Head of Assay Development

Work for an Organization that brings innovative therapies to patients worldwide.

VectorY combines the potential of antibodies and gene therapy to develop long-lasting therapeutic solutions for disease areas of high unmet medical need.

Founded in August 2020, and based in the Amsterdam Science Park, VectorY is a fully integrated gene therapy company focused on the development of innovative therapeutics.

With R&D and manufacturing facilities in Amsterdam, VectorY develops proprietary & partnered programs based on its novel AAV-based vectorized antibody gene therapy platform. Next generation vector technologies are applied to develop product candidates, which will enable a proprietary and highly scalable manufacturing process within VectorY’s own manufacturing facilities.

Short description of the Assay Development department

The Assay Development Department is an essential part of VectorY as they are responsible for the development and execution of assays for Baculovirus and AAV batch characterization for the whole company. The group utilizes the molecular toolbox to analyze AAV vectors with novel characteristics and are responsible for development of assays which are used by all other VectorY teams for further development. These Assays are often intrinsically complex including molecular, analytical, cell-based assays, each having their focus and technical specialty. Process excellence is sought after in Assay Design and Execution, where the group is stimulated to develop & implement State of the Art techniques as well as automation and robotics. Lastly the Assay Development team is also responsible for Assay Qualification and Validation as well as Assay transfer to other (Manufacturing/QC) teams.

Main responsibilities of the role:

  • The The Head of Assay Development is End-Responsible for all Assay Development and Assay Execution activities leading a team which now consists of 6 FTE and will expand as VectorY grows.

  • The Head of AD will build, lead, manage and coordinate the activities of a growing team of Technicians and Scientists. The team will be divided in two groups focussing on (i) Assay Development or (ii) Assay Execution.

  • Manages complex scientific projects in the field of molecular, analytical and (pre)clinical assay development.

  • Has in-depth knowledge on novel assay design & de novo assay implementation for production and characterization of AAV batches, including Assay Qualification & Validation. Experience in writing and reviewing regulatory sections of Module 3 (Quality) regarding DS/DP characterization.

  • Experience in working according to GDP and LIMS systems

  • Management of internal stakeholders in other departments (Research, Vector Development & Process Development) as well and external collaborations (CROs, Manufacturing, industry & academic collaborations)

Skills and Qualifications:

  • Strong background in Assays Development preferably with experience in Baculovirus & AAV characterization assays

  • Experience in industry setting in the field of assay development

  • Experience in managing teams to deliver on promise

Your Natural Strengths and Drivers

Drives to motivate others, you are a strong people manager. You are driven by delivering high-quality products and services and bring accountability to work.

Working at VectorY

We offer a personal and authentic experience within a young, ambitious biotech company on the path to bring innovative therapies to patients worldwide.

For more information: sandra.lemmens@vectorytx.com