Associate Scientist/Scientist I, In Vivo Pharmacology (Contract)

Flagship Pioneering•Cambridge, MA

21h

About The Position

Mirai Bio is seeking a contract Associate Scientist/Scientist I to join the Translational Biology team and support in vivo laboratory research activities toward the development of novel technologies enabling next-generation genomic medicines. The successful candidate will have a strong understanding of the technical and equipment needs of an in vivo lab, along with significant hands-on experience in rodent in vivo techniques and standard molecular and cell biology assays used to characterize novel formulations. This role requires greater independence than an entry-level associate position: the Scientist I is expected to design experiments, troubleshoot independently, and contribute to the direction of in vivo studies, while working closely and collaboratively with a cross-functional team.

Requirements

BS or MS degree in addition to relevant industry experience
Associate Scientist: BS and 8+ years or MS degree and 6+ years of industry experience
Scientist I: BS and 10+ years or MS degree and 8+ years of industry experience
Significant hands-on experience working with small laboratory animals (mice), preferably in a biotech or pharmaceutical environment.
Well-established, independent experience with rodent in vivo dosing and handling techniques.
Experience in tissue dissection and tissue preparation for histology, RNA, and protein analysis.
Experience with molecular and cell biology techniques such as ELISA, FACS/flow cytometry, RT-PCR, and Luminex assays.
Working knowledge of analysis tools such as Excel, GraphPad, and PowerPoint for experimental documentation and data analysis/presentation.
Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively across highly skilled, cross-functional teams in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial, and technically complex environment.
Proficient in primary and cell line culture techniques, with demonstrated ability to execute protocols, troubleshoot assays, and perform literature reviews to evaluate and refine experimental methods.
Strong organizational and analytical problem-solving skills, with meticulous attention to detail.
Self-motivated, intellectually curious, and comfortable engaging with complex scientific projects and technical teams.

Nice To Haves

Hands-on experience with a variety of cell and sample types, including immune cells; expertise in tissue processing and flow cytometry characterization is a plus.
Prior experience working with lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) is preferred.

Responsibilities

Design and conduct in vivo (mouse) studies to characterize and assess the function, pharmacokinetics, and biodistribution of novel formulations, with increasing ownership of study design and interpretation.
Perform hands-on dosing of mice (including intravenous and other routes) and isolation/processing of mouse blood and tissues.
Lead or support the development of new in vivo models, including humanized mouse models, live-animal bioluminescent or fluorescence imaging, in vivo target discovery models, and development/optimization of mouse tumor models.
Execute and optimize lab procedures such as tissue lysis, ELISA, Western blot, RNA/DNA extraction, qPCR, flow cytometry, and related cell/molecular biology assays supporting in vivo studies.
Develop new assays or optimize existing ones based on in-depth knowledge of laboratory techniques, including experimental planning and execution.
Analyze, interpret, and accurately document study and assay results in an electronic lab notebook or other technical reporting formats, and present findings in internal meetings.
Apply strong experimental design, troubleshooting, and data analysis skills to resolve issues and improve study quality and throughput.
Collaborate cross-functionally and may provide guidance or informal mentorship to research associates supporting in vivo work.