Associate Scientist​/Scientist , In Vivo Pharmacology

Cambridge, MA

COMPANY DESCRIPTION

Mirai Bio is a privately-held, Flagship-founded biotechnology company that is delivering genetic medicines from promise to performance. Mirai was built to solve one of the field’s central challenges: achieving precise, scalable delivery of diverse nucleic acid payloads to specific cells and tissues, particularly beyond the liver. By combining a large and growing proprietary in vivo biodistribution dataset, machine learning-guided lipid nanoparticle optimization, modular targeted particle design, and integrated translation and manufacturing capabilities, Mirai helps partners accelerate development, reduce technical risk, and pursue high-value programs making delivery a strategic advantage.

We are seeking collaborative, relentless problem solvers that share our passion for defining the future of genetic medicines together.

THE ROLE

Mirai is seeking an Associate Scientist/Scientist I to join the Translational Biology team and support in vivo laboratory research activities toward the development of novel technologies enabling next-generation genomic medicines. The successful candidate will have a strong understanding of the technical and equipment needs of an in vivo lab, along with significant hands-on experience in rodent in vivo techniques and standard molecular and cell biology assays used to characterize novel formulations.

This role requires greater independence than an entry-level associate position: the Scientist I is expected to design experiments, troubleshoot independently, and contribute to the direction of in vivo studies, while working closely and collaboratively with a cross-functional team.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Design and conduct in vivo (mouse) studies to characterize and assess the function, pharmacokinetics, and biodistribution of novel formulations, with increasing ownership of study design and interpretation.
• Perform hands-on dosing of mice (including intravenous and other routes) and isolation/processing of mouse blood and tissues.
• Lead or support the development of new in vivo models, including humanized mouse models, live-animal bioluminescent or fluorescence imaging, in vivo target discovery models, and development/optimization of mouse tumor models.
• Execute and optimize lab procedures such as tissue lysis, ELISA, Western blot, RNA/DNA extraction, qPCR, flow cytometry, and related cell/molecular biology assays supporting in vivo studies.
• Develop new assays or optimize existing ones based on in-depth knowledge of laboratory techniques, including experimental planning and execution.
• Analyze, interpret, and accurately document study and assay results in an electronic lab notebook or other technical reporting formats, and present findings in internal meetings.
• Apply strong experimental design, troubleshooting, and data analysis skills to resolve issues and improve study quality and throughput.
• Collaborate cross-functionally and may provide guidance or informal mentorship to research associates supporting in vivo work.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS

• BS or MS degree in addition to relevant industry experience
  • Associate Scientist: BS and 8+ years or MS degree and 6+ years of industry experience
  • Scientist I: BS and 10+ years or MS degree and 8+ years of industry experience
• Significant hands-on experience working with small laboratory animals (mice), preferably in a biotech or pharmaceutical environment.
• Well-established, independent experience with rodent in vivo dosing and handling techniques.
• Experience in tissue dissection and tissue preparation for histology, RNA, and protein analysis.
• Experience with molecular and cell biology techniques such as ELISA, FACS/flow cytometry, RT-PCR, and Luminex assays.
• Working knowledge of analysis tools such as Excel, Graph Pad, and PowerPoint for experimental documentation and data analysis/presentation.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively across highly skilled, cross-functional teams in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial, and technically complex environment.
• Hands-on experience with a variety of cell and sample types, including immune cells; expertise in tissue processing and flow cytometry characterization is a plus.
• Proficient in primary and cell line culture techniques, with demonstrated ability to execute protocols, troubleshoot assays, and perform literature reviews to evaluate and refine experimental methods.
• Prior experience working with lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) is preferred.
• Strong organizational and analytical…