Senior Scientist, Bioanalytical Sciences

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:

Senior Scientist, Bioanalytical Sciences (Innate Immunity, Ligand Binding Assays & Flow Cytometry)
We are seeking a highly motivated and accomplished Sr. Scientist I with deep expertise in innate immunogenicity, and bioanalytical assay development, including ligand binding assays (LBA) and multi-color flow cytometry. This full-time, laboratory-based position calls for hands-on mastery of bioanalytical platforms and a strong working knowledge of LNP-formulated and nucleic acid therapeutics, including biodistribution studies. In this role, you will lead the development, qualification, and implementation of various immunogenicity and LBAs that support both our platform and therapeutic programs, with a particular focus on characterizing innate immune responses to novel nucleic acid modalities.

You will also mentor, coach, and manage junior scientists, setting scientific directions, guiding experimental design, and fostering technical growth within the team. You will thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment and contribute as part of a highly collaborative, cross-functional team.

Key Responsibilities:

Design, develop and execute cell-based immunoassays, flow cytometry based assays and LBAs to assess immunogenicity to LNP delivered nucleic acid cargoes in vitro and in vivo Apply knowledge of innate immunology and establish in vitro screening assays for various nucleic acid modalities and establish criteria for release of cargo for pre-clinical research

Collaborate closely with CMC, molecular biology and cell biology teams to screen nucleic acid cargoes (immunogenicity assessment etc.) and ensure timely delivery of high-quality data and summarize results

Ensure development, qualification, and validation of bioanalytical assays in compliance with applicable guidelines

Design, optimize, and execute biodistribution studies (flow cytometry and histological techniques) for LNP/nucleic acid therapies

Design, establish and execute assays for assessing various in vivo immunogenicity predictors for LNP/nucleic acid therapies including but not limited to biomarkers, cytokines, complement activation and anti-drug antibodies (ADA) in rodents and NHPsDesign, develop, optimize, and execute bioanalytical assays to support nonclinical studies, including PK, PD, biomarker, and immunogenicity endpoints

Execute test procedures such as sample extraction and measurement by Flow Cytometry, ELISA, MSD, Luminex, bDNA, ddPCR and perform data interpretation

Analyze and summarize scientific data and maintain timely documentation and completion of electronic lab notebooks in compliance with industry guidelines

Present at project team meetings and to relevant stakeholders

Mentor, coach, and manage junior scientists

Qualifications:

Ph.D. in immunology, biochemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, cell biology or related field with 5 plus years of industry experience

Demonstrated expertise in innate immune signaling and nucleic acid sensing pathways for DNA and mRNAProficiency in multicolor flow cytometry, ddPCR, ligand binding assays, leukopak processing and isolation of PBMCsExperience with LNPs, and nucleic acid modalities preferred

Experience developing bioanalytical methods to measure drugs and biomarkers for LNP delivery of nucleic acid cargoes

Experience managing junior scientists

Strong communication, presentation and interpersonal skills

Attention to detail, strategic thinking, problem solving, and decision-making skills

More About Flagship Pioneering We are creative optimists and we would love for you to consider joining our team!  See all our open opportunities across Flagship Pioneering’s Ecosystem!

Flagship Pioneering conceives, creates, resources, and develops…