Senior / Principal Associate Scientist, Advanced Cell Engineering

Strand Therapeutics•Boston, MA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Strand Therapeutics is seeking a highly motivated Senior / Principal Associate Scientist to join the mRNA Programming department. This role involves driving efforts in utilizing RNA LNP therapeutics for oncology, autoimmune diseases, and beyond. The ideal candidate will be passionate about scientific discovery, undeterred by challenges, and enjoy collaborative teamwork to develop next-generation RNA medicines. Key attributes include being highly organized, a critical thinker, adaptable to changing priorities, and possessing strong collaboration skills with diverse teams.

Requirements

B.S. or M.S. in Biological Sciences, Bioengineering or related discipline.
At least 2-3+ years of relevant experience in cell biology and/or immunology.
3-5+ years of experience working with flow cytometry analysis, cell culture, in-vitro experimentation with mammalian cell lines in a biotechnology, pharma, CRO or academic setting.
Theoretical and practical understanding of flow cytometry with experience in design and execution of >12 color panels.
Strong laboratory experience and expertise working with a variety of sample types including whole blood, PBMC, cell lines and single-cell suspensions from tissue samples.
Ability to independently write, edit, and follow standard operating procedures, make careful detailed observations, maintain clear and complete records of lab work.
Ability to clearly communicate results and findings in cross-functional team meetings.
Proficient in Excel, PowerPoint, Graphpad Prism, FlowJo and ELN/LIMS for data entry, analysis, and presentation.
High level of integrity and adherence to strict compliance standards.

Nice To Haves

Experience with mammalian cell manipulation using mRNA transfection using LNPs and/or electroporation highly desired.
Experience performing cell-based assays including in vitro/ex vivo cytotoxicity assays, proliferation, ELISA will be preferred.
Experience with mammalian cell manipulation using mRNA transfection and/or electroporation.
Experience performing cell-based assays including in vitro/ex vivo cytotoxicity assays, proliferation and ELISA/MSD.
Plasmid cloning, RNA handling, IVT, transfection and transduction of primary cells.
Experience with gene/base editors preferred.
Familiarity with lab automation systems such a Hamilton liquid handlers, AssistPlus.

Responsibilities

Design and execution of in vitro immunological and cellular assays to characterize and optimize engineered primary cells.
Develop ex vivo sample processing protocols and execute multiparameter spectral (Cytek Aurora) flow cytometry to analyze drug discovery assay readouts.
Handling primary cells, particularly immune cells including cell isolation, culture and transfection using mRNA encoded therapeutics.
Designing and execution of immune cell assays to assess the efficacy and potential toxicity of key drug candidates.
Employ cell-based and molecular biology assays with standard readout techniques to evaluate quality of research material.
Ensure data collection is captured in electronic laboratory notebooks and databases.
Data collection, data analysis, summarizing results in study reports, and providing regular updates at internal cross-functional meetings.