Our mission at Asimov is to advance humanity's ability to design living systems, enabling biotechnologies with outsized societal benefits. We're developing a mammalian synthetic biology platform--from cells to software--to enable the design and manufacture of next-generation therapeutics.
The Associate Director, Strategic Alliance (Genetic Medicine) will play a pivotal role in supporting the deployment of our AAV Edge, RNA Edge, and LV Edge technologies in customer sites and delivering on cell line development (CLD) service campaigns for our customers. Asimov’s LV Edge and AAV Edge technologies represent a fundamental shift in genetic medicines, moving the industry beyond the limitations of transient transfection by combining genetic design with high-performance, stable producer cell lines, to achieve higher, more consistent viral titers. This role involves building and nurturing long-term, mutually beneficial relationships with pharmaceutical and biotech companies, technology providers, academic institutions, and other strategic partners.
About the Role:
Program Execution
Provide expert technical guidance on tech-out evaluation design, CLD planning, scale-up, optimization, and troubleshooting for various biopharmaceutical manufacturing processes (e.g., mammalian cell culture, purification, analytical methods, and viral vector production).
Work cross-functionally with internal departments (CLD, DNA Assembly, Process Development, Analytical Development, Quality, Facilities, Business Development) to ensure project success.
Oversee the preparation and review of critical documentation, including tech transfer plans, protocols, CLD reports, cell history documentation, and drug master filings.
Develop and implement standardized tech transfer procedures, protocols, and best practices.
Work with functional leads and teams to drive the implementation of new technologies and innovative approaches to enhance the efficiency and capabilities of tech transfer.
Occasionally support other programs within the Strategic Alliance team's purview, such as CHO Edge or RNA Edge portfolio projects.
Support customer inspections, audits, and related site visits at our site in Boston.
Business Development and Company Strategy
Represent the company at industry conferences, networking events, and in discussions with potential partners.
Stay abreast of industry developments, emerging technologies, and competitive dynamics to inform company strategy.
Collaborate closely with Business Development to assess new project opportunities and provide technical expertise.
This role is expected to involve approximately 20% travel, primarily to customer sites and our Boston headquarters.
About You:
Advanced degree (MSc or PhD) in a relevant scientific or engineering discipline (e.g., Biochemical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Biology).
Minimum of 10-12 years of experience in the biopharmaceutical or life sciences industry, with at least 1-3 years in a leadership role focused on cell line development, technology transfer, process development, or manufacturing sciences within a CDMO or pharmaceutical/biotech company.
Deep technical expertise in the genetic medicines field, specifically viral vector (AAV and LVV) with demonstrated experience leading tech transfers and effectively communicating complex technical data. Ideally has a strong understanding of the CHO biologics space including cell line development, process development, and comparative manufacturing constraints.
Direct experience in a CDMO environment is highly preferred, including customer-facing interactions or proven experience transferring technology between independent sites.
Strong leadership, communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
Excellent project management abilities, with a proven capacity to manage timelines, budgets, and resources effectively.
Knowledge of cGMP, FDA, EMA, and ICH guidelines.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic, and collaborative environment.
Demonstrated ability to build and maintain strong working relationships with clients and internal stakeholders.
Strategic thinker with a proactive and results-oriented approach.
We're fueled by a vision to transform biological engineering into a fully-fledged engineering discipline. Should you join our team, you will grow with a constantly evolving organization and push the frontiers of synthetic biology. Company culture is key to Asimov, and ours is a culture of recombination; we believe that our mission can only be achieved by bringing together a diverse team with a mixture of backgrounds and perspectives.