Job Description

The Role

We are seeking a Principal Scientist to join our Analytical Operations team, where you will play a critical role in developing and implementing analytical methods for the characterisation and release testing of our novel dual-AAV gene therapies. This position spans the full lifecycle of product development--from early-stage process development through to tech transfer and GMP manufacturing support at our CDMO partners.



You will be responsible for ensuring that analytical assays are scientifically sound and suitable for GMP use, managing assay acceptance criteria, and overseeing third-party CROs to ensure timely and high-quality delivery of services. A key part of your role will involve selecting and monitoring reference materials, investigating assay performance trends, and leading thorough investigations into deviations and out-of-specification events. Working closely with the process development team, you will apply process analytical tools to generate structured data, deepen process understanding, and identify opportunities for optimisation. This is a highly collaborative role that also offers the chance to contribute to continuous improvement initiatives and stay at the forefront of emerging technologies and regulatory expectations.

Skills and Experience Required

To thrive in this role, you will need a PhD in Cell Biology, Life Sciences, or a related field, or a BSc/MSc with significant industry experience. You should bring at least ten years of experience in developing analytical methods for biological products, ideally within the gene therapy space, and have a proven track record of delivering technical projects in regulated or GxP environments.



You will be a critical thinker and problem solver, with a proactive mindset and a commitment to scientific excellence. Experience with statistical tools for trend analysis is highly desirable, as is familiarity with evaluating and implementing new technologies. Strong communication skills--both written and verbal--are essential, along with the ability to adapt your presentation style to different audiences. You should be comfortable working independently and collaboratively, and demonstrate flexibility, professional maturity, and a positive, can-do attitude.

Equal Opportunities

At AAVantgarde, we are committed to fostering a welcoming, collaborative, and inclusive environment. We believe in providing equal opportunities for all and do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or any other legally protected characteristics. All applicants will receive equal consideration for employment.

Recruitment Policy

AAVantgarde's HR team leads all recruitment activities for AAVantgarde globally. AAVantgarde will not recognise any notional ownership recruitment companies claim to hold over candidates they present directly to hiring managers without the AAVantgarde HR team's consent, nor any fees the recruitment company may feel are due as a result of this. Unsolicited resumes sent to AAVantgarde from recruiters do not constitute any type of relationship between the recruiter and AAVantgarde and do not obligate AAVantgarde to pay fees should we hire from those resumes. We ask that external recruiters and/or agencies not contact or present candidates directly to our hiring managers or employees. If you are interested in becoming a recruitment partner please email the HR team at recruitment@aavantgarde.com