape the future – then take a look at this opportunity.

POSTDOCTORAL ASSOCIATE, Center for Biomedical Innovation (CBI), to develop new processes for viral vector manufacturing as part of a collaborative, interdisciplinary team at the forefront of gene therapy vector production. Therapeutics that rely on viral vector-mediated gene modification such as in vivo gene therapy or gene modified cell therapy are expected to treat an ever-expanding set of diseases. There are currently thirty-two gene therapies or cell-modified gene therapies in phase III clinical trial at the end of 2019, with 320 therapies at earlier stages in the pipeline. The complexity of these therapies means that scaling up production to meet commercial demand while maintaining product quality is a challenge—a challenge that can potentially be met through the use of novel production approaches.  The postdoctoral associate will design and execute experiments to establish the kinetics of transfection and production in bioreactor culture; develop and optimize upstream processes for cell growth, transfection, and vector harvest; analyze and characterize cell culture and viral vector production processes using a variety of methods, including ELISA and HPLC; and perform other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements

REQUIRED:  Ph.D. in biochemical/chemical engineering, biological sciences, or related field; demonstrated experience with the growth of mammalian or insect cells and/or virus production in small-scale vessels and bioreactors; experience with bioreactor set-up, operation, and maintenance; experience with analysis of cell culture medium components using HPLC, ELISA, or similar methods; ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities, troubleshoot technical issues, and develop and execute detailed technical protocols; strong documentation and written and oral communication skills; and ability to work independently and as part of a team.  

PREFERRED: experience producing and characterizing plasmids. Job #18959

This is a one-year appointment with the possibility of extension based upon satisfactory performance and availability of funding. 

MIT is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, ancestry, or national or ethnic origin.

MIT considers equivalent combinations of experience and education for certain jobs. All candidates who believe they possess equivalent experience and education are encouraged to apply.