Senior Scientist, Disease Biology
: Job Details :

COMPANY OVERVIEW

AIRNA is a biotechnology company with a mission to transform lives, one RNA edit at a time.

AIRNA is pioneering the discovery and development of RNA editing therapeutics to realize the therapeutic potential of base editing for patients with rare and common diseases. RNA editing modality is poised to lead the next generation of RNA therapeutics by bringing the precision of gene editing technology with a potent and safe medicine that can be conveniently re-dosed and manufactured. Our RESTORE+™ platform is based on groundbreaking research by academic co-founders Thorsten Stafforst (University of Tübingen) and Jin Billy Li (Stanford University), who were the first to elucidate a therapeutic approach for precise editing of RNA.

AIRNA has received $90 million in Series A financing from world class venture capital firms, including Forbion and Arch Venture Partners, and is headquartered in Cambridge, MA with research operations in Tübingen, Germany.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

AIRNA Bio is looking for a highly motivated and passionate Senior Scientist to be part of an outstanding team, supporting the discovery and optimization of the next generation of RNA editing oligonucleotide therapeutics. The qualified candidate should be well versed in and have demonstrated experience in CNS and/or Cardiometabolic diseases. This is a lab-based role and the successful candidate is expected to identify and develop disease specific animal models, optimize and execute relevant cell models and develop assays relevant for PK/PD and translational studies to advance multiple drug discovery programs to IND. Furthermore, we are looking for someone who shows high curiosity and engagement and is expected to independently design and conduct experiments. Finally, she/he will demonstrate clear and thoughtful communication, effectively collaborate with colleagues across different teams and can present scientific results to peers.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Independently design, optimize and fully develop various assays for screening purposes; this may include use of disease relevant human primary and/or iPSC-derived cell models
• Identify and develop disease relevant animal models
• Coordinate and manage studies with CROs and external collaborators
• Process tissues for post in-life studies to assess RNA editing and other pharmacological endpoints
• Participate in discussion of nominating novel disease targets by literature reading and KoL engagements
• Maintaining accurate and complete records in an electronic notebook; preparing and updating documentation as needed (SOP, Batch Records, etc.)
• Generating detailed study summaries and preparing reports once studies are done
• Mentor junior scientists as they progress in their professional careers

QUALIFICATIONS

• Ph.D. in Cell and Molecular Biology or pharmacology with 2+ years of experience in industry or MS with 10+ years in industry setting
• Prior experience in optimizing and developing fit for purpose cell-based assay is required
• Experience in cell culture and handling of either primary or iPSC derived cell models is required
• Hands-on experience with qPCR, RT-PCR, ELISA, western blot or other protein-based assays is preferred
• Experience in tissue processing for RNA, in situ staining or proteomic analysis is a desired
• Experience in oligonucleotide therapeutics is a plus
• Attention to detail with excellent organization and record keeping skills
• Highly motivated and demonstrated ability to work under duress of changing priorities
• Proficiency in usage of software such as GraphPad Prism, e-Lab notebooks, Microsoft Office, etc is required

LOCATION:

Cambridge, MA