Scientist, NGS

Company Overview:

Strand Therapeutics is a clinical stage biotechnology company utilizing synthetic biology to genetically program mRNA to deliver truly revolutionary immunotherapies to patients.

Building on the idea of creating smart therapies based on Boolean logic circuits, Strand was started by biological engineers working together at MIT who were seeking to apply the concept of the emerging field of mRNA therapeutics. Strand's technology is therapeutic-area and mRNA modality agnostic where therapeutic proteins are encoded onto modified, self-replicating, or circular mRNA backbones which in turn are programmed with cell-specific sensors and circuits.

Today, Strand has established three platforms with one clinical stage asset and several programs in preclinical development as well as early discovery. Our lead program, STX-001, is currently being evaluated in a phase 1 clinical trial for solid tumors. Our corporate headquarters is located in the Fenway district of Boston, Massachusetts with an additional site based in Watertown, Massachusetts.

Become the next standout single strand!

Job Summary:

Strand is looking for people who have the enthusiasm and motivation to be a highly contributing member of a small but extremely productive team. This opportunity will offer the employee the ability to work in a matrix-based environment and be a part of the future strategy of the company.

We are looking for a highly motivated and innovative candidate for the role of NGS Scientist. The candidate will possess strong technical expertise in all stages of DNA and RNA sequencing workflows, from experiment design, sample preparation, library generation to sequencing. The ideal candidate is expected to have deep experience working with Illumina instruments and will be collaborating with multiple scientific teams to support their NGS needs.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Leading design, development, and execution of RNA and DNA sequencing experiments to drive programs at Strand forward
• Develop and execute protocols for sample preparation, library generation, QC of samples and sequencing on MiSeq and NextSeq platforms
• Managing execution of and updating established NGS sequencing pipelines
• Collaborate closely with scientific staff and computational biology team to ensure transparency and quality of NGS experimental data
• Active in keeping abreast of literature of sequencing protocols and techniques that may apply to Strand
• Maintain comprehensive documentation of NGS experiments

Qualifications:

• B.S. with at least 6+ years of relevant NGS experience in the industry, M.S. with at least 4-5 years of relevant NGS experience in the industry or PhD with 0-2 years of relevant NGS experience
• Extensive hands-on experience designing and executing NGS based experiments
• Extensive experience with developing protocols on Illumina sequencers from sample prep to sequencing
• Proficient with maintaining and troubleshooting NGS equipment
• Proficient with qPCR and molecular biology techniques related to NGS
• Preferred experience with handling cell culture and tissue samples
• Preferred experience with long read sequencing
• Strong organization and communication skills

Strand offers a fast-paced, entrepreneurial, team-focused small company environment. We also offer a top-notch benefits package (health, dental, life, open PTO, onsite lunch catering, commuter support and more) and work/life flexibility and integration. Being part of the Strand team allows you to become part of a small team that supports professional development while working together to meet Strand’s goals. 

Strand Therapeutics is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, religion, national or ethnic origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other basis protected by applicable law. Strand does not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than directly from candidates.

Job Type: Full-time

Salary: commensurate with role and experience