Scientist, Quantitative Biochemistry

About Voyager Therapeutics
Voyager Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: VYGR) is a biotechnology company dedicated to leveraging the power of human genetics to modify the course of – and ultimately cure – neurological diseases. Our pipeline includes programs for Alzheimer’s disease, Friedreich’s ataxia, Parkinson’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and multiple other diseases of the central nervous system. Many of our programs are derived from our TRACER™ AAV capsid discovery platform, which we have used to generate novel capsids and identify associated receptors to potentially enable high brain penetration with genetic medicines following intravenous dosing. Some of our programs are wholly owned, and some are advancing with partners including Alexion, AstraZeneca Rare Disease; Novartis Pharma AG; and Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc. For more information, visit http://www.voyagertherapeutics.com.

Voyager Therapeutics® is a registered trademark, and TRACER™ is a trademark, of Voyager Therapeutics, Inc. 

Job Summary

Voyager Therapeutics is seeking a dedicated Scientist, Quantitative Biochemistry, to join our growing Non-Viral Therapeutics Team. This role will be responsible for the characterization of protein-protein interactions and cellular trafficking mechanisms that support functional screening of novel biotherapeutics to enable blood-brain barrier transport and treat central nervous system (CNS) disorders. This role requires deep technical expertise in protein biochemistry and cell-based assays, as well as the ability to develop a quantitative understanding of molecular mechanisms of action. The ideal candidate will have experience in biologics drug discovery.

This role will require coordination and collaboration within our Protein Science and Bioconjugation group to characterize complex biotherapeutic candidates, and close interaction with our Antibody Discovery and Engineering team for identification of functional candidates with drug-like properties. Position level may have some flexibility dependent upon individual candidate experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Routinely assess affinities and kinetics of antibody-antigen interactions, using both recombinant protein and cell-surface antigens
• Use cell-based assays to understand internalization, trafficking, expression dynamics, ligand interactions, and signaling of receptors targeted by antibodies for blood-brain barrier transport
• Develop in vitro functional assays with sufficient throughput and content to guide candidate selection for in vivo studies
• Generate data that guides the design and selection of complex biologics, including multi-specific antibodies and bioconjugates, to optimize multifunctional properties (avidity, dual-target engagement, Fc receptor binding, etc.)
• Collaborate within cross-functional teams interrogate biological pathways underlying CNS disease and therapeutic mechanisms of action, connecting in vitro measurements to in vivo impacts
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date experimental records in electronic lab notebook

Qualifications

• PhD, MS or BS in biochemistry, cell/molecular biology or related field, with 0-2 years or 7 -8+ years respectively, of relevant industry experience
• Proficiency using biosensor technology to quantify protein-protein interactions, affinities and kinetics (SPR, BLI, ELISA, etc.)
• Expertise in cell culture methods and cell-based assays (flow cytometry, fluorescence microscopy); experience with transcytosis analysis is preferred
• Experience with quantifying protein abundance in complex matrices and tissues (MSD, Western Blot, immunoprecipitation)
• Familiarity with automated liquid handling and med/high-throughput techniques is a plus
• Hands-on experience with therapeutic antibody characterization supporting biologics discovery and engineering, with familiarity with different formats and Fc functions
• Self-motivated to design, execute, analyze, and troubleshoot experiments with a rigorous and organized scientific approach
• Excellent oral and written communication skills

The anticipated salary range for candidates for this role will be $114,000 - 149,000.  The final salary offered will depend on several factors, which may include, but is not limited to relevant years of experience, educational background, industry knowledge, technical skills and other factors that may prove relevant during the interview process.