What are the responsibilities and job description for the Scientist, Process Development position at Oryon Cell Therapies?
Company Description
Oryon Cell Therapies is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing autologous cell therapies for neurodegenerative disorders, with an initial focus on Parkinson’s disease. Oryon’s approach centers on replacing neurons lost to disease, with the goal of functional restoration for people living with Parkinson’s. The team works at the intersection of cellular therapeutics, neuroscience, and translational research to move innovative therapies into the clinic. Candidates joining Oryon will be part of a growing organization focused on rigorous science and meaningful patient impact.
Position Summary
The Scientist / Senior Scientist, Process Development will play a key role in the transfer, development, and industrialization of an autologous iPSC-derived dopaminergic neuron manufacturing process for Parkinson's disease.
Reporting to the Head of Technical Development, this individual will serve as a primary technical contributor responsible for executing technology transfer activities from academic collaborators into company laboratories, then advancing process development activities required for GMP manufacturing towards clinical and commercial supply.
This is a highly hands-on role requiring extensive laboratory work, technical problem solving, cross-functional collaboration, and a willingness to operate in a fast-paced startup environment.
Key Responsibilities
Technology Transfer
- Execute technology transfer activities from academic collaborators into company laboratories
- Learn and reproduce existing manufacturing processes and procedures
- Participate in on-site observations and process transfer activities at partner institutions
- Generate detailed process documentation and transfer reports
- Identify process risks, knowledge gaps, and opportunities for process improvement
Process Development
- Support development and optimization of somatic cell reprogramming, iPSC expansion, neural differentiation, cryopreservation, shipping and storage, thawing and drug product formulation processes
- Design and execute experiments to improve process robustness and reproducibility
- Assist in identification of critical quality attribute (CQAs) and critical process parameters (CPPs)
- Support process characterization studies
Manufacturing Support
- Collaborate with manufacturing and MSAT teams during GMP process implementation
- Support scale-out and future GMP process transfer activities
- Assist with investigations, deviations, and root cause analyses
Documentation
- Author protocols, technical reports, SOPs, development reports, technology transfer documents
- Maintain accurate laboratory records and data packages
Startup Contributions
- Assist with laboratory build-out and equipment qualification
- Support establishment of laboratory systems and workflows
- Contribute wherever needed to advance company objectives
Qualifications
Required
- PhD with 5 years industry experience or MS with 5-8 years industry experience
- Hands-on experience in stem cell biology / iPSC culture, directed differentiation towards a cell therapy
- Running own analytics and data analysis, presentation to group
- Cell therapy process development, process characterization and technology transfer
- Technical report writing
Preferred
- GMP experience
- DOE experience
Characteristics
- Highly hands-on
- Comfortable working at the bench
- Strong scientific curiosity
- Thrives in ambiguity
- Startup mentality
Local travel between Oryon labs (Watertown) and academic collaborator (Belmont) required.