Research Associate / Senior Research Associate, Preclinical Development
: Job Details :

COMPANY OVERVIEW

AIRNA is a biotechnology company with a mission to be the leading RNA editing company delivering precision therapies to patients with rare and common diseases.

AIRNA is harnessing advances in genetics to develop transformative RNA-editing medicines that improve human health. Our proprietary platform is based on groundbreaking research by pioneers of the field and company co-founders Thorsten Stafforst (University of Tübingen) and Jin Billy Li (Stanford University) and enables optimal potency, safety, and delivery. AIRNA is advancing a robust pipeline of therapeutic candidates that are designed to provide functional cures for severe or chronic diseases by repairing harmful genetic variants or introducing beneficial variants promote optimal health.

AIRNA has raised $245 million in financing from a world-class syndicate of investors including Arch Venture Partners, Forbion, Venrock Healthcare Capital Partners, RTW Investments, Nextech Invest, and ND Capital. We value teamwork, resilience, excellence, human, and health, and have a diverse team at both our headquarters in Cambridge, MA and our research operations in Tübingen, Germany.

JOB DESCRIPTION

AIRNA is seeking a highly motivated Research Associate/Senior Research Associate to join our Preclinical Development team in Cambridge, MA and assist in executing activities associated with AIRNA's drug development programs advancing novel therapeutics to the clinic.

As a member of AIRNA's Preclinical team, you will be involved in the development and execution of biochemical and cell-based assays for-RNA-modifying oligonucleotides. Your responsibilities will include:

• Working independently or with minimal supervision to develop, and qualify biochemical and next generation sequencing-based assays.
• Preparing RNA and proteins from cell or animal samples and analyzing these samples by qPCR, ELISA, MSD, next-generation sequencing, or Western blot analysis.
• Generating detailed study summaries and preparing reports for regulatory submission.
• Performing general lab duties such as maintenance of lab equipment and reagent preparations.
• Maintaining accurate and complete records in an electronic notebook; preparing and updating documentation as needed (SOP, Batch Records, etc.).
• Ensuring compliance with company policies, procedures, and safety regulations.
• Being a positive, collaborative, and committed team member.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or Pharmaceutical Sciences.
• 1 - 5 years of relevant working experience in industry. Experience in the field of oligonucleotide therapies is highly desirable.
• Previous experience in oligonucleotide PK and PD assays.
• Demonstrated ability to execute next generation sequencing-based assays, including primer design, PCR optimization, RT-qPCR, operation of a benchtop sequencer, and QC and basic processing of sequencing data.
• Experience with aseptic laboratory technique required.
• Timely and detailed experimental documentation.
• Being detail-oriented with strong analytical and trouble-shooting skills.
• Working familiarity with command line, Python, Microsoft Office, and PRISM.
• Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team and to adapt within a fast-changing environment.

REQUIREMENTS

• Biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry experience.
• Experience in bioanalytical assay development and qualification based on regulatory guidelines.
• Experience in using automatic liquid handlers and performing assays in 96+ plate formats.
• Experience in sequencing library preparation and data processing.

LOCATION

AIRNA has a hybrid work model, and the role will be based in AIRNA's corporate headquarters in Cambridge, MA ~4 days per week.