Position Summary
AskBio is seeking a highly accomplished, innovative, and collaborative Principal Scientist to lead capsid discovery and development efforts within the Delivery group in R&D. This role is responsible for advancing next-generation AAV capsid technologies that support AskBio's pre-clinical and clinical gene therapy pipeline.
The Principal Scientist will operate as a scientific leader and people leader, providing strategic and technical direction for capsid library design, screening, and characterization efforts. The ideal candidate will have deep hands-on experience with AAV capsid library screening methodologies, AAV production, and associated molecular and NGS-based workflows, and will demonstrate the ability to think independently, generate new scientific ideas, and translate complex experimental and analytical data into actionable program decisions.
Working closely with cross-functional partners-including bioinformatics, vector biology, translational, and therapeutic teams-the Principal Scientist will oversee multiple high-impact projects, provide scientific ownership of integrated biology-and-data workflows, and contribute to the long-term evolution of AskBio's capsid and delivery platforms. The role is based in Research Triangle Park, NC.
About You- You are a highly independent scientific thinker who thrives in ambiguity and can take an abstract biological or technical question and turn it into a clear, executable experimental strategy.
- You consistently generate new ideas and approaches, challenge assumptions, and look beyond established methods to advance capsid and delivery technologies.
- You operate as a go-to expert in your domain, influencing decisions through data quality, clarity of thinking, and scientific judgment.
- You have experience leading people and thrive in cross-functional teams, leading without detailed instruction and able to balance strategic vision with hands-on scientific depth.
- You are technically competent in lab-based research and willing to jump in when needed.
Job Responsibilities- Provide scientific and strategic leadership for capsid discovery and optimization efforts, overseeing multiple high-impact projects aligned with AskBio's R&D and delivery platform objectives
- Provide line and/or matrix leadership to scientists and research staff, including mentoring, scientific coaching, performance feedback, and development of scientific and leadership capabilities
- Define and drive innovative capsid screening and characterization strategies, independently conceiving new experimental approaches to improve transduction, specificity, and translational relevance
- Ensure rigorous scientific oversight of capsid library screening campaigns, including experimental design, data interpretation, and translation of results into clear candidate-selection recommendations
- Provide scientific ownership of integrated biology and data workflows, guiding bioinformatics and NGS analyses to ensure alignment with biological questions and delivery goals
- Provide technical and organizational oversight for AAV production needs within the Delivery group, ensuring production, purification, QC, and comparability of research-grade AAV for capsid libraries, pools, and lead candidates
- Own scientific direction, priorities, timelines, and decision-making across multiple capsid-focused workstreams, proactively identifying risks and driving solutions to ensure timely delivery
- Set and uphold scientific standards and best practices across the group, including expectations for experimental rigor, data quality, and reproducibility
- Partner closely with cross-functional teams (bioinformatics, product development, translational medicine, manufacturing and early stage product teams) to ensure alignment, integration, and impact of capsid delivery efforts. Operate as Delivery lead within EPTs
Minimum Requirements - PhD in Molecular Biology, Virology, Biotechnology, Gene Therapy, or related discipline with 8+ years of relevant experience (may include postdoctoral training)
- Demonstrated hands-on experience with AAV capsid library screening, including pooled or barcoded libraries and NGS-based analysis
- Demonstrated experience in leading others in direct line management or matrix style roles
- Demonstrated understanding of bioinformatics and data analysis workflows that support library discovery
- Strong experience in AAV production, purification, and QC supporting discovery and preclinical research
- Proven experience leading complex scientific projects with broad scope and minimal day-to-day supervision
Preferred Education, Experience and Skills- Experience with in vivo capsid selection, biodistribution studies, and tissue-level analysis
- Experience developing lead candidates in the context of therapeutic indications
- Experience with CNS capsid discovery, in addition to other tissue targets
- Experience with non-viral modalities
- Familiarity working closely with bioinformatics teams for analysis and interpretation of large NGS datasets
- Track record of mentoring scientists and building strong, high-performing teams
- Experience contributing to capsid, vector, or delivery platform strategy in a gene therapy or advanced R&D setting
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to explain complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences and influence cross-functional stakeholders
