Senior / Principal Associate Scientist, Advanced Cell Engineering

Strand Therapeutics•Boston, MA

10d•$84,000 - $112,000

About The Position

Strand Therapeutics is seeking a Senior / Principal Associate Scientist to join its mRNA Programming department and contribute to the development of RNA LNP therapeutics for oncology, autoimmune diseases, and other areas. The role involves working in a matrix-based environment on a small, productive team and contributing to the company’s future strategy. The successful candidate will be enthusiastic about scientific discovery, adaptable to changing priorities, highly organized, a critical thinker, and an effective collaborator across diverse teams. The position focuses on designing and executing immunological and cellular assays to characterize and optimize engineered primary cells, including immune cells. It also involves developing ex vivo sample-processing protocols, performing multiparameter spectral flow cytometry, assessing drug-candidate efficacy and potential toxicity, evaluating research material, and documenting and communicating experimental results. Strand Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing programmable mRNA therapeutics and is headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts. The company describes its workplace as fast-paced, entrepreneurial, team-focused, and supportive of professional development, work/life flexibility, and integration. The position is full-time, with an annual base salary of $84,000–$112,000, plus bonus and equity incentives.

Requirements

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

Nice To Haves

Experience manipulating mammalian cells using mRNA transfection with LNPs and/or electroporation.
Experience performing cell-based assays, including in vitro or ex vivo cytotoxicity assays, proliferation assays, and ELISA or MSD.
Experience with plasmid cloning, RNA handling, in vitro transcription (IVT), and transfection and transduction of primary cells.
Experience with gene or base editors.
Familiarity with laboratory automation systems such as Hamilton liquid handlers and AssistPlus.

Responsibilities

Design and execute in vitro immunological and cellular assays to characterize and optimize engineered primary cells.
Develop ex vivo sample-processing protocols and execute multiparameter spectral flow cytometry using a Cytek Aurora to analyze drug-discovery assay readouts.
Handle primary cells, particularly immune cells, including cell isolation, culture, and transfection using mRNA-encoded therapeutics.
Design and execute immune-cell assays to assess the efficacy and potential toxicity of key drug candidates.
Use cell-based and molecular biology assays with standard readout techniques to evaluate the quality of research material.
Capture data in electronic laboratory notebooks and databases.
Collect and analyze data, summarize results in study reports, and provide regular updates at internal cross-functional meetings.