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Strand Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biotech company founded by MIT synthetic biology pioneers, is seeking a Senior Associate Scientist to join the mRNA Programming department. The company is pioneering programmable mRNA therapeutics using its proprietary Signal Stack platform, which integrates circular RNA, self-replicating RNA, targeted delivery, and genetic circuits to enable precise therapeutic control. Strand is advancing a pipeline focused on oncology and autoimmune disease, with STX-001 showing preliminary clinical evidence of anti-tumor activity and STX-003 expected to enter the clinic in mid-2026.
In this role, you will design and execute in vitro immunological and cellular assays to characterize and optimize engineered primary cells. Key responsibilities include developing ex vivo sample processing protocols, performing multiparameter spectral flow cytometry analysis (Cytek Aurora), handling primary immune cells including isolation, culture, and mRNA transfection, and designing immune cell assays to assess drug candidate efficacy and toxicity. You will employ cell-based and molecular biology assays to evaluate research material quality, ensure data capture in electronic laboratory notebooks, and present findings at cross-functional meetings.
Required qualifications include a B.S. or M.S. in Biological Sciences, Bioengineering, or related discipline with 2-3+ years of relevant cell biology/immunology experience. You need 3-5+ years working with flow cytometry, cell culture, and in vitro mammalian cell experimentation in biotech, pharma, CRO, or academic settings. Expertise with >12 color flow cytometry panels, experience with whole blood, PBMCs, cell lines, and tissue samples, and proficiency with mRNA transfection via LNPs or electroporation are essential. Strong laboratory skills, ability to write and follow SOPs, independent work capability, and proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, GraphPad Prism, FlowJo, and ELN/LIMS systems are required. Preferred qualifications include plasmid cloning, RNA handling, IVT, transduction of primary cells, and familiarity with gene/base editors.
