Director, * Vector Development

Locana, Inc. is seeking a highly motivated professional to establish, lead and direct AAV vector

development to enable research and development activities for Locana’s pipeline of RNA

modification technologies. This individual will be responsible for the synthesis, quality control,

and production of AAV vector and plasmid DNA molecules to be used in therapeutic, CMC, and

analytical applications. The leader of this small team will have an excellent understanding of

AAV biology and deep experience engineering novel DNA sequences for experimental and/or

therapeutic applications in mammalian systems. This individual will be an integral part of the

company’s efforts to provide RNA-targeting gene therapy treatments for a wide range of

diseases.

Major Accountabilities:

• Establish and oversee small scale AAV production, purification and analysis to enable

research screening activities.

• Optimize viral vector designs for efficient delivery of Locana’s RNA-targeted therapies.
• Serve as subject matter expert on AAV vectors and technologies.
• Develop and refine the scientific goals, timeline and workflow of this function.
• Work with CMC to support the development of lead candidates.
• Work with team to design and execute a delivery strategy.
• Contribute to novel AAV capsid design and screening.
• Create and validate in-vitro AAV capsid selection assays.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Education Requirements:

• Ph.D. in virology, molecular biology or related field plus 5+ years of biotechnology

industry research experience OR M.Sc. in virology, molecular biology or related field

plus 8+ years of biotechnology industry research experience.

• Experience leading, managing and mentoring scientific staff.
• Expertise in AAV biology (i.e. capsid design, vector optimization, production).
• Experience designing and optimizing AAV viral vectors for therapeutic applications.
• Hands-on experience using AAV capsids for gene delivery.
• Experience in mammalian tissue culture methods (maintenance, passaging, quality

control, viral production).

• Expertise in molecular biology; skilled in RNA and protein purification analysis (qPCR,

RT-qPCR, Western, etc.).

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Strong problem-solving and creative thinking skills.

This position requires the ability to work in both biology laboratory and office environments.

• The level of this position will be based on the final candidate’s qualifications.

Please apply directly at careers@locanabio.com