The Role

Senior Research Associate As a hands-on molecular biology expert, you will play a key role in advancing Dyno's animal studies to identify and develop cutting-edge muscle AAV-based capsids. You will process and analyze tissues from in vivo studies, support histology workflows, and conduct in vitro experiments to characterize leading capsids and capsid libraries. Working closely with Research Associates, Scientists, and Computational Biologists, you will help the Muscle team generate high-quality data that shapes the future of gene therapy.

Job Type: Full Time

Location: Watertown

How You Will Contribute

As a Senior Research Associate, you will provide hands-on experimental support across tissue processing, molecular measurements, histology, and in vitro characterization. You will work alongside a team of talented scientists and contribute to a diverse range of projects. Your role will require you to optimize workflows, troubleshoot problems, and ensure successful project outcomes by aligning with team goals.

Responsibilities:

• Sample inventory and dissection of tissues (mammalian cells, non-human primate and mouse tissues).
• Extract, purify, and enrich nucleic acids from mammalian cells and tissues.
• Run quantification assays on purified nucleic acids (e.g., qPCR, RT-qPCR).
• Prepare next-generation sequencing libraries (amplicon sequencing) and perform associated QC steps.
• Support histology workflows, including tissue preparation, sectioning, staining, imaging, and analysis.
• Maintain mammalian cell cultures and execute cell-based experiments to characterize leading muscle capsids and capsid libraries.
• Analyze experimental data, identify technical issues, and recommend appropriate next steps in collaboration with project leads.
• Maintain detailed and accurate records of samples, experimental procedures, and results using Dyno's electronic laboratory notebook and LIMS systems.
• Communicate findings clearly and collaborate across experimental and computational teams to achieve project goals.
• Adhere to lab protocols and safety regulations to ensure a safe working environment.
• Work with urgency and adaptability, balancing innovation with execution.
• Collaborate cross-functionally, leveraging Dyno's high-trust, high-impact culture to drive results.

Basic qualifications

• BS or MS in biology, biochemistry, biomedical engineering, or related fields.
• At least 3 years of full time, post graduate, hands-on wet lab experience.
• Experience in DNA/RNA purification and analysis protocols (qPCR, RT-qPCR, etc.).
• Experience handling mammalian tissues or other complex biological samples.
• Ability to execute complex protocols with high accuracy, consistency, and attention to detail
• Ability to organize and track large sample sets across multiple concurrent studies and workflows.
• Strong experimental documentation and data-management practices.
• Ability to analyze data, identify technical problems, and contribute to decisions about experimental next steps.
• Willingness to push the boundaries of work through the use of AI.
• Alignment with Dyno's core values - We seek individuals who step up when things get tough, recalibrate when priorities shift, and thrive in a high-expectation environment.
• A proactive, problem-solving mindset - you don't just identify challenges; you find solutions.

Preferred qualifications

• Experience with AAV biology, gene therapy, viral vectors, or drug-delivery technologies.
• Experience with next-generation sequencing library preparation.
• Experience processing animal tissues for molecular measurements, including vector genome, mRNA, or protein analysis.
• Experience with histology workflows, including tissue preparation, sectioning, staining, imaging, or quantitative analysis.
• Familiarity with ELN-LIMS data management software (e.g. Benchling).

Base Salary Range: $96,172.08 - $116,236.54/year

This reflects the typical offer range for this role, based on experience, role scope, and internal equity. Final compensation decisions are made using a consistent leveling framework and consider the candidate's experience, interview performance, and expected impact.

This role is eligible for:

• Annual performance-based bonus
• Stock options
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) plan
• Flexible paid time off and holidays
• Perks including on-campus gym membership, onsite lunch, commuter support, and company provided laptop

Our compensation ranges are reviewed annually to ensure alignment with market trends and internal equity.