Associate Scientist - RNA

At Lilly, the work is demanding because patients are waiting. We unite caring with discovery to help make life better for people around the world, knowing that every decision, every detail, and every day matters. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, our over 50,000 employees around the globe take on complex challenges to discover and deliver life-changing medicines, strengthen how health is understood and managed, and support the communities we serve. Orna Therapeutics, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Eli Lilly and Company, is an innovative biotechnology startup based in Watertown, MA, committed to developing groundbreaking therapies for diseases that current approaches cannot address. With our pioneering circular RNA technology, developed at MIT, we are at the forefront of advancing the next generation of RNA therapeutics.

About the role

We are seeking an exceptional Analytical Development Scientist to join our RNA Production, Research, and Optimization (PRO) team. This position will report to an Advisor and focus on onboarding, optimizing, troubleshooting, and performing a range of analytical assays for the characterization of in vitro-transcribed RNA. The ideal candidate will have extensive hands-on molecular biology experience, particularly with common analytical techniques and cell-based assays, and be familiar with statistics and data handling/reporting relevant to analytics. This role requires someone who learns and adapts quickly, follows established protocols, and thrives in a dynamic and collaborative environment. The candidate will be expected to document all experiments in detail and share results both orally and in writing.

Responsibilities

• Onboard, optimize, troubleshoot, and perform analytical assays for the characterization of in vitro-transcribed RNA.
• Develop and validate fit-for-purpose analytical methods.
• Document experiments in detail and communicate results both orally and in writing.
• Work collaboratively in a dynamic environment to support RNA therapeutic development.

Qualifications

Expertise in analytical chemistry, biochemistry, biology, molecular biology, or a related field with either:

• M.S. with 1+ years of relevant industry experience, or
• B.S. with 6+ years of relevant industry experience.

Qualified applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Lilly will not provide support for or sponsor work authorization or visas for this role.

Skills

• Hands-on experience with common analytical techniques such as ELISA, HPLC, and CE, including troubleshooting, operating, and development of analytical methods for biomolecules.
• Protein experience, including techniques such as CE and SDS-PAGE, is preferred.
• Strong technical background in biochemistry, with hands-on experience working with nucleic acids and other biomolecules.
• Firsthand experience with cell culture and cell-based reporter assays, including fluorescence, luminescence, and flow cytometry, is a major plus.
• Knowledge of ELN data tracking and analysis; coding experience is a plus.
• Proven track record of successful method development, including fit-for-purpose assay validations.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefit program, including medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug benefits.
• Eligibility to participate in a company-sponsored 401(k) and pension plan.
• Vacation benefits and flexible benefits (e.g., healthcare and/or dependent day care flexible spending accounts).
• Life insurance and death benefits.
• Certain time off and leave of absence benefits.
• Well-being benefits (e.g., employee assistance program, fitness benefits, and employee clubs and activities).
• Company bonus (depending on company and individual performance).

Pay

The anticipated wage for this position is $71,250 - $187,000, depending on a candidate’s education, experience, skills, and geographic location.