Research Associate II/Senior Research Associate, mRNA

The Company:

Mirai Bio is a Flagship-backed, privately held biotechnology company on a mission to transform the current approach to information molecule therapeutics to unlock their full therapeutic potential. In recent years, we have begun to experience the power of information molecules in treating historically undruggable diseases and in designing therapies with unprecedented turnaround times. Mirai’s platform integrates nanoparticle development with world-class informatics technologies and a novel pipeline of experimentation and discovery to drive a new generation of highly effective, therapeutically relevant information molecule therapies. We are seeking collaborative, relentless problem solvers that share our passion for impact to join us!

"Flagship Pioneering has conceived of and created companies such as Moderna Therapeutics (NASDAQ: MRNA), Editas Medicine (NASDAQ: EDIT), Omega Therapeutics (NASDAQ: OMGA), Seres Therapeutics (NASDAQ: MCRB), and Indigo Agriculture. Since its launch in 2000, Flagship has applied its unique hypothesis-driven innovation process to originate and foster more than 100 scientific ventures. In 2021, Flagship Pioneering was ranked 12th globally on Fortune’s “Change the World” list, an annual ranking of companies that have made a positive social and environmental impact through activities that are part of their core business strategies."

Position Summary:

The Research Associate II/Senior Research Associate will be a member of the Nucleic Acid Process Development Group at Mirai, supporting production, process development, and scale-up of cargo molecules for lipid nanoparticle (LNP) delivery. 

The successful candidate will work on establishing high-yield, high-quality, and scalable mRNA/LNP production processes. A background in molecular biology, biochemistry, or biochemical engineering is required along with hands-on experience with DNA or RNA preparation, chromatography, membrane separations, HPLC, capillary electrophoresis, automated liquid handling, ELISA, and aseptic techniques. Strong experiment design, documentation, data analysis, and presentation skills are required.

Key Responsibilities:

• Laboratory-based, hands-on contribution to mRNA generation for LNP encapsulation.
• Development and optimization of mRNA synthesis and purification methods.
• Scale-up of mRNA production processes using chromatography and TFF.
• Operating lab-scale instrumentation, such as AKTA and TFF systems, PCR, HPLC, capillary electrophoresis, UV-Vis spectroscopy, and light scattering methods.
• Characterization and quantitation of mRNA and other nucleic acids (impurity assessment, cell-based potency, and immunogenicity assays)
• Bioconjugation and biochemical assays.
• High-throughput workflow setup and interfacing with Hamilton liquid handlers.
• Data analysis and documentation of results in an electronic lab notebook and writing technical reports.
• Sharing and interpreting experimental results with other working groups to coordinate effort toward project goals.

Basic Qualifications:

• B.S. or M.S. in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biochemical Engineering, or related field with 1 – 4 years of industry experience.
• Strong laboratory skills, including safety practices, aseptic techniques, buffer preparation, and instrument programming.
• Being motivated, curious, and comfortable working independently and cross-functionally.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, capable of conveying technical information in a clear and thorough manner.
• Experience with DNA and RNA preparation methods, including purification and characterization.  
• Familiarity with bioconjugation, chromatography, tangential flow filtration, PCR, HPLC, capillary electrophoresis, plate readers, and ELISA.

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.

At Flagship, we recognize there is no perfect candidate. If you have some of the experience listed above but not all, please apply anyway. Experience comes in many forms, skills are transferable, and passion goes a long way. We are dedicated to building diverse and inclusive teams and look forward to learning more about your unique background.

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.