Manager, Molecular Biodistribution Core

AskBio Inc., a wholly owned and independently operated subsidiary of Bayer AG, is a fully integrated gene therapy company dedicated to developing life-saving medicines and changing lives. The company maintains a portfolio of clinical programs across a range of neuromuscular, central nervous system, cardiovascular, and metabolic disease indications with a clinical-stage pipeline that includes investigational therapeutics for congestive heart failure, limb-girdle muscular dystrophy, multiple system atrophy, Parkinson’s disease, and Pompe disease. AskBio’s gene therapy platform includes Pro10™, an industry-leading proprietary cell line manufacturing process, and an extensive array of capsids and promoters. With global headquarters in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, and European headquarters in Edinburgh, Scotland, the company has generated hundreds of proprietary capsids and promoters, several of which have entered pre-clinical and clinical testing.

Our vision: Pioneering science to create transformative molecular medicines.

Our mission: Lead innovative science and drive clinical outcomes to transform people's lives.

Our principles:

• Advance innovative science by pushing boundaries. 

• Bring transformative therapeutics to patients in need.  

• Provide an environment for employees to reach their fullest potential.  

Our values:

• Be a Pioneer. We are not afraid of the impossible and to innovate to make gene therapies accessible to those in need.

• Cultivate Collaboration. Strive to be the best teammate, actively listen, openly communicate, and embrace diverse points of view.

• Embrace Responsibility. We are humbled by the enormity of our mission.  We hold a relentless commitment to advance science and clinical outcomes for our patients, families, and caregivers.

• Raise the Bar. Continuously drive improvements and efficiencies. Seek and provide constructive feedback. Have a bias for learning and action.

• Act with Uncompromising Integrity. Be honest, transparent, and committed to doing what’s right in every situation. Make clear commitments and follow through.

Position Summary

The Manager, Molecular Biodistribution Core oversees a research team dedicated to the analysis of vector biodistribution and transgene expression through effective task assignment and workload management. Their responsibilities include planning and executing sample analysis and ensuring thorough documentation and reporting of experimental activities. They also train team members in current protocols and SOPs while developing new assays to support ongoing projects. Additionally, they manage the core’s budget, equipment, and external partnerships to deliver reliable data that inform program decisions.

This is an onsite position located in RTP, NC and will report to the Director, Product Development Cores.

Job Responsibilities

Supervision and Task Assignment

• Team Leadership: Lead, develop, and manage the core team, including hiring, goal setting, performance management, coaching, and career development.
• Task Distribution: Establish work plans based on study and program requirements. Assign specific responsibilities such as:
  • Nucleic acid extraction from cells, tissues, and biofluids
  • Vector genome quantification by dPCR/RT-qPCR
  • Transgene expression analysis by dPCR/RT-qPCR
  • Data processing, quality review, and reporting
• Monitoring Workload: Allocate resources and track progress against study timelines and program goals. Schedule regular check-ins to discuss workloads and address any challenges.
• Communication of Delays: Establish a protocol for team members to report delays or technical issues as soon as they arise. This ensures timely communication and allows for adjustments in study timelines.

Sample Analysis and Study Support

• Biodistribution and Expression Analysis: Execute biodistribution and gene expression analysis in collaboration with project leads across the company’s early-stage pipeline.
• Molecular Assays: Apply and oversee dPCR/RT-qPCR and other nucleic acid quantification methods. Ensure that you and your team are proficient in current methods and can train others effectively.
• Program Support: Contribute to data analysis and reporting that inform dose selection, route-of-administration evaluation, and tissue-targeting assessments for AAV and other genetic medicine platforms.
• Equipment and Automation: Make sure that instruments are calibrated and function properly and implement automated liquid handling where it improves throughput and consistency.

Record Keeping and Reporting

• Detailed Documentation: Maintain comprehensive records of all analytical activities, including methodologies, results, and observations, consistent with data integrity practices for nonclinical workstreams.
• Study Reports: Author reports summarizing biodistribution and gene expression findings, highlighting critical data and insights.
• Training and Development: Provide training for staff on current protocols and SOPs. Ensure that everyone is confident in their skills.

Core Operations and External Partnerships

• Budget and Resources: Manage the core’s budget, capacity planning, and equipment in partnership with the Director, Product Development Cores.
• External Partners: Manage relationships with internal stakeholders and external partners, including CROs, to ensure reliable assay execution, method transfer, and sample analysis.
• Procedural Documentation: Establish, author, and maintain SOPs and procedures that affect the core and partner functions to ensure compliance and standardization.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, or related field with at least 6+ years’ relevant experience in biotech, pharma, CRO, or academic drug development settings supporting genetic medicines or related modalities
• 3+ years of experience in AAV gene therapy drug development.
• Strong hands-on experience extracting nucleic acids from tissues and biofluids and running quantitative molecular assays such as ddPCR, qPCR, and RT-qPCR and a proven ability to teach others these skills.
• Experience managing operational resources, timelines, and budgets for a laboratory team or core function

Preferred Education, Experience and Skills

• Knowledge of statistical and data visualization approaches for complex, multidimensional nonclinical datasets.
• Experience with lab automation, including the implementation of automated liquid handlers into complex analytical workstreams.
• Self-motivated, organized, capable of working independently as well as in a collaborative/team environment.
• Ability to lead a team across multiple studies, priorities, and timelines in a fast-paced drug development environment.
• High attention to detail and sound judgment to achieve a solution within standard practices and procedures.

AskBio Inc. (AskBio) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or any other protected status prohibited under Federal, State or local laws. All employment decisions are based on valid job‐related requirements. If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran and are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our website, you may request a reasonable accommodation to express interest in a specific opening by calling us at (919) 561-6210 or sending us an email at careers@askbio.com.

Agencies:  Please do not contact any employee at AskBio about this requisition.  Any resume submitted by a recruitment agency to any employee at AskBio, through any medium, will be deemed the sole property of AskBio unless the agency was engaged by AskBio Talent Acquisition team to recruit for that position.  All agencies must have a prior executed service agreement with AskBio prior to any search engagement.  If a candidate who was submitted outside of the AskBio agency process is hired by AskBio, no fee or payment of any kind will be paid to the agency.