Research Scientist, RNA Therapeutics

Mass General Brigham•Cambridge, MA

1d•$90,000 - $100,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Gene and Cell Therapy Institute (GCTI) is a system-wide Institute under Mass General Brigham that fosters a world-class gene and cell therapy program, leveraging groundbreaking scientific research efforts across the MGB system. The mission of GCTI is to bring together the community of MGB investigators who use gene and cell therapy platforms to achieve their scientific and clinical goals and improve the health of patients. This position sits within the Wesselhoeft Laboratory at GCTI and is dedicated to the ARPA-H GIVE program, a multi-institution effort to build an automated continuous manufacturing platform that produces RNA–lipid nanoparticle drug product from digital sequence to vialed dose. We are seeking a motivated and skilled Process Development Scientist to join our RNA Therapeutics team and lead the translation of RNA and lipid nanoparticle processes from benchtop protocols into a miniaturized, automated manufacturing platform. The candidate who fills this role will develop and optimize unit operations spanning DNA amplification, in vitro transcription, RNA capture and purification, LNP formulation, and fill and finish, and will define the process parameters, in-process controls, and analytics that govern them. They will design and execute rigorous studies to characterize process performance, establish operating ranges, and support technology transfer to the engineering partners building the device, independently or in collaboration with those partners. The successful candidate will have significant experience in RNA process development or manufacturing sciences, be proficient in standard molecular biology and purification techniques, be detail-oriented and organized, and eager to work in a highly collaborative, multidisciplinary team environment.

Requirements

PhD with 3+ years of related experience in a life sciences laboratory, process development, or biomanufacturing role
Experience synthesizing and purifying RNA via in vitro transcription
Experience developing, optimizing, and transferring biologics or nucleic acid unit operations
Ability to identify problems and troubleshoot solutions
Well-versed in laboratory standards and practices
Good organizational skills, detail-oriented
Reproducibility of work with accuracy
Sound degree of computer literacy
Ability to methodically record and analyze data
Good interpersonal and communication skills
Ability to demonstrate professionalism
Dedication to excellence

Nice To Haves

Experience managing direct reports
Experience with lipid nanoparticle formulation and physicochemical characterization
Experience in a GMP or GMP-adjacent environment, or with quality-by-design and design-of-experiment methodology
Experience with microfluidic, automated, or continuous processing systems
Computational or coding skills, including data analysis and instrument automation

Responsibilities

Develop, optimize, and characterize RNA and LNP unit operations, including in vitro transcription, capping, affinity capture, tangential flow filtration, and nanoprecipitation, for continuous manufacturing
Translate benchtop processes into miniaturized and automated formats in collaboration with microfluidics, hardware, and software engineers, and support design reviews and technology transfer to internal and external partners
Generate high-quality circular RNA, mRNA, and RNA-LNP drug product using techniques such as in vitro transcription, silica and affinity purification, tangential flow filtration, HPLC, cloning, gel electrophoresis, plasmid outgrowth and purification
Define critical process parameters and in-process controls, and execute design-of-experiment studies to establish operating ranges and demonstrate process robustness
Perform analytical and in-line process monitoring techniques such as RiboGreen, capillary electrophoresis, dynamic light scattering, zeta potential, and Raman and record quality metrics, with a strong focus on accuracy and reproducibility in work
Author and maintain process documentation, including protocols, batch records, development reports, and data packages supporting program milestones and deliverables
Use universal safety precautions and proper personal protective equipment to protect self and co-workers from biohazardous materials; complete requisite trainings as appropriate
Participate in lab and program meetings, communicate effectively with the team and external partners, discuss progress, share data with supervisors, and contribute to a positive work environment
Potentially manage one or more direct reports, assign tasks, and ensure high quality of work