Associate Scientist Biology Rna

As an Associate Scientist, Biology at NextRNA Therapeutics, you will join an interdisciplinary team of highly creative and talented individuals whose mission is to translate pioneering science of non-coding RNAs (ncRNA) into transformative medicines for patients. You will have a key role in investigating the molecular and cellular function of ncRNA and RNA binding protein targets in promoting several oncology disease indications in humans. The investigations will involve the use of mammalian cell culture coupled with cutting edge molecular and cell biology methodologies. You will have an opportunity to work with a diverse team of, biologists, biochemists, chemists, computational biologists, and external collaborators to support drug discovery programs for next wave of RNA therapeutics.

Since NextRNA Therapeutics is an early-stage biotech, this position would allow a unique opportunity to grow your career into crucial roles that support growth of an organization.

About you:

• You are curious, love learning and are eager to tackle challenges with grit and determination

• You are a rigorous experimentalist with high accountability and integrity

• You thrive in a fast-paced environment and enjoy pushing the edge of what is possible

• You have a strong understanding of a specialized area and an ability to independently and apply new ideas using knowledge literature and colleagues as resources

• You work on problems of diverse scope and complexity and can identify next steps in the experimental process

• You are a real team player and collaboration is one of your best strengths

• You are conscientious, organized, and detailed oriented

• You enjoy wearing several hats and volunteer to take additional responsibilities for the good of the company and the team

What you'll do:

• Help design and execute novel ncRNA and RNA binding protein target identification and validation experiments using cell culture and molecular biology techniques to validate and prosecute new targets

• Take personal responsibility for the timeliness of your work, regularly meet or exceed timelines, communicate progress and manage expectations

• Develop and optimize protocols effectively and provide key technical insights to improve workflows tailored to each of our drug discovery programs with minimal guidance.

• Collaborate and communicate across a diverse interdisciplinary research team.

• Contribute to multiple projects simultaneously and keep detailed and organized records of experimental protocols and results.

Key Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Biology or related field with 8+ years or a Master’s Degree with 5+ years of relevant research experience in industry or an academic laboratory

• Hands-on experience in mammalian cell culture, including variety of transformed and primary cell lines is required

• Proven experience in developing, executing and troubleshooting molecular and cell biology protocols related to nucleic acids and proteins including qPCR, DNA and RNA extraction, transfections, and western blotting is required

• Experience in 3D cell culture, organoid is preferred

• Proficiency in automated live cell analysis platforms (e.g., Incucyte and Cytation) is also desirable.

• Industry experience and knowledge of drug discovery process is preferred

• Experience in RNAi-mediated transient gene knockdown or CRISPRi is a plus

• Strong scientific foundation in RNA biology and experience working with ncRNA and RNA binding protein are a plus.

• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, verbal, and written communication skills are required.

EEO Statement-

Come to NextRNA as your true self. We value every aspect that makes you unique and want everyone to feel comfortable being who they are while working with us. This is why NextRNA does not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, physical abilities, neurodiversity, age, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other legally protected status. We welcome any qualified individual to bring their unique selves to become part of our team.