Advisor, guide-RNA Process Development

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Organizational Overview

Verve Therapeutics, a wholly owned subsidiary of Eli Lilly & Company within Lilly Research Labs, is a clinical-stage genetic medicines company established with a mission to solve the global health epidemic of cardiovascular disease. Founded by world-leading experts in cardiovascular medicine, human genetics and gene-editing, Verve is pioneering a new approach to the care of cardiovascular disease, potentially transforming treatment from chronic management to single-course gene editing medicines. The company’s initial three programs – VERVE-101, VERVE-102, and VERVE-201 – target genes that have been extensively validated as targets for lowering low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), a root cause of cardiovascular disease. VERVE-101 and VERVE-102 are designed to permanently turn off the PCSK9 gene in the liver and are being developed initially for heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH) and ultimately to treat atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) patients not at goal on oral therapy. VERVE-201 is designed to permanently turn off the ANGPTL3 gene in the liver and is initially being developed for homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH) and ultimately to treat patients with refractory hypercholesterolemia.

Position Summary:

We are seeking an experienced process chemist to join the guide-RNA process development team.  You will be joining a team that is heavily focused on clinical manufacturing process development.  This is primarily a lab-based role supporting guide-RNA drug substance process development for programs in clinical development.  The role will also contribute to the development of guide-RNA manufacturing platform technologies in a highly collaborative effort with process and analytical chemistry teams.

Responsibilities:

• Design and execute solid-phase synthesis and purification experiments to support process development and scale-up of oligonucleotide drug substance manufacturing

• Lead guide-RNA process development efforts by identifying areas of continuous improvement through literature and state-of-art practices and applying these learnings to Verve’s gRNA process development projects.   

• Collaborate cross-functionally with process and analytical teams to progress process and manufacturing technology development projects

• Review and provide technical feedback on internal and external collaborators experimental designs and results

• Participate actively in technical discussions and meetings, proactively communicate technical findings and results to stakeholders, train and support teammates as needed

• Partner closely with members of facilities, lab operations, and safety to maintain the highest level of safety standards within the lab

• Keep an updated lab notebook, order materials, maintain lab equipment, and support equipment troubleshooting as needed

Basic Requirements:

• PhD degree in a relevant scientific discipline with 1-2+ years of industry experience (synthesis, oligonucleotide development, solid phase synthesis, CMC) or MS degree with 6+ years of relevant industry experience (synthesis, oligonucleotide development, solid phase synthesis, CMC)

• Experience designing and troubleshooting oligonucleotide solid phase synthesis studies. Strong preference for candidates who have experience with guide-RNA or longmer synthesis development backgrounds.

• Experience with oligonucleotide manufacturing processes and equipment including solid phase synthesis (Cytiva OligoSynt or OP100), cleavage and deprotection, chromatography (Akta), TFF, sterile filtration, single-use technology, and sterile/aseptic processing preferred

• Background in oligonucleotide process development, scale-up, and GMP manufacturing

• Strong communication skills (oral and written) and the ability to thrive in a team and goal driven environment

Additional Skills/Preferences:

• Background in CRISPR guide RNA development strongly preferred

• Use of strong interpersonal skills for collaboration

• Ability to prioritize multiple activities and handle ambiguity

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Actual compensation will depend on a candidate’s education, experience, skills, and geographic location.  The anticipated wage for this position is

Full-time equivalent employees also will be eligible for a company bonus (depending, in part, on company and individual performance). In addition, Lilly offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees, including eligibility to participate in a company-sponsored 401(k); pension; vacation benefits; eligibility for medical, dental, vision and prescription drug benefits; flexible benefits (e.g., healthcare and/or dependent day care flexible spending accounts); life insurance and death benefits; certain time off and leave of absence benefits; and well-being benefits (e.g., employee assistance program, fitness benefits, and employee clubs and activities).Lilly reserves the right to amend, modify, or terminate its compensation and benefit programs in its sole discretion and Lilly’s compensation practices and guidelines will apply regarding the details of any promotion or transfer of Lilly employees.

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