Associate Scientist, Analytical Development and Quality Control

Associate Scientist, Analytical Development and Quality Control

Cambridge, MA USA

Company

Summary:

Serif Biomedicines is a privately held, early-stage biotechnology company developing a novel approach to gene therapy that can address currently untreatable diseases.

Serif was founded by Flagship Pioneering, an innovation enterprise that conceives, creates, resources, and grows first-in-category life sciences companies. Flagship Pioneering has created over 100 groundbreaking companies over the past twenty years, all of which are pioneering novel and proprietary biological, industrial, and engineering approaches to solve major needs in human health and sustainability. These companies include Moderna (MRNA), Syros Pharmaceuticals (SYRS), Seres Therapeutics (NASDAQ:MCRB), Generate Biomedicines, Tessera Tx, Evelo Biosciences (EVLO), and Indigo Agriculture.

Position Summary:

We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled candidate for a role of Associate Scientist on the Analytical Development and Quality Control team. This candidate will contribute to: building efficient system for testing samples and delivering the data; method optimization and qualification to support characterization of novel nucleic acid therapeutics and LNP delivery vehicles. We are looking for an individual who enjoys hands-on laboratory benchwork as well as mentoring other team members and brings scientific rigor and intellectual curiosity to their role.

This individual will have the opportunity to work in a dynamic and fast-paced entrepreneurial environment as part of a highly collaborative and rapidly growing team.

Key Responsibilities:

Work with the team to drive advancement of platform development and play a vital role in shaping our analytical capabilities. Step into benchwork to execute platform goals with tenacity and agility.

• Setup, maintain, and optimize a system for efficient sample testing and data delivery
• Ensure robustness of generated data through tracking historical data
• Execute experimental studies to optimize specificity, sensitivity, precision, accuracy, and/or linearity of analytical methods
• Analyze, troubleshoot, and communicate experimental findings clearly and succinctly in oral, written, and visual formats
• Troubleshoot assay development and instrument operation issues as they arise
• Run assays on samples generated during platform development studies
• Maintain inventory of nucleic acid cargo and deliver materials supporting development and formulation activities
• Document lab activities in detailed protocols and reports in an electronic lab notebook (Benchling)
• Compose and revise SOPs and train team members on new assays
• Present experimental results and updates to internal teams
• Assist with general laboratory tasks as needed to ensure efficient operations
• Work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team environment.

Qualifications:

• Degree in Chemistry, Biochemical Engineering, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology or related field. B.S. degree with 8+ years, M.S. degree with 6+ years of relevant industry experience
• Technical expertise in HPLC separations, LC-MS, plate-based assays (e.g. ELISA, qPCR/dPCR, residual protein)
• Prior hands-on experience working with mRNA/DNA cargo and LNP products is highly desired
• Ability to design, independently execute, and troubleshoot experiments
• Strong communication and organization skills; good working knowledge of Benchling, MS Office, JMP, Graph Pad, Empower, Chromeleon
• Demonstrates attention to detail, meticulous record keeping and personal organization
• Ability to analyze, compile, and present experimental data in oral presentations as well as in technical reports
• Strong technical writing skills to support method SOPs, protocols, and…