Research Associate, CMC (Gene Therapy)

Application deadline: 12 Sep 2026 
Location: San Diego 92121, California, United States 
Contract type: Permanent 
Job ID: 4835 

Build hands-on gene therapy CMC experience where science moves from the bench toward real impact.

About Replay, now part of LEO Pharma

Replay Holdings, Inc. ("Replay"), now part of LEO Pharma, is advancing the future of gene therapy for patients with rare disease. A gene therapy company focused on HSV-based vectors for topical dermatology applications, Replay combines the agility of a small, high-impact team with the global reach and patient commitment of LEO Pharma.

As our new Research Associate, you will join a cross-functional CMC team working at the exciting intersection of process development, analytical science, formulation, and viral vector technology. This is a hands-on, bench-focused opportunity for an early-career scientist who wants to grow broad practical expertise in a BSL-2 gene therapy laboratory.

Your role

As Research Associate, CMC, you will support day-to-day laboratory execution across upstream, downstream, formulation, and analytical workstreams. Working under the direction of scientists and function leads, you will execute experiments, run routine assays, prepare reagents and samples, maintain lab equipment, and document your work with accuracy and care.

Your primary tasks will include:

• Executing mammalian cell culture, transfection/infection, and pilot-scale HSV-1 vector production activities using aseptic technique in a BSL-2 environment.
• Supporting downstream processing activities, including clarification, filtration, chromatography, and pilot-scale tangential-flow filtration.
• Performing routine analytical assays such as plaque or infectious titer assays, qPCR/ddPCR including sample preparation, ELISA, and total-protein quantitation.
• Preparing buffers, media, reagents, samples, and standards while maintaining accurate labelling, inventory, and reagent qualification records.
• Recording data contemporaneously in laboratory notebooks and electronic records, in line with Good Documentation Practices.

You will also support formulation screening, fill/finish activities, stability and in-process sample handling, equipment cleaning and maintenance, environmental monitoring, and general laboratory readiness.

Please note: the role requires on-site work five days per week in a San Diego-based BSL-2 laboratory.

Your qualifications

To succeed in this role, you will bring deep scientific foundation, excellent laboratory discipline, and a desire to build practical gene therapy CMC experience in a regulated or quality-focused environment.

We are looking for candidates with:

• Bachelor's degree in biology, biochemistry, virology, microbiology, biomedical engineering, or chemical engineering with 1+ years of relevant laboratory experience OR Associate's degree with 3+ years of relevant laboratory experience OR Master's degree (recent).
• Hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture and sterile or aseptic technique.
• Familiarity with molecular biology and/or protein analytical techniques, such as PCR, ELISA, electrophoresis, qPCR/ddPCR, plaque assays, TCID50, or flow cytometry.
• Experience or exposure to viral vectors, virology, vaccine laboratory work, or BSL-2 biological materials.
• Familiarity with ELN, LIMS, GMP, GLP, Good Documentation Practices, chromatography, or TFF is an advantage.

You are meticulous, reliable, and comfortable following detailed written protocols precisely. You enjoy working as part of a small, collaborative team, take safety and biosafety seriously, and understand the importance of accurate documentation in scientific work.

Your new team

You will join our CMC - Process & Analytical Development team in San Diego, working cross-functionally across upstream, downstream, formulation, and analytical areas.

In the department, we share a “challenge accepted” mindset and are guided by simplification, collaboration, and accountability. You will work closely with scientists and technical colleagues who are committed to building robust, high-quality gene therapy CMC capabilities.

Compensation

The base salary range for this position is $90,000 - $100,000. The base salary range represents the anticipated low and tier of the range for this position. Salary will vary depending on several factors such as the candidates’ qualifications, skills, competencies and proficiency for the role. In addition, some positions may include eligibility to earn commission/bonus based on company and/or individual performance.

Your Application

You do not need to upload a cover letter, but feel free to add a few sentences in your resume on why this position sparked your interest. Please refrain from including a photograph.

Beyond the skin

Become part of Replay and the LEO Pharma partnership, as we go beyond the skin to make a lasting impact. We are the legacy-builders of the future – enabling people to have a better today and tomorrow. Through collaboration and partnerships, we can do much more. 

For certain positions, you may be required to complete a background check conducted by a third party.

Join us and make an impact - Together, we reach far beyond the skin