The Upstream Summer Intern will help drive the development of Sarepta’s Gene Therapy platform. Working as a member of Gene Therapy Process Development Group within the Technical Operations Department, he/she will contribute to internal development of robust, well-characterized, high-quality and high-yielding cell culture processes for viral vector production to treat rare diseases. This individual will gain an important understanding of the processes workflow and will help improve Sarepta’s current cell culture platform for viral vector production. Opportunities for collaboration with downstream development, analytical development, pilot production, manufacturing sciences and technology will be given to support the development and transfer of robust processes used for both clinical and commercial production of gene therapy therapeutics.
Primary Responsibilities Include:
- Assist in designing and executing upstream process development studies including screening of cell lines, media/feeds, and transfection reagents, optimization of the transfection and the seed train processes in shake flasks and benchtop-scale bioreactors
- Performs suspension and adherent cell passaging, cell counting, metabolic profile monitoring, media and buffer preparations
- Inoculate, transfect and harvest production culture to produce adeno-associated virus (AAV) under supervision
- Supports shake flask and bioreactor operations as directed including equipment, supply and reagent preparations
- Adheres to company and department SOPs on lab operations and good documentation practice, and EHS lab safety regulations with highest standards
- Contributes to cross-functional operational improvement, and laboratory organization by maintaining lab equipment, samples and reagent inventory
- Strong team player who consistently exemplifies Sarepta values.
Desired Education and Skills:
- Sophomore or above in life sciences, chemical engineering or related field
- Understanding and hands-on training of aseptic techniques
- Experience in a laboratory setting including but not limited to pipetting, buffer preparation, pH titration, etc. is highly desired
- Knowledge of cell culture processes pertinent to viral vector production and bioreactor operations are highly desired
- Developing troubleshooting/problem-solving skills
- Strong work ethic and ability to plan and execute lab work with guided supervision
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Detailed-oriented and self-motivated
Program Timeline:
- This application is for a 10 or 12-week summer internship program that will either start on May 28th or June 10th.
- The program will conclude on August 16th, 2024.
This is a facility-dependent position where in-office presence is required four-five days a week.
This position requires work on site at one of Sarepta’s facilities in the United States.
The targeted salary range for this position is $21 – $25 per hour depending upon years of education completed and nature of role.
Candidates must be authorized to work in the U.S.
Sarepta Therapeutics offers a competitive compensation and benefit package.
Sarepta Therapeutics is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and participates in e-Verify.