THE ROLE Terrana Biosciences is building a new generation of RNA-based technologies to transform agriculture. We are seeking an innovative and strategic
Principal Scientist, Molecular Cloning Technologies to lead the vision, development, and scaling of cloning and construct generation capabilities across the company.
As a scientific leader, you will define and drive cloning strategies that accelerate discovery, platform development, and product advancement. You will serve as the technical authority for molecular cloning technologies, develop novel high-throughput workflows, and identify emerging approaches that strengthen Terrana's RNA technology platform. This role requires a highly creative scientist who thrives at the intersection of technology innovation, scientific leadership, and operational excellence.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Define and execute the long-term cloning strategy supporting Terrana's research and platform development efforts.
- Own the cloning function and construct generation operations at Terrana, ensuring reliable, scalable, and cost-effective delivery of high-quality constructs supporting company pipeline activities.
- Conceive, develop, and implement novel cloning technologies, workflows, and automation solutions to enable rapid construct generation and testing.
- Drive continuous improvements in construct generation throughput, turnaround time, automation, quality, and unit economics while expanding organizational capacity.
- Lead innovation in high-throughput DNA assembly, plasmid engineering, vector development, and viral engineering technologies.
- Evaluate emerging technologies and establish new capabilities that improve speed, scale, quality, and efficiency.
- Partner closely with Molecular Biology, Delivery, Discovery, Sequencing, and Bioinformatics teams to enable key research objectives and accelerate innovation.
- Mentor scientists and contribute to the development of technical talent and scientific culture across the organization.
- Drive external collaborations and represent Terrana's cloning capabilities with scientific partners and collaborators.
- Communicate scientific strategy, findings, and recommendations to senior leadership.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS - Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Synthetic Biology, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Plant Biology, or a related field.
- Senior Scientist II: Ph.D. and 8-11 years of relevant industry and/or postdoctoral experience with a demonstrated record of scientific leadership and innovation.
- Principal Scientist: Ph.D. and 12+ years of relevant industry and/or postdoctoral experience with a demonstrated record of scientific leadership and innovation.
- Demonstrated ability to balance scientific leadership with hands-on laboratory execution in a fast-paced, resource-constrained environment.
- Deep expertise in molecular cloning, DNA assembly technologies, vector engineering, and construct design.
- Proven track record of developing and implementing novel technologies or platform capabilities.
- Experience leading complex, cross-functional scientific initiatives from concept to execution.
- Experience developing, implementing, and scaling high-throughput cloning workflows, laboratory automation solutions, and production operations.
- Strong communication, influence, and problem-solving skills.
- Demonstrated creativity, scientific rigor, and an entrepreneurial mindset.
Preferred Qualifications
- Expertise in viral vector biology, host-virus interactions, plant virology, or RNA virus engineering.
- Experience in agricultural biotechnology, plant biology, microbial engineering, or RNA-based technologies.
- Familiarity with automated liquid handling platforms and laboratory information management systems (LIMS).
- Working knowledge of sequencing-based construct verification and associated data analysis workflows.
Location: Cambridge, MA
The salary range for this role is $143,000 - $214,500. Compensation for the role will depend on a number of factors, including a candidate's qualifications, skills, competencies, and experience. Terrana Biosciences, Inc. currently offers healthcare coverage, annual incentive program, retirement benefits and a broad range of other benefits. Compensation and benefits information is based on Terrana Biosciences, Inc.'s good faith estimate as of the date of publication and may be modified in the future.
