Sr. Scientist - CNS Capsid Validation

The Role

As a Sr. Scientist - CNS Capsid Validation, you will be a part of the capsid validation team working to demonstrate the performance of Dyno’s AI-designed AAV vectors in animal studies. As a part of this team, you will manage a subteam focused on molecular readouts such as vector genome biodistribution, transgene expression, and snRNAseq, ensuring the generation of high-quality data to support these studies. You will play a pivotal role in deploying Dyno's molecular assays for critical preclinical studies.

How You Will Contribute

As a Sr. Scientist - CNS Capsid Validation, you will have a direct impact on the success of Dyno's preclinical studies by leading both scientific and operational aspects of your team's work.

Responsibilities: 

• You will lead the design, execution, and analysis of studies in mice and non-human primates (NHPs) to assess vector genome biodistribution, transgene expression, and single-nuclei RNA sequencing (snRNAseq). These studies are key to validating the efficacy and safety of our gene therapy capsids.
• Build and optimize molecular assays (vector genome biodistribution, transgene expression, and snRNAseq) that will be used to demonstrate the performance of Dyno's AI-designed capsids in animal studies. Your work will ensure that data from these assays is robust and reproducible, providing critical insights for both internal teams and external partners.
• Manage and mentor a small team of Research Associates, guiding them through daily laboratory work and long-term career development. You will also be responsible for ensuring high performance by setting clear expectations, providing feedback, and fostering a collaborative team culture.
• Collaborate closely with scientists across multiple disciplines (e.g., vector design and production, bioinformatics, and computational biology) as well as external partners to integrate data from multiple sources. You will ensure your team’s efforts align with broader company goals and contribute to successful project outcomes.
• As a scientific leader, you’ll split your time between hands-on laboratory work and strategic oversight of your team’s activities. You’ll play a pivotal role in both executing experiments and ensuring the team meets project milestones, maintaining flexibility to step into different roles as needed.

Who you are

• Trusted partner
• Team oriented with a willingness to roll up your sleeves
• Capable of balancing leadership duties with hands-on experimental work
• A commitment to openness and scientific integrity
• Able to work collaboratively with diverse teams and stakeholders across the organization
• Thoughtful & detail oriented 
• Work with a sense of urgency
• Appreciation for opportunities at the intersections of data science and biology

Basic qualifications

• PhD in biology, molecular biology, neuroscience, or equivalent experience.
• 2+ years of industry experience in biotech or pharma.
• Expertise in AAV biology or relevant work in the AAV gene therapy space.
• Strong foundation in molecular biology, including next-generation sequencing (NGS) and molecular readouts.
• Proven people management experience, including performance management responsibilities.
• Strong time management skills, capable of juggling multiple projects and team responsibilities.

Preferred qualifications

• Expertise in the CNS/neuroscience space.
• Experience in assay development, single-nuclei RNAseq, mouse and/or NHP studies.
• Computational skills related to molecular biology data analysis (e.g. NGS or single cell RNA-seq readouts).