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Salary: USD 75,000 - 100,000 / annual
NewLimit is a biotechnology company developing medicines to treat age-related diseases by reprogramming the epigenome. The company uses functional genomics, pooled perturbation screening, and machine learning to understand epigenetic aging and disease.
You will join the mRNA Engineering team as a Research Associate, responsible for generating the mRNAs that power NewLimit's research programs. This is a lab-based role executing the complete workflow from DNA template preparation through in vitro transcription (IVT) and downstream purification to produce research-grade mRNA materials.
Key responsibilities include:
**mRNA Production**
- Execute established protocols for DNA template preparation, in vitro transcription, and downstream purification to generate research-grade mRNA
- Run routine analytical assays to assess mRNA integrity and purity
- Under senior scientist guidance, troubleshoot production issues and contribute to experiments optimizing yield, purity, and recovery
**Documentation and Lab Operations**
- Maintain detailed, accurate records of all experiments in Electronic Lab Notebooks
- Follow and help maintain SOPs; contribute to drafting and updating protocols as workflows evolve
- Manage raw material and mRNA inventory, including sample tracking, storage, and reagent ordering
- Maintain lab equipment and follow lab safety practices
**Collaboration**
- Work closely with Delivery Sciences and research teams to coordinate material needs and hand off mRNA for downstream studies
- Present experiment results at team meetings
This is an ideal role for an early-career scientist who wants to build deep expertise in mRNA process development in a fast-paced research environment, with hands-on training from expert scientists and direct visibility into program impact.
**Requirements**
- B.S. in Life Sciences, Chemistry, Engineering, or related field with 1–2 years of relevant full-time industry or academic research experience, OR M.S. in Life Sciences
- Hands-on experience with molecular biology techniques such as cloning, nucleic acid purification, PCR, and gel electrophoresis
- Strong attention to detail and good documentation practices
- Ability to execute protocols accurately and manage multiple tasks efficiently
- Excellent communication and organizational skills
- Interest in mRNA process science and eagerness to learn new techniques
**Nice to Have**
- Experience producing mRNA through IVT and downstream purification
- Familiarity with plasmid and mRNA analytics such as HPLC, UV-Vis, and TapeStation/CGE
- Experience with plasmid DNA preparation and linearization
- Exposure to column-based purification and tangential flow filtration (TFF)
- Familiarity with automation liquid handling-based methods for mRNA purification (Hamilton, Tecan systems)
