Executive Director, Analytical Sciences & Technology (Gene Therapy Program)

Executive Director, Analytical Sciences & Technology (Gene Therapy Program)

University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn's distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America's Best Employers By State in 2021.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.

COVID-19 vaccination is a requirement for all positions at the University of Pennsylvania. New hires are expected to be fully vaccinated before beginning work at the University. For more information about Penn's vaccine requirements and the use of Penn Open Pass, visit the Penn COVID-19 Response website for the latest information.

Posted Job Title
Executive Director, Analytical Sciences & Technology (Gene Therapy Program)

Job Profile Title
Director E

Job Description Summary
The Gene Therapy Program (GTP) is entering a new era of unprecedented opportunity with the great potential to reshape the face of medicine as we know it. Our discoveries have set the stage for successful treatments and possibly even cures for devastating genetic diseases.

The laboratory of Dr. Jim Wilson, at GTP of the University of Pennsylvania, has been a leader in the development of innovative vector technology for close to three decades. We have emerged as the "go-to" organization for public and private partners, who want to participate in the gene therapy space. Currently, we are positioned to lead another round of vector innovation and establish pre-clinical and clinical proof-of-concept in therapeutic applications of in-vivo genome editing.

Continuation of all GTP positions is contingent upon funding.

Job Description

Vector technology lies at the heart of GTP due to the contributions of the Wilson Lab. GTP has a long track record of success in developing novel vector technologies, manufacturing platforms and analytics as well as distributing vectors for research purposes. Once successful in the research environment, the vectors must be transferred to the clinic which requires expertise both regarding vector manufacturing and characterization. Our Vector Core is a state-of-the-art facility which provides vector-related materials and services in support of basic and translational research worldwide, produces vectors in support of IND-enabling research, develops and conducts GLP assays, oversees CMO's in vector production and is expanding to perform state-of-the-art process development.

Due to significant growth, the Vector Core is looking for a new Executive Director of Analytics to lead a multidisciplinary team of testing and development staff responsible for assay development, quality control testing and vector release in support of research, IND-enabling studies, and clinical trials.

As the Executive Director, you will provide high-level leadership and provide the strategic vision as it pertains to vector characterization and quality control. You will oversee the activities of and develop/mentor a high-performing team in multiple functional areas which are inclusive of Assay Development (Cell-Based and Non-cell-based), Quality Control Testing (physical/structural, research, and GLP), and Quality Control Studies. You will develop and oversee the implementation of quantitative and qualitative metrics to assess performance as well as track/manage completion of objectives and projects. You will interface with external sponsors and internal teams to build strategies to support global initiatives, prepare presentations and other materials for external meetings, regulatory filings, publications, and grant applications. Working closely with the Executive Director of Vector Operations (EDVO) and Project Management, you will develop testing plans, budgets, and timelines, providing timely and accurate information to Management and Project Teams regarding the delivery of fully characterized vector for IND-enabling studies and clinical trials. You will develop analytical testing plans for clinical programs at CMOs and direct the transfer GLP assay technologies to CMO's and CRO's as well as pharmaceutical partners.

You will also work closely with the Executive Director, MS&T to understand newly developed or optimized manufacturing process and make determinations as to how analytics will support these programs.

Qualifications

  • MSc in Biochemistry, Biology, or related field and 7-10+ years of experience in analytical development and testing required or equivalent combination of education and experience required.

  • PhD strongly preferred.

  • Minimum of 3 years of supervisory experience required.

  • Extensive knowledge of assay development, qualification and GxP regulations strongly preferred.

  • Experience in interactions with outside vendors, e.g., CMOs, CROs strongly preferred.

  • Experience in interactions with quality assurance and regulatory agencies preferred.

  • Ability to provide assay expertise to product development overseeing multiple programs required.

  • Self starter but also a strong desire to contribute and work collaboratively to achieve goals.

  • Success in roles requiring execution of multiple tasks while responding to multiple priorities.
  • Highly functioning, detail-oriented, and analytical candidate who can think strategically.

  • Excellent oral/written communication skills required.

    Job Location - City, State
    Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

    Department / School
    Perelman School of Medicine

    Pay Range
    $108,411.00 - $173,457.66

    Affirmative Action Statement
    Penn adheres to a policy that prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected class.

    Special Requirements
    Background check required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.

    University Benefits
    • Health, Life, and Flexible Spending Accounts: Penn offers comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits to protect you and your family's health and welfare. You can also use flexible spending accounts to pay for eligible health care and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.
    • Tuition: Take advantage of Penn's exceptional tuition benefits. You, your spouse, and your dependent children can get tuition assistance here at Penn. Your dependent children are also eligible for tuition assistance at other institutions.
    • Retirement: Penn offers generous retirement plans to help you save for your future. Penn's Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans allow you to save for retirement on a pre-tax or Roth basis. Choose from a wide variety of investment options through TIAA and Vanguard.
    • Time Away from Work: Penn provides you with a substantial amount of time away from work during the course of the year. This allows you to relax, take vacations, attend to personal affairs, recover from illness or injury, spend time with family-whatever your personal needs may be.
    • Long-Term Care Insurance: In partnership with Genworth Financial, Penn offers faculty and staff (and your eligible family members) long-term care insurance to help you cover some of the costs of long-term care services received at home, in the community or in a nursing facility. If you apply when you're newly hired, you won't have to provide proof of good health or be subject to underwriting requirements. Eligible family members must always provide proof of good health and are subject to underwriting.
    • Wellness and Work-life Resources: Penn is committed to supporting our faculty and staff as they balance the competing demands of work and personal life. That's why we offer a wide variety of programs and resources to help you care for your health, your family, and your work-life balance.
    • Professional and Personal Development: Penn provides an array of resources to help you advance yourself personally and professionally.
    • University Resources: As a member of the Penn community, you have access to a wide range of University resources as well as cultural and recreational activities. Take advantage of the University's libraries and athletic facilities, or visit our arboretum and art galleries. There's always something going on at Penn, whether it's a new exhibit at the Penn Museum, the latest music or theater presentation at the Annenberg Center, or the Penn Relays at Franklin Field to name just a few examples. As a member of the Penn community, you're right in the middle of the excitement-and you and your family can enjoy many of these activities for free.
    • Discounts and Special Services: From arts and entertainment to transportation and mortgages, you'll find great deals for University faculty and staff. Not only do Penn arts and cultural centers and museums offer free and discounted admission and memberships to faculty and staff. You can also enjoy substantial savings on other goods and services such as new cars from Ford and General Motors, cellular phone service plans, movie tickets, and admission to theme parks.
    • Flexible Work Hours: Flexible work options offer creative approaches for completing work while promoting balance between work and personal commitments. These approaches involve use of non-traditional work hours, locations, and/or job structures.
    • Penn Home Ownership Services: Penn offers a forgivable loan for eligible employees interested in buying a home or currently residing in West Philadelphia, which can be used for closing costs or home improvements.
    • Adoption Assistance: Penn will reimburse eligible employees on qualified expenses in connection with the legal adoption of an eligible child, such as travel or court fees, for up to two adoptions in your household.



    To learn more, please visit: https://www.hr.upenn.edu/PennHR/benefits-pay

    To apply, visit https://wd1.myworkdaysite.com/en-US/recruiting/upenn/careers-at-penn/job/Translational-Research-Laboratories/Executive-Director--Analytical-Sciences---Technology--Gene-Therapy-Program-_JR00047909-1

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