Research Associate, Computation and Molecular Biology

About Alltrna

Alltrna unlocks tRNA biology to treat disease. The company’s platform incorporates AI/ML tools to develop and deliver diverse programmable molecules with broad therapeutic potential. Alltrna has an unprecedented opportunity to advance a single tRNA medicine to readthrough premature stop codons and unify treatment across a wide range of diseases with the same underlying genetic mutations. Alltrna was founded in 2018 by Flagship Pioneering. For more info, visit www.alltrna.com.

About The Role 

Come join Alltrna’s Computation and Molecular Biology team! We are seeking to hire an exceptional Research Associate with experience in molecular biology to help unlock the full potential of tRNA as a therapeutic. The ideal candidate for this position has a strong background in molecular and cellular biology laboratory techniques, is highly motivated to learn new skills, and is curious and self-motivated in the lab. As a member of the Computation and Molecular Biology team, you’ll work directly with a cross-functional group of scientists that includes computational biologists, machine learning scientists, automation engineers, and other molecular biologist to investigate aspects of molecular and cellular biology that contribute to improved performance of tRNA-based drugs.

In your cover letter, please indicate why you are interested in working with tRNA as a therapeutic.

 Core Responsibilities

• Prepare sequencing libraries using existing NGS methods and contribute to the development of new NGS methods. Apply these methods to samples from in vitro and in vivo studies while independently operating NGS sequencers.
• Design and perform cell-based and cell-free reporter assays, including responsibility for designing and maintaining critical reagents such as mRNA templates and oligonucleotide primers.
• Create and maintain mammalian cell lines.
• Have a flexible and curious mindset while investigating mechanistic effects of tRNA design on tRNA stability, charging fidelity, and/or potency.
• Collaborate on identifying and adapting methods from literature for in-house needs.
• Contribute to the identification and testing of new strategies that could be implemented to improve experimental outcomes and reduce bottlenecks.
• Communicate experimental results and present data to interdisciplinary audiences.
• Keep detailed and timely records using an ELN.

Qualifications and Skills 

• BS or MS in biology, cell biology, molecular biology, or a related discipline with 0-2 years of experience working in biotech or a related industry.
• General molecular biology skill set including DNA/RNA extraction, molecular cloning techniques (e.g. restriction enzyme cloning, Gateway cloning, Gibson/isothermal assembly), gel electrophoresis, PCR/qPCR, etc.
• Experience maintaining mammalian cell cultures, including performing general tissue culture maintenance and forward/reverse transfections.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret data and results, then independently plan the next steps in an experiment.
• Excellent communication skills, record keeping, and attention to detail. Enthusiasm for learning and an interest in RNA-based therapeutics, with a strong desire to learn and the skills to independently acquire new information.

Preferred skills

• Experience and/or working knowledge of mRNA and/or tRNA biology.
• Experience with next-generation sequencing technology.
• Demonstrated ability to optimize or develop new assays.
• Experience using an electronic laboratory notebook system (ELN).
  
  

What We’ll Offer You

• Comprehensive, competitive healthcare and dental coverage through Blue Cross Blue Shield, vision coverage through VSP, family leave, paid time off, 401k retirement plan, disability and life insurance, and fully covered parking/commuter benefits.
• A dynamic early-stage work environment and highly interdisciplinary, talented, and collaborative team.
• Participation in an unprecedented opportunity to advance a single tRNA medicine to restore disrupted protein production, regardless of target, for thousands of diseases with the same underlying genetic mutation.
• Professional growth opportunities through mentoring, training, immersion in cross-functional projects, and opportunities to learn and try new things.
• Be part of the team that writes the playbook for developing tRNA molecules and you will be critical not only in ensuring that we can understand how our formulations perform in living systems but also in defining how we manufacture for our clinical programs.

Our Core Values

1. PATIENTS DESERVE BETTER. We are transforming medicine, boldly building a new future for patients.
2. CURIOSITY SPARKS DISCOVERY. We ardently explore the unknown, catalyzing new scientific breakthroughs.
3. COURAGE PROPELS US FORWARD. We take thoughtful risks without fear of failure, growing with each experience.
4. OUR PURPOSE FUELS US. We each lead and work with focus and passion to design groundbreaking tRNA medicines.
5. WE ARE ONE TEAM. We are united on trust and collaboration, embracing all voices and experiences.

WE GIVE IT OUR ALL, EVERYDAY, FOR PATIENTS EVERYWHERE. WE ARE ALLTRNA.

Flagship Pioneering and our ecosystem companies are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status.

Recruitment & Staffing Agencies: Flagship Pioneering and its affiliated Flagship Lab companies (collectively, “FSP”) do not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than candidates. The submission of unsolicited resumes by recruitment or staffing agencies to FSP or its employees is strictly prohibited unless contacted directly by Flagship Pioneering’s internal Talent Acquisition team. Any resume submitted by an agency in the absence of a signed agreement will automatically become the property of FSP, and FSP will not owe any referral or other fees with respect thereto.