Research Associate, Analytical Development

About Rion

Rion is a clinical‑stage biotechnology company based in Rochester, Minnesota, founded through the Mayo Clinic Employee Entrepreneurial Program. Our mission is to develop clinically impactful and accessible therapies using innovative regenerative medicine technologies based on extracellular vesicle science. Rion’s proprietary exosome platform aims to address significant unmet patient needs across multiple therapeutic areas, including wound healing, cardiovascular disease, and musculoskeletal diseases.

The Research Associate, Analytical Development supports analytical method development, implementation, and pre‑qualification activities for Rion’s exosome technology. This role partners closely with Quality Control (QC) to support method transfers and routine testing support as needed, and continuous improvement. The successful candidate is hands‑on at the bench, organized in documentation, and comfortable communicating results in a fast‑paced, collaborative environment.

mammalian cell culture, ELISA, RT‑qPCR, HPLC, and colorimetric/fluorometric assays.

• Execute analytical development studies (method development, implementation, and pre‑qualification) to support Rion’s exosome technology.
• Perform wet‑lab experiments and routine troubleshooting; conduct root‑cause assessment of assay issues and communicate risks, deviations, and results in a timely manner.
• Support QC as needed, including sample testing support, documentation support, and continuous improvement activities.
• Support assay transfers to QC, including preparation of transfer packages, side‑by‑side testing, and documentation; may train QC staff on established methods.
• Maintain critical reagents (e.g., cell lines) and ensure readiness of materials required for analytical development.
• Document work using a paper‑based laboratory notebook or an electronic laboratory notebook; maintain an organized index of experiments and results.
• Draft, revise, and help implement test methods/SOPs and work instructions; incorporate feedback from supervisors and cross‑functional partners.
• Generate summary reports and/or presentations to communicate findings to Research & Development and QC teams.
• Maintain compliance for study execution (training, SOPs, and work instructions) and learn/adhere to applicable GLP guidance.
• Support day‑to‑day laboratory operations, including inventory management, procurement, and general laboratory/equipment maintenance.
• Collaborate with analytical development scientists to plan, design, and execute studies in a team setting.
• Support pre‑qualification of analytical assays in alignment with ICH Q2(R2) guidelines.

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Biological Sciences or a related field.
• 1–3 years of relevant industry experience in analytical development, Quality Control, or a biological sciences laboratory.
• Hands‑on experience with mammalian cell culture.
• Ability to record data accurately and legibly; strong attention to detail.
• Strong organizational and time‑management skills; ability to work effectively with shifting priorities.
• Proficiency with data analysis/graphing tools (e.g., Microsoft Excel, Graph Pad Prism).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including ability to summarize and present findings.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment.

• Experience in a cGMP environment.
• Good understanding of compliance and cGMP considerations; familiarity with basic regulatory requirements (e.g., ICH, compendia).
• Experience authoring/revising test methods, protocols, and technical reports.
• Prior experience in an analytical development environment.

Must be authorized to work in the United States. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

• Comprehensive benefits package
• Health Insurance including PPO or High Deductible Health Plan with Health Savings Account
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• 401(K) Retirement Savings
• Life Insurance (basic life and supplemental life insurance options for self, spouse, children)
• Short and Long‑Term Disability Insurance
• Discretionary…