Delivery Biology Principal Research Associate

Delivery Biology Principal Research Associate### Delivery Biology Principal Research Associate Apply:
Boston, MA:
Full time:
Posted Today:
REQ-29932
** Job Description**## General Summary The DMD Biology team at Vertex Cell and Genetics Therapy Research (VCGT Research) is seeking a highly experienced and motivated Principal Research Associate to build genetic therapy candidates and to develop and execute assays to support advancing non-viral therapeutics through program stage gates. The successful candidate will bring strong hands-on expertise in molecular biology, cell biology, gene-expression analysis, and protein-based assays.

This individual will work closely with cross-functional partners to generate high-quality data that informs discovery-stage decisions and candidate progression. This laboratory-based role will design, execute, optimize, and interpret molecular and cellular assays that characterize functional delivery, intracellular activity, gene expression, and immunological and pharmacological responses.##

Key Responsibilities
* Build gene expression constructs using advanced molecular biology tools.
* Design, execute, and optimize in vitro assays supporting non-viral delivery biology and gene replacement strategies for Duchene Muscular Dystrophy.
* Develop and apply cellular and molecular biology workflows to evaluate uptake, dose response, intracellular trafficking, functional delivery, gene expression, and pharmacological activity of therapeutic candidates for Duchene Muscular Dystrophy.
* Perform nucleic acid extraction and downstream gene-expression analyses, including qPCR, RT-qPCR, NGS library construction, and related molecular characterization methods.
* Execute protein and cellular assays, including but not limited to ELISA, MSD, Western blotting/Jess, immunoprecipitation, reporter gene assays, and cell-signaling assays to assess cellular responses and delivery outcomes.
* Support both in vitro and in vivo evaluation of gene-editing and gene-replacement approaches using relevant molecular and cellular readouts.
* Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams and external partners to design studies, communicate findings, and advance program priorities.
* Prepare clear experimental and technical summaries, data reports, and presentations; proactively communicate findings.
* Maintain accurate, timely, and well-organized electronic laboratory notebook records and structured documentation/SOPs.  ## Knowledge and

Skills:

* Significant hands-on laboratory experience in molecular cloning, molecular biology assays, cell biology assays, protein-based assays, and mammalian cell culture.
* Experience with: RNA/DNA extractions, qPCR, plasmid construct design, gene expression analysis, reporter assays, Western Blot/Jess, MSD, immunoprecipitation, ELISA etc.
* Experience with one or more of the following: RNA/DNA therapeutics, Lipid nanoparticle (LNP) dosing, receptor biology and intracellular trafficking, gene expression, cell transfection/transduction experiments, or confocal imaging.
* Strong collaboration skills, with the ability to work in a highly cross functional, fast-paced research environment.
* Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to summarize complex experimental findings clearly.
* Experience with one or more of the following: IND-enabling studies, data visualization, report writing, electronic lab notebook keeping (e.g. Benchling), or structured data documentation.  ##

Education and Experience
* Master’s Degree (or equivalent degree) in biological sciences (or a related field) and 8+ years of relevant employment experience.
* Bachelor’s Degree (or equivalent degree) in biological sciences (or a related field) and 10+ years of relevant employment…