Technical Director

The role holder will contribute to world-class research and innovation at King's through the provision of highly specialised technical, strategic and operational support to GTVF.

The role holder will work closely with the Director of GTVF and the Director of Research Platforms to oversee the production, process development and MSAT teams within a complex GMP manufacturing facility. The role holder will optimise workflows, develop cutting-edge new techniques, ensure efficiency and reliability of the GTVF's manufacturing processes, and act as an Expert advisor to the GTVF Management Team, GTVF Board and external stakeholders.

This post will be offered on an indefinite contract. This is a full-time post

To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:

Essential Criteria

• Directly relevant biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry experience



• Resilience, determination and diplomacy



• Ability to manage though influence and negotiation in a complex environment



• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills



• Excellent verbal and written communication skills



• Understanding of and familiarity with regulatory guidance governing cell-based and biopharmaceutical development



• Prior experience with biopharmaceutical processes, quality compliance, process development/qualification, control strategy and regulatory submissions



• Extensive experience of GMP viral vector and particularly AAV vector manufacturing


Desirable criteria

• Familiar with a range of biopharmaceutical and cell-based processes and techniques



• Good understanding of academic biomedical research environment
  
  The King's College London Gene Therapy Vector Facility (GTVF) provides comprehensive GMP-grade viral vector manufacturing services. This includes Lentiviral Vector (LV), Retroviral Vector (RV) and Adeno-Associated Viral Vector (AAV) production for early-phase clinical trials, alongside substantial programmes in process innovation, knowledge transfer and training to address critical skills shortages.


In partnership with the Network of Innovation Hubs, our vision is to ensure that the UK capitalises on its outstanding academic medical research to deliver novel gene therapies to patients, providing transformative treatments for currently intractable conditions, and generating a vibrant economic landscape.

The GTVF is run by a large, industry-leading team of >50 people who have extensive experience in delivering end-to-end viral vector manufacture for both academic and commercial clients, with a focus on early-stage clinical trials.