Senior Research Associate, Process Sciences

Senior Research Associate, Process Sciences -- for growing RNA CDMO in Boston

Full-time, permanent, fully onsite role

No visa sponsorship provided at this time

We're partnered with a growing CDMO advancing next-generation RNA therapeutics and drug product manufacturing. As a Senior Research Associate within the Process Sciences team, you will support the development and scale-up of xRNA production processes from laboratory through intermediate scale. This hands-on role will focus on in vitro transcription (IVT), downstream purification, process optimization, and analytical characterization of RNA products. You will work closely with Process Sciences leadership in a collaborative lab and office environment, contributing to both internal programs and client-facing development activities.

This is an excellent opportunity for a scientist with hands-on RNA process development experience who wants to build expertise in scalable manufacturing processes and technology transfer.

• Perform and support in vitro transcription (IVT) reactions at small and intermediate scales, including work with stirred-tank and wave-based reaction systems.
• Troubleshoot, optimize, and develop IVT and downstream purification processes to improve process performance and support scale-up activities.
• Execute and support chromatography and purification activities for IVT products, including hands-on work with AKTA purification systems and TFF processes.
• Perform analytical characterization of RNA products, including assessment of purity and concentration using Fragment Analyzer, capillary electrophoresis, Bioanalyzer/gel electrophoresis, UV spectroscopy, and Nano Drop.
• Maintain strong laboratory and documentation practices while supporting process development, technology transfer, and manufacturing activities in accordance with applicable pharmaceutical/biotech and safety requirements.

• Bachelor's degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Engineering, or a related discipline with 1-2 years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree/equivalent with hands-on experience in mRNA/xRNA or drug substance process development.
• Hands-on experience with IVT and xRNA/mRNA production processes, including process development, optimization, scale-up, and/or technology transfer.
• Practical experience with AKTA chromatography and purification processes, as well as tangential flow filtration (TFF) and downstream process development.
• Experience using analytical characterization techniques and instrumentation including Fragment Analyzer/CE, Bioanalyzer or gel electrophoresis, UV spectroscopy, and Nano Drop.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with a solid understanding of laboratory safety practices, BSL requirements, good laboratory practices, and pharmaceutical/biotechnology processes.