Senior Associate Scientist, Cellular Analytical...

Company Overview

Strand Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company pioneering programmable mRNA therapeutics to unlock the full potential of genetic medicines. Strand is applying its proprietary Signal Stack platform, which integrates EverScript circular RNA, AmpliScript self-replicating RNA, SignalPath targeted delivery, and logic-driven SignalLock genetic circuits to enable precise control of therapeutic activity across tissues and cell types and overcome foundational limitations in targeting, durability, and safety. Strand is advancing a pipeline with an initial focus on oncology and autoimmune disease. Its initial program, STX-001, an intratumorally delivered LNP-encapsulated self-replicating RNA expressing IL-12, has demonstrated preliminary evidence of systemic immune activation and anti-tumor activity in patients with advanced solid tumors who have progressed on prior therapies. Building on this early clinical validation, intravenously delivered STX-003 is designed for tumor-targeted expression and avoidance of off-target expression. STX-003, which is expected to enter the clinic in mid-2026, has the potential to be a major step forward for the fields of genetic medicine and oncology. Strand is also advancing STX-005, an in vivo CAR-T program designed to enable controlled, durable expression and repeat dosing. Founded by MIT synthetic biology pioneers, Strand has raised over $250 million and is headquartered in Boston, MA.

Job Summary

Strand is looking for people who have the enthusiasm and motivation to be a highly contributing member of a small but extremely productive team. This opportunity will offer the employee the ability to work in a matrix-based environment and be a part of the future strategy of the company. We are looking for a highly motivated and innovative candidate for the role of Senior Associate Scientist of Cellular Analytical Development. The expectation is that the Senior Associate Scientist will have experience independently executing cell-based experiments using various cell and molecular biology techniques. Reporting to the Scientist of Cellular Analytical Development, the right candidate will be a strategic thinker that brings a leadership presence and enthusiasm for Strand along with a desire to conquer new challenges. Job Type: Full-time

Primary Responsibilities

• Responsible for running and developing cell-based mRNA and LNP analytical methods.
• Assist in transfer of cell-based methods to external collaborators.
• Use various statistical tools to analyze and independently draw conclusions about data.
• Analytically support screening, optimization, and scale-up efforts in mRNA and LNP Process Development.

Qualifications

• B.S. or advanced degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or other relevant scientific discipline.
• 3+ years of experience with a focus on cell-based assays and their various readouts (ELISA, PCR, flow cytometry etc.) required.
• Experience with mammalian or ex-vivo tissue culture required.
• Understanding of enzymatic and chemical reactions, PCR, plasmid processing, and standard analytical techniques for biologics or nucleic acid therapies.
• Background in or experience with one or more of the following would be strong pluses:
  • Flow cytometry-based assay development
  • T cells and other primary cell culture
  • Immunology
  • Late clinical stage cell-based potency assays
  • Benchling template making and data handling
  • Automation
• This position requires conducting laboratory experiments, excellent documentation review and writing skills, and the flexibility to work on multiple projects as needed.
• Familiarity with process development, and/or regulatory aspects of mRNA-(lipid) nanoparticle products would be a plus.
• Ability to quickly adapt to change and thrive in a dynamic and entrepreneurial early-stage environment.
• A strong team player with excellent oral and written communication skills and a demonstrated ability to work independently.
• Independently motivated, detail oriented and good problem-solving ability.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

Benefits

• Fast-paced, entrepreneurial, team-focused small company environment
• Top-notch benefits package (health, dental, life, open PTO, onsite lunch catering, commuter support and more)
• Work/life flexibility and integration
• Professional development support

Pay

Salary range: $84,000 - $103,000 annually, plus bonus and equity incentives.