Scientist, Research Scientist

About This Role

This is an opportunity to join an ambitious startup pioneering Protein Sculpting therapeutics that change the structure and function of disease-causing proteins in the brain using splice-switching antisense oligonucleotides. The mission is to translate this cutting-edge biology into first-in-class treatments for devastating neurological disorders. As a bench scientist, you will work with a dedicated team to design and drive mechanistic studies that validate the platform and move highly differentiated and promising asset programs to IND.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute studies on in vitro target biology, mechanism of action, and RNA and protein isoform modulation with antisense oligonucleotides
• Use a process engineering mindset to develop robust assays with a focus on reproducibility, reliability, and scalability
• Collaborate with computational and stem cell experts to convert transcriptomic insights into bench strategy
• Lead programs, contribute to strategic decisions, and run experiments end-to-end
• Own data integrity through rigorous documentation and clear communication
• Identify the most important "next" experiment among many possibilities through strong scientific intuition and feedback from other team members
• Learn new areas of biology and techniques rapidly and anticipate challenges and strategic pitfalls
• Anticipate the most important experimental controls that enable you to get the most out of every experimental cycle
• Combine RNA, molecular biology, and human genetics expertise to critically assess target biology

Requirements

• PhD plus >2 years (post-doc or industry) in molecular biology / assay development (or equivalent)
• Proficiency in cell culture, RNA & protein extraction, cDNA/qPCR/RT-PCR, Western blot, ELISA, flow cytometry, high throughput-format experimental design, liquid handlers
• Strong record-keeping and data analysis
• Energized by fast-paced, mission-driven work and take pride in building systems that others can rely on

Nice to have:

• Experience with antisense oligos, RNA biology, single-cell RNA-seq, neurodegenerative models, an understanding of new drug target selection, IND-enabling studies

Benefits

• Equity at the "pre-seed" stage with immense upside potential
• Full benefits
• Rigorous, cross-disciplinary science at the frontier of RNA therapeutics
• Supportive environment with clear communication, mutual respect, shared ambition, and investment in career development
• Resourced to achieve milestones, utilizing outside services to maintain focus on critical experiments
• Strong leadership with rapid and transparent decision-making, follow-through on commitments and strategic moves