Principal Scientist / Associate Director, mRNA Project Leader

Proclinical is working with a gene therapy start-up company, developing treatments for CNS and other areas of high unmet medical need, located in Boston, MA. Our client is in search for a Principal Scientist / Associate Director, mRNA Project Leader that will participate in the early R&D of innovative mRNA therapies for patients with serious diseases. The position requires passion, engagement and a desire to move projects forward.

Job Responsibilities:

• Strategic leader of one (or more) mRNA projects in the areas of immuno/oncology, infectious diseases or vaccination program
• Integration of company decisions and business considerations into the project
• Prioritization of program key objectives, data reviews and milestone deliverables
• Adapting the mRNA therapeutic property to the selected disease profile, increasing the chance of successful treatment in patients
• Monitoring changing regulatory requirements, as well as competitive landscape
• Collaboration within the mRNA group, as well across other functions
• As a team effort, identification of animal models for Non-GLP and GLP toxicology studies
• Demonstration of efficacy, durability and safety (especially immuno-safety) for innovative mRNA therapeutics and delivery vehicles, leading to identification of lead molecules within timelines
• Collect, analyze and document experimental data
• Present the final results to team members and line manager
• The successful candidate is expected to do hands-on bench work as requested

Skills and Requirements:

• MS in biology or related discipline and 7+ years of relevant research experience
• Ph.D. in biology or related discipline and 5+ years of relevant research experience
• Prior research experience in biotech or pharmaceutical industry is required, in particular the therapeutic application of mRNA or CRISPR/CAS technologies towards IND filing
• Proven track record of leading mRNA programs through IND-enabling studies into clinical development
• Sound experience with mRNA therapeutics and in vivo delivery concepts (such as lipid nanoparticles)
• Ability to move projects forward and produce data on time
• Proficiency in the relevant areas of natural and synthetic mRNA biology (DNA, mRNA, protein)
• Understanding how medicinal chemistry efforts enhance mRNA performance
• Familiarity with a broad range of bioanalytical, molecular biology methods or biochemical assays to characterize mRNA and its impact on disease progression (such as ELISA, MSD, Flow Cytometry, RT-PCR, Nanostring)
• Capacity to identify and solve problems
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Motivation to work independently as part of a very collaborative, international team

If you are having difficulty in applying or if you have any questions, please contact Max Robinson at (+1) 617-903-7746 or m.robinson@proclinical.com.

Proclinical is a specialist employment agency and recruitment business, providing job opportunities within major pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device companies.

Proclinical Staffing is an equal opportunity employer.

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