Celsion- Senior Scientist, Formulation

Company: HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology
Location: Huntsville
Posted on: May 15, 2022

Job Description:

Job DescriptionPosition: Senior Scientist, FormulationJob Type: Full-TimeLocation: Huntsville, ALSummaryTo support its proprietary nucleic acid-based technology platforms, Celsion is seeking a Senior Scientist, Formulation at its Huntsville, AL, facility to play an integral role in developing novel nucleic acid delivery formulations. About CelsionCelsion Corporation is a pre-revenue, integrated biopharmaceutical company focused on developing a portfolio of innovative treatments for cancer and infectious diseases using its DNA-mediated gene transfer technologies. Our lead product is GEN-1, a DNA-mediated immunotherapy for the localized treatment of ovarian cancer. Our newest program in development is a novel plasmid DNA-based investigational vaccine for preventing or treating infections from a broad range of infectious agents including the coronavirus disease using our PLACCINE DNA vaccine technology platform.Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe successful candidate will:

• Produce and characterize novel nucleic acid formulations, based on Celsion's proprietary synthetic delivery systems, including DNA or mRNA RNA nanoparticles or nanocomplexes.
• Conduct analytical characterization of the formulations understanding the interaction between nucleic acid and the delivery agents, and defining factors driving an optimal interaction, formulation reproducibility, stability, and transfection activity in vitro and in vivo.
• Perform standard analytical methods for formulation characterization including dynamic light scattering, spectroscopic analysis, gel electrophoresis, particle sizing, and zeta potential. Experience with transmission electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy will be seen preferably.
• Conduct experiments to evaluate cell transfection activity and stability characteristics of the formulations to advance scientific understanding of the formulated systems and achieving respective project objectives.
• Demonstrate the ability to work independently to develop formulations, optimize and troubleshoot the process.
• Be extremely detail-oriented and place high value in documentation of work for communication to supervisor, other team members and sound development of documentation practices.
• Effectively communicate with technical and business-oriented audiences within the company through presentations and written reports.QualificationsTo be successful in this role your background and experience should include:
  • Ph.D. with 5 years plus industry/academia experience in nucleic acid delivery formulations.
  • Hands-on experience in DNA or RNA delivery formulation and understanding of the relevant research area are the key metrics for successful selection.
  • Experience in nano-assembly of DNA or RNA drugs into nano-complexes or nano-encapsulates and analytical techniques for particle size, zeta potential and other particle properties. Experience in cell-based assays, standard tissue culture techniques, immunofluorescence, and ELISA will be considered favorably.
  • Good presentation and communication skills and have the ability to identify and apply the appropriate methodologies and data evaluation.
  • Candidate should be familiar with searching and interpreting relevant literature and be able to develop a focused research effort.
  • Must be able to interact with multifunctional personnel and effectively participate in a team environment.
  • Working knowledge of Microsoft Office software, particularly Word and Excel required
  • Excellent interpersonal, organizational and communication skills (oral and written).
  • Ability to prioritize responsibilities, multi-task and remain flexible with changing needs.
  • Ability to handle the typical industry pressure of meeting deadlines and dynamic work conditions.
  • Ability to work independently as well as with team members.Celsion offers:Health and Dental insurance, matching 401k, and generous PTO for eligible employeesPhysical Demands/Environmental Factors/Mental FunctionsADA Requirements The physical demands, work environment factors, and mental functions described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential function of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.Disclaimer - All job requirements are subject to possible revision to reflect changes in the position requirements or to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a threat or risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees. This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties which will be required in this position. Employees will be required to follow other job-related duties as requested by their supervisor/manager (within guidelines and compliance with Federal and State Laws). Continued employment remains on an "at-will" basis.Physical Demands
    • Must be able to remain in a stationary position (sit or stand) for prolonged periods (50% of the time).
    • Frequently moving between work areas.
    • Frequently moving, transporting, and positioning materials up to 30 pounds.
    • Vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and depth perception.
    • Frequent operation of common office equipment (e.g. computers, mobile devices, calculators, copiers, scanners) and laboratory equipment.
    • Frequently position self (e.g. stoop, crouch, crawl, bend) and pull/push, grasp/squeeze, wrist flexion/extension, reach to operate and maintain laboratory equipment.Environmental Factors
      • Exposure to chemical, mechanical and electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes, and airborne particles.
      • Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.Mental Functions
        • Continuous mental and visual attention, requiring sustained attention and observation.
        • Excellent fine motor skills and hand control in order to pipette accurately.
        • Ability to sustain focus during research procedures (to maintain protocol such as order of operations).
        • Ability to visually observe results and record outcomes on lab logs and/or PC.
        • Basic computer skills are required.
        • Extensive documentation skills, good attention to detail, and exceptional organizational skills are required.
        • Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, in the English language.
        • Requires the ability to adapt to change efficiently.
        • Ability to independently lead and conduct research, and to evaluate, interpret and present complex scientific data.
        • Capacity to work productively within functionally diverse teams as well as collaborate with external investigators and partners in academic and industrial settings.
        • Ability to prioritize issues and use sound judgment to recognize when additional consultation and/or help is needed.
        • Comfortable working on multiple projects at one time.
        • Strong logical thinking and deduction skills.
        • Ability to effectively present ideas and information in a variety of formats to a wide range of audiences.
        • Positive, flexible, and professional attitude.It is the policy of Celsion, in accordance with all applicable laws, to recruit, hire, train, and promote persons in all job titles without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.
          
          
          
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Keywords: HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, Huntsville , Celsion- Senior Scientist, Formulation, Other , Huntsville, Alabama