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.
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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 Senior Associate Scientist, Analytical Operations. The expectation is that the Senior Associate Scientist will have experience independently executing analytical experiments using HPLC/UPLC techniques as well as other analytical methods for the characterization of mRNA LNPs. Reporting to the Senior Scientist of Analytical Development, the right candidate will be a strategic thinker that brings leadership and enthusiasm for Strand along with a desire to conquer new challenges.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Drives the development, execution, and validation of RP-IP/RP/IEX based analytical methods to establish identity, purity, potency, and stability criteria for early-stage mRNA and LNP formulations using UPLC-ESI-ToF, PDA, and CAD.
- Analyzes data and draws conclusions which drive screening, optimization, and scale-up efforts in mRNA and LNP Process Development.
- Interfaces with external contract research organizations to ensure compliance with internal timeline and quality requirements.
- Created proprietary ToF mass spec oligonucleotide mass target and predictive sequence library software to rapidly profile known and identify unknown oligonucleotide mass signals.
- Maintains electronic notebook records and authors protocols.
- Contributes to data packages for regulatory submissions.
- Actively maintains current understanding of RNA and LNP landscape by attending conferences and other events.
Qualifications:
- B.S. or M.S. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry or another relevant scientific discipline.
- 3-5 years of experience with a focus on varying liquid chromatography modes (RP, RP-IP, AEX, SEC, etc), LC-MS, or capillary gel electrophoresis.
- Working experience in HPLC/UPLC method development required.
- Prior exposure to other analytical testing methods including but not limited to ELISAs, qPCR etc.
- Experience with enzymatic and chemical reactions, PCR, plasmid processing, and standard analytical techniques for biologics and/or nucleic acid therapies.
- This position requires conducting laboratory experiments, excellent documentation review and writing skills, and the flexibility to work on multiple projects as needed.
- Prior experience supporting the technical writing of regulatory submissions such as INDs is a plus.
- Understanding of process development, and/or regulatory aspects of RNA LNP nanoparticle products is a nice to have.
- Ability to quickly adapt to change and thrive in a dynamic and entrepreneurial early-stage environment.
- A strong team player with excellent oral and written communication skills and a demonstrated ability to work independently.
- Independently motivated, detail oriented and good problem-solving ability.
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
Top Skills
What We Do
Strand was started by biological engineers working together at MIT. Building on the idea of creating smart therapies that are capable of making sophisticated decisions, they sought to apply the concept of the emerging field of mRNA therapeutics. This area was untapped by traditional synthetic biology, which led them to build their own mRNA “programming language,” creating the world’s first platform for mRNA smart therapies.
Strand’s mRNA programming technology promises to make mRNA therapies safer and more effective by programming the location, timing, and intensity of therapeutic protein expression inside a patient’s body using mRNA-encoded logic circuits. These circuits can implement cell-type specific expression by sensing and classifying the unique miRNA expression signatures of cells, as well as controlling the dosage of protein expression by responding to exogenously administered small molecules.
