Overview

We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled scientist to join our VC-backed startup working on the development of next-generation gene and cell therapies. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the foundational science and company culture of an exciting new company in the nucleic acid therapy space.

Our technology uniquely limits mRNA expression to specific cell subtypes or substates. With our novel programmable control elements we unlock new ways of treating diseases by targeting cells as a whole, rather than individual proteins. In this job you will be responsible for the design and evaluation of new therapeutic candidates and helping us develop a nascent technology into a robust platform technology.

Exact level for the candidate will be determined by level of experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute experiments to generate and evaluate new precision switches and logic gates for specific expression of gene therapy payloads

• Characterize and evaluate new genetic constructs in immortalized & primary in vitro models, including reporter assays (luminescence/flow) and molecular assays (NGS, qPCR)

• Develop and standardize bespoke cellular & molecular assays towards lead therapeutic candidate development

• Utilize deep expertise in molecular biology or therapeutic area to help drive innovation, contributing to the generation of novel IP in the precision therapies space.

• Collaborate closely within a tightly-knit team to execute company goals, strategize on new directions, and rapidly and efficiently execute multi-faceted projects
  

• Maintain accurate and comprehensive records of experiments, be rigorous about data annotation and reproducibility.

Necessary Qualifications

• A Ph.D. degree in bioengineering, biology, genetics, or a related field OR equivalent industry experience to PhD.

• Strong background in molecular biology techniques including vector design, cloning, quantitative PCR, NGS and genome engineering tools

• Master proficiency in mammalian cell culture, transfection/transduction, functional assays in cell biology.

• Strong quantitative thinking & experimental planning with ferocious note-taking.

• Excellent problem-solving skills, with the ability to troubleshoot experiments and interpret results.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present data and results clearly and concisely.

• Ability to work independently and in a team environment, with a positive and collaborative attitude.

Pluses

We are highly interested in candidates with one (or more) of the following subareas of expertise:

• Strong expertise & domain knowledge in cell line engineering, stable cell line generation and/or genome editing – such as CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing and/or CRISPRi/CRISPRa, integrase-based recombination, or lentiviral design, production, and characterization.
  

• Strong expertise & domain knowledge in mRNA – such as interrogating/analyzing structure and RNA-protein interactions, production & QC of high quality mRNA, post-transcriptional regulation, mRNA stability and expression, codon optimality, UTR usage and/or pre-clinical evaluation of mRNA-based medicines
  

• Substantial experience in genetic medicines for oncology or platform therapeutics generally including in vitro and in vivo model development, target and biomarker identification, and custom assay development for preclinical efficacy of therapeutic candidates.

• Strong expertise & domain knowledge in gene therapy vectors – nonviral (LNP) or viral (AAV, adenovirus), including formulation and evaluation in vitro and in vivo, toxicity, PK/PD, optimizing vector design, designing towards manufacturing.
  

• Substantial expertise in high-throughput assays/MPRAs for genetic elements, or functional genomics screens.

How to Apply

We offer a competitive salary and benefits package and an opportunity to work with a dynamic and motivated team. We are located at Bakar Labs, right off the UC Berkeley campus. This is a full-time, in person position. We invite you to apply here or to send any questions to jobs@rtx.bio. Thank you!