Research Associate, Vector Engineering

About the Role

• Play a key role in producing AAV vectors that power Gordian's discovery pipeline.
• Contribute to the production of AAV vectors through adherent and suspension HEK293 cell transfection techniques.
• Utilize a suite of scalable AAV purification techniques, including iodixanol ultracentrifugation, depth filtration, TFF, and FPLC.
• Learn Vector team’s adherent and suspension production protocols, documentation standards, and workflows.
• Take on routine lab tasks such as media prep and media changes with care and attention to detail.
• Learn how the Vector team interfaces with groups that request AAV.
• Help HFpEF and CKD programs by producing critical AAV vector.

Key Responsibilities

• Independently run core production tasks such as HEK293 cell splits, transfections, and harvests.
• Perform purification steps such as iodixanol ultracentrifugation and FPLC with limited supervision.
• Own weekly media forecasting and routine reagent ordering.
• Calculate AAV requirements for project requests by referencing historical production data.
• Communicate progress, blockers, and handoffs clearly.
• Surface risks early and close loops without repeated prompting.
• Design and execute a mini-project for process improvement, such as testing protocol optimization ideas.
• Independently execute all existing Vector SOPs with little or no supervision.
• Be the sole owner of two Vector areas of responsibility: TC hood organization and shaking-incubator maintenance.
• Complete a meaningful mini-project that improves team speed, communication, or execution.
• Bring further ideas to the Vector team’s weekly meetings.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• AAV vectors
• HEK293 cell transfection
• AAV purification
• Iodixanol ultracentrifugation
• Depth filtration
• TFF
• FPLC
• HFpEF
• CKD programs
• TC hood organization
• Shaking-incubator maintenance

Qualifications

• Background in biology.
• Hands-on serological pipetting experience.
• Capable of making an accurate serial dilution.
• Organized and detail-oriented.
• History of managing multiple time-sensitive projects at once.
• Collaborating across teams.
• Keeping a thorough lab notebook.
• Curious, coachable, and driven.
• Ability to take initiative, dig into problems, and own outcomes.
• Ability to articulate how this role fits into long-term plans and why Gordian’s mission matters.

Bonus Points

• Tissue culture experience
• Wet lab experience such as transfections, qPCR, Western blot, or SDS-PAGE
• Experience with flow systems such as FPLC, TFF, or depth filtration
• Previous experience with AAV, lentivirus, or gene therapy

The Details

• Pay Range: 66,000 - 100,000 USD per year
• Location: South San Francisco