About the RoleWe are seeking a Research Scientist to design and execute cell-based studies that evaluate the functional impact of oligo-based therapeutic modalities including ADAR-mediated RNA editing and siRNA on liver disease. You will build and apply advanced two-dimensional co-culture and three-dimensional liver disease models, connect editing measurements to biological outcomes, and help teams decide which therapeutic approaches to advance. This is a hands-on, individual contributor role based in Cambridge, Massachusetts. You will work closely with colleagues in Cambridge, MA and Toronto, Canada and may travel occasionally between sites. The position does not initially have direct reports.
Key Responsibilities- Design, optimize, and run functional assays in appropriate cellular liver disease models, selecting systems that capture the relevant disease biology and therapeutic mechanism.
- Evaluate ADAR-mediated RNA editing and siRNA candidates and characterize dose response, durability, cellular phenotype, and disease-relevant biomarkers using orthogonal readouts.
- Develop and apply key end points for functional assays (viability assays, ELISA or MSD, and Western blot or Jess) and high-content imaging workflows for phenotyping and quantitative analysis.
- Interpret results of cell-based functional assays including imaging, protein biomarkers, and phenotypic readouts as well as molecular assays and transcriptomic responses in collaboration with computational colleagues.
- Use laboratory automation where appropriate to improve assay throughput, reproducibility, and data quality; document methods, controls, and results rigorously.
- Collaborate across Cambridge and Toronto with program, computational biology, AI and machine learning, and other research teams.
- Communicate findings and recommendations clearly to leadership, scientific peers, and research associates.
Basic Qualifications- Ph.D. in cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, gene therapy, immunology, or a related field with 0-3+ years of postgraduate experience or Masters/B.S. with 6+ years of experience. Biotech or pharmaceutical experience is preferred.
- In depth understanding of disease models for liver diseases and hands on experience developing and interpreting functional assays relevant to liver disease.
- Experience with RNA therapeutics, such as oligonucleotide or mRNA-based approaches, and an understanding of experimental controls needed to assess mechanism and function.
- Experience with foundational functional assay techniques: ELISA, MSD, Western blot or Jess, viability assays, and experience with high-content imaging and quantitative analysis.
- Ability to integrate phenotypic data with molecular analyses performed by computational partners; independent pipeline development is not required.
- Experience using laboratory automation and strong experimental design, troubleshooting, data analysis, and record-keeping skills.
- Ability to explain complex results directly and clearly to audiences with different technical backgrounds, and to work effectively across sites.
Preferred Qualifications- Direct experience with ADAR-mediated RNA editing and siRNA, or related RNA editing therapeutics.
- Experience with liver disease biology, including steatosis, inflammation, fibrosis, or cirrhosis, and with primary cells, organoids, or multicellular systems.
- Direct experience with molecular techniques such as RNAseq and next generation sequencing.
- Computational background or experience working closely with bioinformatics, AI, or machine-learning teams on experimental design and interpretation.
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 $135,000 - 165,000, and reflects Cambridge, USA-based roles.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
