Scientist​/Sr. Scientist, Research in Waltham

Job Description Job Description Salary: $142,000-$187,000

We are seeking a highly motivated Scientist / Senior Scientist to be a founding member of our Nucleic Acid Therapeutics team with a focus on antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), siRNAs, and antibody oligo conjugates (AOCs). This is a rare opportunity to join a new team within our growing and expanding Research department that is building a high‑impact technology, with the latitude to shape both the science and the team culture from day one.

• Design and execute screening campaigns for antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) and/or siRNAs, including sequence design, chemistry selection, and hit identification
• Develop, optimize, and characterize antibody‑oligonucleotide conjugates (AOCs), including linker chemistry and conjugation strategy
• Collaborate closely with the broader research team to generate and evaluate AOC candidates
• Establish and apply cell‑based in vitro models to assess oligonucleotide activity and intracellular delivery
• Quantify oligonucleotide efficacy and mechanism using molecular readouts including qPCR, ddPCR, and NGS
• Close collaboration with computational biologists to inform oligonucleotide design and interpret screening data
• Direct, design and interpret animal studies supporting AOC development
• Work with leadership to set priorities, track milestones, and communicate progress
• Lead relationships with CROs and vendors, including scope, timelines, and data review
• Identify and onboard new equipment and external partners as platform needs evolve
• Present experimental data and platform progress clearly to internal stakeholders and leadership
• Contribute to a collaborative, high‑performance team culture as a founding member of the AOC group within Research
• Supervise and mentor research associates and interns as the team grows, providing scientific guidance and fostering professional development
• A limited amount of travel may be required for CRO site visits, vendor meetings, and scientific conferences

• PhD. with 2+ years of relevant industry experience; BS candidates considered with 10+ years of relevant industry experience
• Hands‑on bench experience designing and screening ASOs and/or siRNAs
• Experience with bioconjugation techniques and linker chemistry
• Experience with cell‑based in vitro assays for evaluating oligonucleotide activity and with molecular quantification methods (e.g., qPCR, ddPCR, and NGS)
• Prior experience with antibody‑oligonucleotide conjugates is a strong plus
• Strong written and oral communication skills; able to present complex scientific data clearly to both technical and non‑technical audiences
• Effective cross‑functional collaborator, comfortable working across molecular biology, computational, and in vivo teams
• Proven ability to manage projects independently, prioritize competing demands, and meet deadlines
• Comfortable negotiating with and managing external CRO and vendor relationships
• Creative problem‑solver who brings new approaches to ambiguous scientific challenges
• Ability to mentor and develop junior team members (research associates, interns)

• A 401(k) retirement plan with a 10% dollar‑for‑dollar match.
• Medical, dental and vision benefits, with Visterra contributing 80% to the monthly premium.
• A rich mental & behavioral wellness program.
• Short‑and long‑term programs.
• Group and voluntary life insurance.
• Pre‑tax flexible spending and commuter accounts.
• 17 days of personal time, discretionary sick time, and 11 holidays per calendar year. Personal time accrual grows to 22 days after 3 years, with an additional one‑time grant of 5 days every 5 years.
• Twelve weeks of paid parental leave for birth or adoption.
• A broad fitness reimbursement program.
• Tuition and student loan reimbursement.
• A variety of employee discounts.

Visterra provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to , , , , , , , status, genetics, protected veteran status, , or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.