Scientist / Senior Scientist, Process Sciences and Innovation

About the role

Strand Therapeutics is seeking a highly motivated and innovative Scientist or Senior Scientist to join our Process Development team and lead Process Sciences & Innovation across our mRNA and lipid nanoparticle (LNP) platforms.

Responsibilities

• Own the technology scouting function for Process Development by identifying, evaluating, and championing emerging technologies that have the potential to transform mRNA and LNP development and manufacturing.
• Design and execute experimental studies that challenge existing process paradigms and generate new approaches to mRNA synthesis, purification, and LNP formulation.
• Partner closely with Analytical Development to develop and implement advanced characterization methods, process analytical technologies (PAT), in-line monitoring strategies, and real-time process understanding tools.
• Evaluate emerging instrumentation, automation platforms, digital technologies, and data science approaches that can accelerate process development and improve manufacturing robustness.
• Develop innovative strategies to improve process performance, scalability, reproducibility, and product quality across mRNA and LNP unit operations.
• Serve as a subject matter expert in mRNA and LNP process development and provide technical leadership across research, development, and manufacturing activities.
• Lead scientific investigations into complex process and product challenges and develop creative, data-driven solutions.
• Establish mechanistic understanding of critical process parameters and material attributes through thoughtful experimental design and data analysis.
• Build and manage relationships with technology vendors, equipment manufacturers, CROs, academic groups, and industry collaborators to evaluate emerging capabilities and technologies.
• Maintain awareness of scientific and technological advances through active participation in conferences, publications, industry forums, and professional networks.
• Mentor junior scientists and contribute to a culture of scientific excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Maintain electronic laboratory notebooks and author technical reports, protocols, presentations, and scientific summaries.

Qualifications

• B.S. or Advanced Degree in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or a related scientific discipline.
• Significant industry experience developing mRNA, lipid nanoparticle (LNP), or related nucleic acid therapeutic products, with demonstrated technical leadership and scientific innovation.
• Deep understanding of DNA/mRNA synthesis, purification, and characterization required, experience with LNPs also is preferred.
• Proven track record of identifying, evaluating, and implementing new technologies, methodologies, or workflows that improve process understanding, development efficiency, scalability, or product quality.
• Demonstrated ability to think creatively and challenge conventional approaches to solve complex technical problems.
• Experience designing and executing experimental studies that generate actionable scientific insights and drive strategic decision making.
• Strong understanding of process development principles and the relationship between process parameters, material attributes, and product quality.
• Experience collaborating across scientific disciplines, particularly with Analytical Development, Research, Manufacturing, and external partners.
• Familiarity with advanced analytical technologies, process analytical technologies (PAT), in-line monitoring, automation, digital process development, and advanced data analysis techniques is highly desirable.
• Experience with Design of Experiments (DOE), multivariate analysis, mechanistic process understanding, and data-driven process optimization approaches.
• Demonstrated ability to independently lead technical initiatives while effectively contributing within a highly collaborative team environment.
• Strong oral and written communication skills with the ability to communicate complex technical concepts to diverse audiences.
• Self-motivated, intellectually curious, and passionate about advancing the state of the art in RNA therapeutics and nanoparticle delivery technologies.