About the roleThe Principal Research Associate will join our Platform Biology team and will be a key player in driving our cutting-edge AI RNA therapeutics discovery platform. In this role, you will be responsible for helping characterize our novel compounds, including performing automated high-throughput arrayed screening, as well as downstream characterization of these molecules. Further, you will be instrumental in helping develop, optimise and implement novel cellular and protein assays to advance our internal therapeutics portfolio. The ideal candidate will have strong cell biology expertise, and hands-on experience using primary hepatocyte cells. Relevant knowledge of RNA modalities such as ADAR, ASO, mRNA and/or siRNAs is also highly beneficial. The successful candidate should demonstrate initiative, technical ownership and be able to thrive in a dynamic work environment with cross-functional teams working together to achieve company goals.
This position is onsite at our Cambridge, MA site.
Key Responsibilities- Design, optimise and execute robust cell-based assays, to support compound screens and lead optimisation.
- Culture, maintain and transfect a variety of mammalian cell lines, such as immortalized cell lines, primary cells and co-culture systems, and onboard new cell types and systems to enable drug discovery.
- Examine important molecular and functional endpoints in vitro, including RNA and protein readouts, to better understand our molecules in our internal therapeutic pipeline.
- Perform standard molecular biology techniques (e.g. PCR, qPCR, Jess/Leo Automated Westerns, ELISA, Western blot, etc.).
- Collaborate with a cross-functional team in a dynamic, matrixed environment to achieve shared company deadlines, and communicate experimental design and findings with colleagues and project teams.
- Clearly document experiments, standard operating procedures (SOPs) and data in an electronic lab notebook (ELN).
Basic Qualifications- BS or MS in Biology, Molecular Biology, Genomics, Biochemistry or a related field with 4+ years of relevant pharmaceutical or biotechnology experience.
- Strong hands-on experience growing, maintaining and transfecting mammalian cell lines.
- Good understanding of molecular and cell biology.
- Experienced in design and execution of molecular and cellular assays, including documentation in an electronic lab notebook (ELN).
- Excellent communication, organizational skills and a willingness to learn.
- Ability to prioritise and drive work independently in a fast-paced, technical and data-rich environment.
Preferred Qualifications- Hands-on experience using primary hepatocytes is strongly preferred.
- Proficiency in automated Western blotting methods, such as the Jess/Leo platforms.
- Flow cytometric experience is a plus.
- Experience with high-throughput liquid handlers (e.g. Beckman Echo, Agilent Bravo and/or Hamilton STAR/STAR V).
- Next-generation sequencing library preparation, e.g. amplicon sequencing.
- Past experience with RNA editing and/or RNA oligonucleotides.
- Demonstrated experience working in cross-functional teams.
What We Offer- A collaborative and innovative environment at the frontier of computational biology, machine learning, and drug discovery.
- Highly competitive compensation, including meaningful stock ownership.
- Comprehensive benefits - including health, vision, and dental coverage for employees and families, employee and family assistance program.
- Flexible work environment - including flexible hours, extended long weekends, holiday shutdown, unlimited personal days.
- Maternity and parental leave top-up coverage, as well as new parent paid time off.
- Focus on learning and growth for all employees - learning and development budget & lunch and learns.
- Facilities located in the heart of Toronto - the epicenter of machine learning and AI research and development, and in Kendall Square, Cambridge, Mass. - a global center of biotechnology and life sciences.
*This posting reflects a current vacancy.
We offer competitive compensation aligned with local market benchmarks. The salary range for this role is $115,000 - 135,000, and reflects Cambridge, USA-based roles.
